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Flowers Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2023 750ml
🇺🇸 Opens with fresh aromas of coastal evergreens and wildflowers.
Flowers Vineyards Pinot Noir — Sonoma Coast, California 2023
Flowers Vineyards is one of California's most iconic coastal Pinot Noir estates, perched on the extreme Sonoma Coast where the Pacific Ocean's influence is felt in every bottle. Founded in 1991 by Walt and Joan Flowers, the estate farms some of the most dramatic and remote vineyard sites in California — high-elevation, win...Show More >
Flowers Vineyards Pinot Noir — Sonoma Coast, California 2023
Flowers Vineyards is one of California's most iconic coastal Pinot Noir estates, perched on the extreme Sonoma Coast where the Pacific Ocean's influence is felt in every bottle. Founded in 1991 by Walt and Joan Flowers, the estate farms some of the most dramatic and remote vineyard sites in California — high-elevation, wind-swept ridges above the fog line where the long, cool growing season produces Pinot Noir of extraordinary tension, complexity, and coastal character. Now part of the Huneeus Vintners family alongside Quintessa and Benton Lane, Flowers continues to set the benchmark for California coastal Pinot Noir. The 2023 vintage, shaped by a long, cool growing season, is one of the most compelling in recent memory.
The nose is captivating and complex: gravel dust, pine tar, and smashed blue fruits with whispers of violet florality, coastal evergreens, and wildflowers. On the palate, a core of red and blue brambles with a nearly feral, savoury character — dried herbs, black tea, warm spices (anise, cardamom, allspice), and earthy sandalwood — all threaded through by an intense saline throughline that crescendos at the finish with a bright squeeze of orange peel. Tangy, fresh, and beautifully balanced.
Decanter 93 Points — "There is an oomph and intensity to the 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Flowers. Aromas of gravel dust, pine tar and smashed blue fruits come to the fore with whispers of violet florality. There's an intense saline throughline that crescendos at the finish."
James Suckling 93 Points — "A great reflection of the long, cool growing season. Tangy, fresh and well balanced, with intricate orange zest, cinnamon, red cherry and black tea flavors on a vibrant, acid-driven texture. Medium- to full-bodied." (Vintage 2023).
- Producer: Flowers Vineyards & Winery, Extreme Sonoma Coast, California
- Founded: 1991
- Owner: Huneeus Vintners (Quintessa, Benton Lane)
- Vintage: 2023
- Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
- Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
- Style: Medium-to-Full Bodied, Coastal, Complex
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Blue fruit, red cherry, gravel dust, pine tar, violet, saline, dried herbs, black tea, orange peel, dark spice
- Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2033
- Best Paired With: Roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, lamb, aged pinot-friendly cheeses
- Serve: 58–62°F, decant 20–30 minutes
93 points from both Decanter and James Suckling — Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 is California coastal Pinot at its most compelling.
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Wine Information:
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub-Region: Sonoma Coast
Appellation: Sonoma County
Variety: Pinot Noir
Type: Reds
Size: 750ml
Choose when time is of the essence
This fine-spun Pinot Noir opens with fresh aromas of coastal evergreens and wildflowers. Hints of early-season cherries follow, macerated in warm spices (anise, cardamom, allspice) and layered over earthy sandalwood. Ripe yet tangy dark berries, wearing a little dust from the patch, star on a lightly textured palate, giving way to savory herbs, delicately tannic red tea, and a pop of salty sea beans. A fascinating play of light fruit and dark spice is finished with a bright squeeze of orange peel.
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Ripe ruby/red in color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is ripe and spicy, with aromas of cherries, cinnamon, beet root, and incense. Medium-bodied, it has a weightless feel, a chalky, fine-grained texture, and a spicy finish with notes of gravelly earth. (2022).
James Suckling 93 Points | A fresh yet structured pinot with dried strawberry, orange peel and light caramel with dried stems. Medium body, flavorful, firm and bright at the end. Savory. (2022)
Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Aromas of sweet berries, cherry liqueur and cola dominate the nose of this Pinot, while the palate is loaded with cedar cigar box, coffee and maraschino cherry. The combination of freshness and grip feels very alluring, but it might need a few years to round into form. (2022).
Decanter 92 Points | Delicious, fresh, and savoury, this juicy Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast has violet and smoky flint aromatics buoyed by fresh red berries and a kiss of fresh mint. The palate is reflective, with flinty minerality coming to the fore. Pine sap, notes of fresh evergreen and lovely red fruits, clove and white peppery spice to finish. (2022).
