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There and Back Again: A Winemaking Journey. My first cellar job was in the summer of 2015 on the Sonoma Coast working for Flowers, a prestigious biodynamic and classically styled Pinot and Chardonnay house. I was so lucky to land here for my first job surrounded by so many talented individuals, many who have been very supportive of Stagiaire over the years.
The better part of a decade later I stumble back into this extreme region made up of some of the most sought out parcels of Pinot and Chard in the state. These three acres of Pinot Noir fell into my lap. Planted at 1400ft elevation just over a mile from the ocean, at the top of the first ridge. I share this site with Joe Ryan who also worked at Flowers as Head of Grower Relations and is now the winemaker for Ernest.
Due to the remote nature of the site and harvest logistics it needs to get picked in two passes and we can really only get pickers on the weekends. This wine is from the last pick of 2023. Perfectly ripe, dense, black fruit. 100% destemmed and left on skins for 30 days. Aged in barrels and puncheons for a year. Confidently classic coastal California Pinot Noir.
I’m very excited for everything to come from this site.