The Davies family of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in the Napa Valley is pleased to release its eleventh vintage of Pinot Noir still wines. The family’s experience with Pinot Noir dates back to 1967, when Jack and Jamie Davies first used this elegant red varietal to make their inaugural vintage of Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine. Over the 54 years following that first use, Schramsberg’s winemakers have built long-lasting relationships with some of the best Pinot Noir growers along the North Coast. Developing upon this passion, history and experience, second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies and Director of Wine making Sean Thompson are proud to present this vineyard-designate Pinot Noir wine from the 2019 vintage.

Nobles Vineyard produces bright, complex and richly layered Pinot Noir. It is located approximately 75 miles north of San Francisco, on the north Sonoma Coast, in the recently designated Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. With the vineyard’s moderate daytime and nighttime temperature swings, the Pinot Noir grapes follow a steady path to optimum ripeness, full flavor and color expression. The site is located on the eastern slopes of the second mountain ridge in from the Pacific Ocean, between 950 and 1,050 feet above sea level. Planted in 1993, on the property’s Goldridge fine sandy loam soil, less than two tons per acre of vibrant, yet supple, fruit is harvested each year.

The 2019 growing season had a record winter rainfall, a cool spring and a summer growing season that was near perfect for Sonoma County winegrapes. Cooler than normal spring temperatures slowed down fruit ripening, pushing back harvest in many areas compared to recent seasons. The 2019 Nobles Pinot Noir harvest began the last week of September. The resulting wine reflects the densly concentrated fruit flavors developed from this vintage.

“The 2019 Nobles Pinot Noir opens elegantly to aromas of Santa Rosa plum and strawberry rhubarb, intermingled with notes of espresso, cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate offers focused acidity, with flavors of wild blueberry, red cherry and dark chocolate. A willowy length leads to a bright and fresh finish.” — Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies