Our flagship, Primera, demonstrates the full potential that makes Pinot Noir one of the most coveted grapes in the world. The grapes are hand-picked in the early morning in small yellow bins to avoid undue pressure on the fruit. Then, they are sorted by an optical sorting machine before going into open top stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Only the finest choice of French oak barrels is used to age our highest echelon wine. Its eye-catching bottle is enough to entice, but once introduced to the wine, the power, layers and length dominate the conversation. This is a statement Pinot Noir for the enophile looking to add a marquee wine to their cellar.
Primera is built on a small-lot selection from our estate vineyard, Edna Ranch, located in the coolest appellation in California, Edna Valley. The Edna Valley is a transverse valley that leads to Morro Bay, while the sea also lies to the west, plotting the vineyards an average of 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The marine fog and prevailing winds funnel into the valley from both directions, cooling the vines after their days in the sunny breeze. Over 60 different soil types dust the valley floor and hillsides, including the holy grail for Pinot Noir - limestone.The diversified layers of soil and the cool climate define the terroir-driven expression that propels the quality of the wine to rival the best in the world.