Pinot Noir, "Scallop Shelf" Peay Vineyards, Sonoma, CA, 2021

This is an exemplary coastal Pinot Noir. Scallop Shelf is an estate cuvée selected by winemaker Vanessa Wong. The driver is Pommard clone selection (60%), which lends to blood orange and pomegranate pulp. It's the most aromatic, elegant and finesse-driven of the Peay wines—savoury notes of pine needles, briny sea air and bright evergreen bough aromatics. The palate is delicate, with freshness, depth and finesse all coming together. The texture is lush and silky; bright acids lift the blue and red fruits. Dried mountain herbs create a framework for floral and umami elements, with smoky sea salt minerality lifting the finish. (CP)