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Mission Codename: The Third Dimension

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Operative favorite, Adobe Road Winery. Secure the latest vintage of their distinctive Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Adobe Road Winery

Wine Subject: 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Winemaker: Michael Scorsone

Backgrounder: The Sonoma Coast AVA, established in 1987, is the area directly adjacent to the Pacific coastline of Sonoma County. The ocean’s influence causing a cooler, higher rainfall and foggy climate most influences the vineyards of this region, many of which have exceptional views of the mighty Pacific. These factors cause grapes to mature and ripen more slowly which is idea for Pinot Noir. The region is approximately 750 square miles with about 7,000 acres under vine.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Beautiful dark ruby hued, with a slightly darker heart. Along the edges of the wine runs a fine ring of bold pink. Spin the wine in the glass and fine, branching legs form high up, and then run slowly down.

Smell – Bold and spicy, this wine leads with a dense spiced black cherry, bramble, blackberry and cedar. These are layered over smoky crushed dark flower petals, Bing cherry, cassis, freshly turned earth and just a hint of savory meat pastry.

Feel – Expansive on the palate, the wine moves quickly across the front-palate, spreading ripe tannins and a middle-weight chewiness to the far corners. A vibrant acidity and a hint of chalky mineral help to drive flavors long into the finish.

Taste – Rich, flavor-filled and gently spiced, this complex wine leads with bold black cherry, overripe blackberry, mulberry, green bramble, and under-ripe plum. Notes of dark-roast espresso bean, salt licorice, black pepper and slate also make an intriguing appearance at the end.

Finish – The fruit goes medium-long and rich, with red and black fruit giving way to spice and savory favors that seem to sustain for a very long time. At the tail end, black cherry makes an intriguing back-of-palate appearance.

Conclusion – This is a really intriguing wine and, for the price, we can’t help but give it our enthusiastic recommendation. With a big, cherry-spice nose that gives early clues to what is to come on the palate, this wine does not disappoint at all. We loved the fruit and spice combo on the palate, finding that they play beautifully off of each other. Decant for best results; This wine softens and opens to new fruit as it breathes. Pair with an exciting spicy meat dish or a tangy BBQ chicken, right off the grill. Put your seat belt on – and enjoy!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Michael Scorsone

DATE OF BIRTH: 9/77

PLACE OF BIRTH: Pennyslvania

WINE EDUCATION: Culinary Institute of America and Napa College

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Adobe Road, Turley, Failla, Neyers

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Let the wines show character and personality. A strong sense of vineyard location. Show tradition…but not afraid to take chances. Don’t make the wine into something it’s not.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: Pinot Noir

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Having the opportunity to work with Adobe Road and also all the traveling that I’ve done in my career.

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Michael. We are excited to be showing your Redline Red Wine today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

MICHAEL SCORSONE: Thanks, Red. It’s good to be with you, once again.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

MICHAEL: Growing up in an Italian family where food and wine is very important, my travels to old world wine regions and working in the fields in Italy.

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

MICHAEL: I’m always learning something new and always expanding my knowledge.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

MICHAEL: “Hands off”, non-invasive approach and letting the wine show its personality.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

MICHAEL: Ted Lemon from Littorai because he’s an excellent wine maker and farmer. He is one of the few winemakers who does it all.

RED: How long have you been making wine?

MICHAEL: Ever since I was a little boy, I helped my dad make his wine.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

MICHAEL: Myself, our customers – and the Adobe Road wine team

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

MICHAEL: This is a great new premium red wine blend for Adobe Road. This is an amazing everyday table wine perfect by itself or enjoyed with a nice BBQ. This is what we call our ch-ch-ch-cherry BOMB!

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

MICHAEL: Sweet baby back ribs.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

MICHAEL: Getting ready for Harvest!

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

MICHAEL: Thanks, very much, Agent Red! Cheers!

Wine Spies Winery Check:

The approximate location of the Adobe Road tasting room, in the heart of the town of Sonoma, California, can be seen in this satellite photo.