The Press Articles, Scores, and News

Many premium producers, family vineyards and those with a long history who want to survive and thrive in the future are adjusting relatively fast.

"This is a terrific set of new releases from Ernest and sister label, Edaphos...In recent years, winemaker Joseph Ryan has really dialed in his approach here. The wines offer tons of brightness and energy... More recently, Ernest has acquired several prime sites in the West Sonoma Coast, making it now a true estate. The future looks very promising."

We had to move to Palm Desert to discover Ernest Vineyards, a family owned winery founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula... It was in the middle of harvest, but Joseph took the time to sit down, pour a glass of wine, and answer a few questions. This was a fun, and delicious, interview.

In California, James and Associate Editor Nathan Slone sat down with 12 producers from the West Sonoma Coast Vintners Association to taste and talk through the wines from Sonoma’s newest AVA, West Sonoma Coast.

Officially recognized in May 2022, the West Sonoma Coast AVA is located on the westernmost sliver of Sonoma County, around seven miles from the ocean.

Following a tasting of more than 250 bottles at the VinePair HQ, the following 25 wines highlight everything that should be celebrated about Pinot Noir.

"Ernest Vineyards in Windsor has just released their Bohemian Series, showcasing single vineyards. In particular, the Chardonnay from H. Klopp vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills in the Sonoma Coast AVA is stunning."