Anthill Farms Pinot Noir 2021, Sonoma Coast, California

The three guys behind Anthill Farms Winery, Webster Marquez, Anthony Filiberti, and David Low, didn’t wake up one day, decide to make wine, and, voila, instant fame. Like most ‘overnight’ success stories these guys have been at it for a while. The trio met in 2003 while working in the cellar of the almost fanatically revered Pinot Noir specialist, Williams Selyem. “We took over the farming of the Abbey-Harris vineyard, a one-and-a-half acre site in Boonville,” explained Marquez, “That first vintage yielded exactly one barrel of wine.” Since then, the Anthill three have been increasingly drawn to miniscule, cool-climate vineyards that are largely located on hillsides. The name came about because the Anthill project is rather like a colony: three guys operating in a communal spirit with a variety of small farmers. Sonoma Coast appellation is widely described as ‘sprawling’ as it encompasses half or more of the county. The fruit comes from two of the coolest, most coastal parts of this appellation: the low coast, west of Sebastopol on the edge of the Petaluma Gap; and the high coast, the first or second ridge inland from the ocean farther to the north. A brilliant ruby color with lifted, inviting aromas of cherry, dried roses, cardamom and wild herbs transfer to the palate. Our blend of Sonoma Coast sites has come together beautifully in this mid-weight, textural wine with tons of energy keeping it fresh and juicy. The wine turns gorgeously floral and spicy with air. Drink now-2028. 2021 vintage: 100% Pinot Noir. Barrel selections from 3 different vineyards within the Sonoma Coast AVA. Grapes hand harvested. 25% whole cluster. Daily punch downs for 3 weeks. Aged 16 months in French oak (20% new).