Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018

Kurt Beitler's love for winemaking begins in the vineyard as his penchant for grape growing is deeply rooted, coming from a long line of grape growers and winemakers in the Napa Valley, with a farming tradition dating back to the 1850s. The sense of joyful purpose when Kurt talks about farming transcends someone just talking about what they do or even why they do it. There's a sense that even for just a moment, everything is in place in the world, that he is exactly where he is supposed to be, and the world is a better place for having someone like him tend to it; with care, intention, and love. 

Nestled up in the hills of Occidental near the Sonoma Coast, Kurt's small operation focuses on single vineyard Pinot Noirs from vineyards that he farms around Sonoma, in addition to a little Chardonnay and Syrah. Given its namesake, Bohème, these wines are an expression of nature's gift and beauty and our reliance on it, human creation, art, and wild freedom. And that's why Kurt loves making Pinot Noir. Kurt says, "Pinot is finicky and somewhat uncontrollable. Like a lover you must be passionate about it to forgive and embrace its shortcomings. But it can show profound beauty, and is unique in nature. You might even say that to grow Pinot Noir requires a certain type of spirit." Ummm...sign me up! Kurt's charming, passionate, and free spirit is evident in the wines he produces. They are vibrant, mysterious, artistic, and wild yet ethereal. And each year so beautifully reflecting the vintage. Just yesterday we were delighted by a visit from Kurt and an opportunity to taste through his new releases from the 2015 vintage. And as always, to sum them up in one word: exquisite. 

Taylor Ridge Vineyard is situated on a ridgetop 4.9 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Its sandy loam soil is derived from prehistoric beaches that, over millennia, rose to 915 feet elevation. Cool fog from Tomales and Bodega Bays drifts over the vineyard and slows ripening of the fruit concentering flavors in the grapes. 100% Swan Clone, the 2018 had 25% whole cluster fermentation and then aged in 20% new French oak barrels for 22 months. With a beautiful, light garnet color, the wine has cheery aromas of red cherry, exotic spice, dried violets and forest floor. The palate is light and lively with bursts of cherry and cranberry with balanced acidity and light, fine tannins. The 2018 is as joyful as can be now but will mature elegantly for several more years. 206 cases produced.