Lot 99 2023 West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (Freestone-Occidental)

CURRENTLY IN SHINER FORMAT LABELING PLANNED LATE SEPTEMBER

Lot 99 2023 West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a shiner sourced from the same producer I recently sourced Lot 83 2025 Pinot Noir. This is their 2023 Cleary Ranch Pinot Noir bottling which retails for $95/bottle out of the tasting room. 

The producer has 96-point scores for their 2021 and 2022 vintages from Jeb Dunnuck and a 94-point score from the Wine Enthusiast for the 2022 vintage (which is an a accomplishment given how hot 2022 was), but the 2023 was the best of them all (and, yes, I have tasted them side-by-side).

The only other review I was able to find was for their other Pinot Noir bottling, a 95-97-point score for a barrel sample of the '23 Occidental Vineyard Pinot from Antonio Galloni @Vinousmedia: “95-97 points - The 2023 Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard is sensational. Deep, vertical and explosive, it dazzles from start to finish.” 

Not totally germane, as it is another bottling, but an indicator of the quality of the 2023 single-vineyard Pinot Noir's from Ernest Vineyards. Like the Chardonnay, this is another gorgeous, nervy, energetic wine that unfolds beautifully in the glass.

From the winery:
Deep purple and luminescent in the glass, this Pinot Noir captures the full character of the Cleary Ranch in Freestone - a fog-draped coastal site where cool Pacific air and loamy soil combine precision and power. The nose is highly perfumed, opening with decadent notes of heritage red rose, raspberry, and cherry compote. The palate is exuberant yet balanced, delivering salted strawberry, Amarena cherry, and a subtle earthiness edged with dried tarragon and wood spice. Concentrated yet elegant, with silky tannins, the wine marries floral lift with site-driven depth. It drinks beautifully now but is built to age, embodying both the exuberance and refinement of the coast at its finest.

Cleary Ranch encompasses the 14 acres of Ernest’s vines in foggy Freestone Valley. Only 7 miles from the Pacific, it is one of the coldest areas in all of west Sonoma Coast with the marine layer lingering well into mid-day and returning late afternoon. Goldridge soil with clay peppering closer to Salmon Creek. The extremely cool climate allows for extended hang time before harvest delivering deep complexity. Farmed organically, this site reflects our commitment to stewarding the land with care. 

Vineyard: Cleary Ranch
Farming Method: Organic
Aging/Cooperage: 40% New French Oak Puncheon
Brix at Harvest: 21
Alcohol: 12.3%