Beringer Vineyards has a legacy of farming unique and important growing regions that dates back to 1876, when two brothers established the winery with a desire to make wines from Napa Valley that rivaled those produced in their homeland of Germany. That tradition continued in the 1960s with an early stake in Knights Valley, and continues today with this inaugural wine from outstanding vineyard locations in California’s famed Sonoma Coast appellation. The Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir represents Beringer’s pioneering viticultural past, and its commitment to farming the best of California’s vineyards.

TASTING NOTES This Beringer Sonoma Coast wine is 100% Pinot Noir and opens with beautiful and inviting aromas of red cherry, strawberry and black tea. The nose leads to a core of juicy fruit flavors where the red fruit flavors standout alongside touches of brown spice adding depth and complexity. The hallmark cool-climate structure is balanced by generous fruit and bright acidity and makes this well-rounded wine very food friendly.

VINEYARD NOTES The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine were selected from vineyards along the Sonoma Coast region of Sonoma County. Sonoma Coast obtained its AVA status in 1985, and the area extends from San Pablo Bay in the south to the border of Mendocino County in the north. The region is unique and well-known for its cool and sometime foggy climate due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. For the 2015 vintage of the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, fruit was sourced from the Grace Benoist Ranch, La Petite Étoile Vineyard as well as the illustrious Emeritus Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.

VINTAGE NOTES The 2015 growing season throughout the Sonoma Coast AVA was a beautiful one, marked by pleasant weather with no real issues from heat spikes or rain. A dry winter followed by a dry and early spring meant an early bud break. Weather was warm throughout late spring and summer which allowed for great development in the grapes. Harvest began in August, and the overall quality and depth of flavor of the fruit was outstanding for vintage 2015. Grapes for the 2015 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir were harvested between August 14th and September 10th.

WINEMAKING NOTES To ensure a seamless and expressive finished wine, the Pinot Noir grapes were handled extremely gently from vineyard to winery. After arriving in the winery, the grapes underwent a three-day cold soak prior to fermentation. After fermentation, the free run juice was drained and sent to barrel to complete malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 10 months in 100% French oak (21% new) before being assembled and bottled.