Marine Layer: The Coolness of the Sonoma Coast
As the wine world veered away from power and ripeness and towards freshness in elegance in the last 15 years or so, it was inevitable that cooler climates would become more and more desirable – especially as global warming is driving traditional vineyard temperatures in the opposite direction.
This is especially true in the New World. Outside of Europe, our vineyards have the reputation of being located in warm sites that easily produce ripe fruit. Think of California’s hot Central Valley, where most of the state’s wines are produced. But California – like Argentina or Australia for that matter – also has cooler climates. And it is these cooler sites that are now playing the starring role in our wines.
So it is that Baron Ziegler and Rob Fischer became obsessed with the idea of producing wine from top sites along the Sonoma Coast. These are very cool, thanks to fogs that roll in off the ocean and keep the sunlight out. That fog is called the “marine layer”. So they named their winery Marine Layer.
Marine Layer combines Pinot Noir grapes from several Sonoma Coast sites to create “Lyra”. It’s the name of the bright constellation that is visible in California from around the vine’s springtime re-awakening to the time of harvest – as if following the life of the grape. The natural elegance of these cool-climate grapes is emphasized in the wine-making, including by harvesting at night, preserving many whole berries, fermenting naturally, and using on 25% new wood.
This is beautiful California Pinot Noir, possible only because of the unique conditions along the Sonoma Coast that do not exist anywhere else. We are lucky to have them.
Marine Layer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Lyra 2022 - $49.99
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Lyra is juicy and super-expressive right out of the gate. Succulent red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and blood orange give the 2022 notable raciness. A whole range of floral and savory top notes lift the finish. The 30% stems are not especially noticeable. Vineyard sources are Marine Layer, Dutton- Jentoft, Bohemian and Gap's Crown.92 pts" - Antonio Galloni (Vinous)
This is especially true in the New World. Outside of Europe, our vineyards have the reputation of being located in warm sites that easily produce ripe fruit. Think of California’s hot Central Valley, where most of the state’s wines are produced. But California – like Argentina or Australia for that matter – also has cooler climates. And it is these cooler sites that are now playing the starring role in our wines.
So it is that Baron Ziegler and Rob Fischer became obsessed with the idea of producing wine from top sites along the Sonoma Coast. These are very cool, thanks to fogs that roll in off the ocean and keep the sunlight out. That fog is called the “marine layer”. So they named their winery Marine Layer.
Marine Layer combines Pinot Noir grapes from several Sonoma Coast sites to create “Lyra”. It’s the name of the bright constellation that is visible in California from around the vine’s springtime re-awakening to the time of harvest – as if following the life of the grape. The natural elegance of these cool-climate grapes is emphasized in the wine-making, including by harvesting at night, preserving many whole berries, fermenting naturally, and using on 25% new wood.
This is beautiful California Pinot Noir, possible only because of the unique conditions along the Sonoma Coast that do not exist anywhere else. We are lucky to have them.
Marine Layer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Lyra 2022 - $49.99
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Lyra is juicy and super-expressive right out of the gate. Succulent red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and blood orange give the 2022 notable raciness. A whole range of floral and savory top notes lift the finish. The 30% stems are not especially noticeable. Vineyard sources are Marine Layer, Dutton- Jentoft, Bohemian and Gap's Crown.92 pts" - Antonio Galloni (Vinous)
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