Emeritus 2009 William Wesley Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
In 1999 Emeritus was born when Brice Cutrer Jones closed on the purchase of Don and Marcia Hallberg’s prime apple orchard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The 115–acre parcel, the Hallberg Ranch, is located two miles north of Sebastopol, on both sides of the Gravenstein Highway and directly on the Gold Ridge, the ten-mile long ridge that bears the name of the predominate soils of the area. Emeritus Vineyards also owns two small parcels in the true Sonoma coast near Annapolis at an elevation of 900 feet. Named the William Wesley Vineyard, this site offers a different flavor and texture expression of Pinot Noir than the home ranch vineyard. The William Wesley Vineyard bottling has been the primary wine sold to mailing list customers.
Pouring a glass of William Wesley Pinot Noir I noticed a dark purple color with aromas of full fruit, berries, spice and floral scents. The palate shows remarkable ripe red fruit flavors, cherries and dried fruits, slightly jammy. The wine offers firm tannins, lively acid with an overall good balance concluding to a complex lingering finish. A joy to drink.
Cheers!