Taylor Ridge is a relatively high elevation marine marine-influenced vineyard in West Sonoma Coast AVA. This is a low-yield site, and winemaker Kurt uses partial whole cluster fermentation and only 20% new French oak to highlight the delicate nature of the fruit.
This is an excellent pinot noir, red fruited with a nice dusty minerality, spiciness, and balanced acidity. The tannins are soft and already integrated, making this wine drinkable now and ageable for the next three to five years.
I’m most familiar with the iconic clones of the Willamette Valley. Taylor Ridge was planted to the rare “Swan” clone, very distinctive in its high toned presentation of the variety. I recommend opening this wine and sipping throughout a relaxed evening, with or without food, which would be just fine.
Read about Kurt and his California wine industry lineage, and why he chose this wine as most emblematic.