2017 Failla Pinot Noir

Moving to the Pinot Noirs, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a terrific introduction into the style of this estate. Lots of cherry and currant fruit as well as subtle smoked earth and graphite all flow to a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant wine from Failla that has integrated acidity and the classic, understated style of the estate front and center.

Another addition to this lineup, the 2017 Pinot Noir Watertrough is pliant, supple and quite expressive. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint and rose petal notes all flesh out with time in the glass. Underpinnings of silky but persistent tannins lend energy and persistence. There is lovely depth and density, but the 2017 needs time in bottle to be at its very best. The 2017 was done with mostly destemmed fruit.