Prophet's RockSophora Pinot Noir 2023

This is the first time that this cuvée has been bottled separately, and the vines are grown in very fine schist gravels; the vineyard site has essentially been the recipient of every glacial deposit in the area. The winemaking is mostly the same as the Home and Oleria (Rocky Point) vineyard wine. This vintage sees slightly less time in oak but more time in bottle, but otherwise, it gets the same treatment as the other wines—most particularly, very gentle extraction during fermentation. Aromatically, the 2023 Sophora Pinot Noir is mineral and rocky, with a pure core of pomegranate pearls, pink peppercorn and crushed rocks, with pressed flowers and green olive tapenade as well. The palate is silky and plush, with seamless fruit and phenolic interplay. The whole berry/destemmed fruit is silky and fine. This bears all the hallmarks of the Prophet's Rock Pinot Noir style, viewed here through the lens of the 2023 vintage. It's a beautiful wine. It's good to see the three wines from the three sites here together, as they sort of span the valley. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under Diam.

Aromas of dark cherries, wild raspberries, orange peel and lead pencil. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and vivid acidity, giving notes of blackberries, blood oranges, dried herbs and crushed river-stones. Balanced and bright with a real purity and a mineral edge. The premier release of this new addition to Prophet’s Rock pinots. Drink or hold.