Salty Goats Coastline Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2022

Napa Valley is expansive, with almost 45,000 acres of vineyards. Still, the wine industry it encompasses is small and exceptionally tight-knit. The origin story of Salty Goats is a true expression of Napa's wine community. Owner/Winemakers Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook are colleagues at  Nickel & Nickel, where they make some of Napa's most iconic Cabernet Sauvignons. After each harvest, the two would venture to the Sonoma coast in Joe's powder-blue 1982 Volkswagen van to enjoy fresh ocean breezes and taste the intriguing Pinots made there. 

One fateful day, Joe and Phil got lost as they meandered the lonely coastal roads and stopped by a nearby farm to gain their bearings. It was here, on the side of a winding road, that they met Harry the Goat. Harry made a lasting impression, standing confidently with his 3-ft long beard and piercing stare. The farmer shared Harry's story: a 4th-generation Kiko goat who truthfully acted a bit more dog-like than goat-like. At this moment, the name "Salty Goats" was born, highlighting the historical relationship between goats and growers and the salty, biting ocean air. 

The Coastline Pinot Noir is sourced from two exceptional vineyard sites -  Fort Ross Seaview Vineyard, which sits at 1,000 feet of elevation and 3.7 miles from the ocean, and the Annapolis Vineyard, which boasts steep plantings that bask in sunshine throughout the day and produce low yields with intensely flavored berries.

Phil & Joe harvested the fruit late at night and fermented the wine with native yeasts and 30% whole clusters. Before a gentle press, the juice remained on the skins for the 14-day fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aging lasted 12 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which were brand new. The palate opens with ripe red fruit notes, like red plums and wild raspberries. Distinct Sonoma coast characteristics of evergreen and pine forest floor meld with delicate florals of rose and lavender. Clean and bracing acidity runs through the palate with structured yet soft-grained tannins. Only 300 cases produced.