It’s no secret we’re big fans of Sonoma County here at JamesSuckling.com, as shown in our recent report on the region. Not only does it produce some of the best pinot noir and chardonnay in California and the world, but it also offers some of the greatest value wines.
Sonoma’s climate and landscape – ranging from the cool and misty coastline to the warmer, more continental areas toward the Mayacamas Mountains, with granite soil near the coast, decomposed sandstone and loam in the center and volcanic soil further east – make for excellent growing conditions for pinot noir. Wineries like Williams Selyem and Kristler have been bottling their own self-styled pinots here since the late 1970s, crafting wines with unique profiles.
Two Sonoma County’s AVAs in particular are known for their great value pinots: Sonoma Coast and the Russian River Valley. Sonoma Coast is one of the most unique and exciting subregions in all of California. The strong, cold winds that blow off of the Pacific Ocean help make it as cool, if not cooler than, Burgundy. The mineral rich soils give great drive and energy to the wines. The cooler, wetter climate of Sonoma Coast – it can get twice as much rain as neighboring AVAS – often results in higher acidity in the wines, with more restrained fruit and floral character. This translates to more nuanced and elegant bottlings from some of the top producers, including Littorai, Peay and Hirsch.
