2018 Guarachi Sun Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast California

The 2018 Guarachi Sun Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from Sun Chase Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap, a site shaped by strong Pacific winds and cool maritime conditions. Guarachi acquired the property in 2013, and the vineyard sits within the Petaluma Gap region of the broader Sonoma Coast. In 2018, Guarachi began identifying the wine with the Petaluma Gap AVA on the label, highlighting the specific growing region rather than the larger Sonoma Coast appellation. 

The 2018 Pinot Noir combines red and dark fruit with floral and savory notes, showing cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, rhubarb, plum, rose petal, violet, white pepper and spice. The 2018 blend added 28% Swan clone to the 777 clone used in earlier vintages, bringing additional acidity, minerality and high-toned fruit to the wine. It was aged in French oak, and the resulting style is rich and concentrated while retaining the acidity and mineral character associated with the Petaluma Gap.