Hawk Hill Pinot Noir 2022
Sonoma Coast
Hawk Hill Vineyard is named after the Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks that are seen gliding above the vineyards. The vineyard is situated just east of the town of Freestone, home to Ernest's four Estate vineyard sites. There are 18 acres planted across the property that range in elevation from 386ft to 610ft. The Goldridge soils that cover the Hawk Hill Vineyard allow for good drainage, deep rooting and moderate vigor, all key components to successful farming of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
The costal influence and marine layer allow for an extended ripening period which develops the fruit character while maintaining the balance of fruit and acid within the grape.
Owners Margaret and Bill Yarak hold the highest standards of farming at Hawk Hill Vineyard. To maintain the quality and adhere to the land, all farming is done by hand from pruning to harvesting in the cool hours of the night.
A dense and borderline opaque crimson-red color suggests a wine with great depth and concentration. The aromas bring forth a combination of black cherry, black plum, and dark red rose, framed by underlying notes of crushed rock. Minerality is the defining characteristic of this Pinot Noir, complemented by bright acidity, making it a unique and memorable wine. The tannins are ripe and soft, providing a good structure to the abundance of fruit. The palate is quite luscious, with ripe cherry and pluot, plus sweet and tart notes of rhubarb and sour pomegranate seed. The acidity carries all these delightful notes through a lingering finish.
| Winemaker | Joseph Ryan | |
| Appellation | Sonoma Coast | |
| Vineyard | Hawk Hill Vineyard | |
| Aging/Cooperage | 38% New French Oak | |
| Brix at Harvest | 23.5 | |
| Alcohol | 13.2% | |
| Production | 130 cases |