Shibumi Knoll, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, 2019

Overview of the Wine
Many years ago we read the book Shibumi, which became one of our favorites: adventure, intrigue, romance, the book has it all. The book introduced us to the concept of Shibumi, a Japanese word describing a physical and emotional state which most nearly translates to “the pursuit of perfection though simplicity” or “Effortless Perfection”. Life on the knoll, in a simple cottage surrounded by vineyards, canopied by majestic oaks and blessed with bucolic 360-degree views, is truly one of perfection through simplicity. Hence when we decided to make wine under our own label, “Shibumi Knoll Vineyards” seemed perfect.

Our first vintage of Shibumi Cabernet was the 2003. The grapes were processed at Benessere Winery located about a half mile north of Shibumi Knoll. There, while watching the grapes being processed, Don met another vintner, Eugenia Keegan, who was bringing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from Sonoma County. Eugena asked Don if he’d like to barrel taste her wines. The last wine he tasted, a chardonnay from Buena Tierra Vineyards, he felt was stunning. Eugena was moving to Oregon so he approached the owner of Buena Tierra Vineyards, located on the Russian River in Sonoma county about buying the grapes. The owner explained that because the vines were 35 years old and grape production was down, he was going to replant the 2.4-acre block. Don offered to pay full production price for whatever grapes were harvested, an agreement which has continued for 16 years.

The Shibumi Knoll Buena Tierra Chardonnay has proven to be among the best in the country. The 2005 vintage received a 97 from The Wine Spectator, tied for the highest score given California Chardonnay in the first decade of this century. Shibumi continues to receive high scores from the Wine Spectator.
This ancient block of vines, now over 50 years old, has produced some incredible Chardonnay vintage after vintage.

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Sonoma Coast, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This Pinot has a beautiful nose with hints of ripe plum and cherries. It’s medium bodied, with bright acidity and silky tannins. The complex flavors include raspberries and baking spice. It’s smooth on the pallet with just the right amount of lingering taste to carry you through to the next sip. We know you’ll enjoy this lovely Pinot.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from a vineyard on the Sonoma Coast and aged in 25% new barrels, the 2019 Pinot Noir has a darker strawberry, raspberry, dried herb, and spice-driven bouquet as well as medium-bodied richness and depth on the palate. This balanced, complex, outstanding Pinot Noir is perfect for drinking over the coming 4-5 years or so. 

Product Size: 750ml