Peter Paul Mille Freres Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2019

Just when we think we've tried it all, an established, small brand comes knocking on our door and pours us such outstanding wines that we think, "how have we never had these before?!" In this case - the Peter Paul wines, with total production across multiple wines under 2,000 cases and minimal representation in only a handful of states - that's how. Between philanthropist, Peter Paul, and Master of Wine, Martin Reyes, this brand quietly produces outstanding Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux varieties with fruit from some of the most exceptional vineyards in Sonoma and Napa Valleys. And the 2019 Mille Freres is a perfect example of their outstanding sourcing with fruit coming from the renowned Terra de Promissio Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap, where other acclaimed Sonoma Pinot producers (Kistler, Williams-Selyem, and Kosta Browne) have sourced grapes since 2002.

Peter Paul has a head for numbers and has achieved incredible financial success through his business, Headlands Mortgage, which became one of the premier mortgage lending institutions in the US. As many business people do, Peter became acquainted with the alluring world of fine wine via long business dinners and travel. In 1999, his entrepreneurial drive changed him from wine-lover to vintner when he and a friend launched Grove Street Winery. Peter's brand had acclaimed success, and in 2008, he sold the winery to vintner Leslie Rudd. The sale allowed him the space and freedom to focus on his latest passion, Peter Paul Wines. Any wine brand that hopes to be successful needs a mind that knows the business, and yes, certainly Peter knows business, but as a Master of Wine, Martin knows the wine business. His résumé is beyond impressive, having worked as the senior buyer for The New York Times Wine Club, Williams-Sonoma Wine, The Washington Post Wine Club, Global Wine Cellars, and as a consultant to The Michael Mina Wine Club. To say that Martin knows the ins and outs of this business is putting it lightly.

Terra de Promissio is the MVP of Pinot Noir vineyards in Sonoma. It has rich clay-loam soil and is positioned perfectly for southwest sun exposure, with ideal elevation and the famous fog and wind of Petaluma Gap. These components combine serendipitously to grow Pinot Noir grapes described as luscious and seductive, producing wines with a deep intensity of flavors. The vineyard is aptly named "Terra de Promissio" which translates to "Land of Promise" in Latin. To top it off, Terra de Promissio is certified 100% sustainable. The stewards of this land were instrumental in the Sonoma County initiative to become the first 100% sustainable wine region globally. 

Peter Paul did more than justice with this outstanding fruit; they knocked it out of the park with the 2019 Mille Freres Pinot Noir! Harvest commenced in early October overnight to maintain the freshness of the grapes. The wine was fermented in open-top containers until it was racked into 100% French oak barrels (50% new) and matured over 14-months untouched. Dark berry jam, pomegranate, and rose petals are a few of the intense aromas on the nose. The velvety-textured palate is reminiscent of sweet spices, with a savory truffle note. We think the 2019 Mille Freres is a grand slam Sonoma Coast Pinot and, with only 226 cases produced and no 2020 vintage, a wine to cherish.