Pinot Noir, Beau Marchais 'Sobaranes'

The Soberanes Vineyard is in the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County and farmed by the dynamic farming duo of Mark Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. The Southern [sud] end of this property ripens earlier than the rest of the vineyard and tends to show a more lush, rich character. Philippe called himself a 'child of the south' and I think he’d very much like this wine from the Sud.

This very translucent and dark red colored Pinot Noir from Beau Marchais opens with a black tea, black raspberry, and mint bouquet with hints of cinnamon and strawberry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, smooth, and fruit forward. The flavor profile is stewed red plum and raspberry blend with notes of stony minerality and strawberry. The finish is dry, and its flavors and moderate tannins are nicely prolonged.

Winemaker Adam Lee shared his story of a once-in-a-lifetime experience when meeting his idol and Southern Rhône superstar, Philippe Cambie in Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the summer of 2018. 'I was fortunate enough to be invited to Philippe Cambie’s home for dinner and during that meal', Philippe said, 'I’ve always dreamed of making Pinot Noir.' I must confess, I adored his words. Here is one of the most successful winemakers in the world, saying what he dreamed of doing. It easily could have been, 'I think I can make really good Pinot Noir' or, 'I can be successful making Pinot Noir,' but, instead, it was about his dream of making Pinot Noir. Sadly, Philippe passed away in the middle of the aging of the first, and subsequently only, vintage he was able to collaborate on.