La Neblina means ‘the fog’ in Spanish, and this Pinot is drawn from two vineyards that thrive in the Pacific Ocean’s foggy summer mornings and the afternoon sunshine that follows. The Alberigi Vineyard lies in the heart of the Russian River Valley, and its unique Goldridge loams—so particular to this area—are farmed organically. The balance comes from The Radio-Coteau estate vineyard, which is only 12 kilometres from the coast. Across the two sites, there’s a patchwork of clones (777, 115, Mt. Eden and Calera), contributing complexity to the blend.
Handpicked and fermented with 25% whole bunches, only the free-run juice was sent to neutral, tight-grained barriques and puncheons for a 16-month élevage. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Capturing the misty forest floor and wild berry fruit of the cool Sonoma Coast, the result is a beautiful and vibrant Pinot Noir with flavours of crushed red fruit, subtle spice and dried flowers. Refined, sculpted tannin and snappy freshness work in seesaw harmony; there’s lovely, perfumed length too. Eric Sussman explains that 2020 was picked slightly earlier than usual, gifting a more delicate style than usual for this wine. Suits us.