Located in the heart of the Sonoma Coast, Crossbarn is an innovative winery led by renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs. Dedicated to crafting wines of stunning quality and exceptional value, his approach combines sustainable vineyard practices and traditional technique. These sophisticated yet approachable wines focus on the expression of California’s most celebrated AVA’s, including the cool Sonoma Coast for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Produced using hand-harvested Pinot from select vineyards within the Sonoma Coast appellation, this wine balances structure and weight with pure, concentrated fruit flavours. Grapes were fermented in stainless steel by native yeast, largely de-stemmed berries with some whole bunches. Following ten months maturation sur lie in oak (10% new), the wine was bottled unfined, with minimal sulfur added. The release possesses great site specificity and depth.
This is a smart, alluring Pinot that highlights the unique terroir of the Sonoma Coast. The coast is one of California’s wild places, where vineyards lie on fog-washed hillsides open to salty ocean breezes. The 2017 vintage is elegant and energetic, brilliant ruby in colour with red cherry and violet on the nose. The palate is rounded and generous, with red fruit, bergamot, and fine-grained tannins that lead to a long, savoury finish.
“Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir is made with about 72% estate fruit and very little oak. It’s a fresh style with open-knit aromas of roast cranberry and rhubarb with touches of dried leaves, soil and tar. The palate is medium-bodied, bright and juicy with good concentration and spiciness and a lifted finish. Enjoy it over the next two to three years.”
91 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, July 2020
“The 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast comes from multiple sites on the Sonoma Coast and saw a touch of stems and 9 months on lees in 11% new French oak. Its ruby hue gives way to a pretty, strawberry, spice, and brambly, forest floor-laced Pinot Noir that has good acidity, plenty of sweet fruit, no hard edges, and a clean finish. It’s well worth seeking out.”
90 points, Jeb Dunnuck, May 2020
