In 2016, we picked Sonoma County’s Straquandanio Vineyard in three different passes to best capture the fruit at optimal ripeness. The younger vines were ready to be harvested before the heat of the first week of September, while the older vines that yield a spectrum of varietal flavor advanced ideally in the warmer temperatures. At Mission Ranch Vineyard in Monterey County, the crop yield was below average as a result of the preceding drought years and some winds during flowering. Minimal fruit drop and canopy thinning were required to bring ideal balance to the vines. Winemaker Greg La Follette has spent years exploring Pinot Noir vineyards in the outer reaches of California’s North Coast wine region. This inaugural release captures the essence of Pinot Noir grown here: great acidity wrapped around vibrant red fruit tones of berry, cherry and cranberry. North Coast Pinot Noir offers great persistence on the palate without being aggressive or flabby. We get lovely balance and harmony from this fruit without any overripe or astringent tones.