2021 Gros Ventre Cellars Pinot Noir First Born

Taking a darker mineral profile, the 2021 Pinot Noir First Born is expressive of granitic earth, black cherry, and fresh sage. Full-bodied without weight, it has fresh blackberry fruit, turned soil, and tea leaf, with a plush texture, ripe, sweet tannins, and a more polished feel overall. It’s attractive now, but it will be fantastic over the coming 15 years. Founded by Sarah and Chris Pittenger in 2009, Gros Ventre Cellars is a small family winery operated out of Healdsburg and is a member of the West Sonoma Coast Vintners. In addition to the West Sonoma Coast AVA, they also source grapes from El Dorado and other areas of Northern California. Chris got into wine from the restaurant side of the industry as a server and sommelier before moving out to California to work for established wineries such as Williams Selyem and Marcassin. After a variety of other stops, including Australia, New Zealand, and El Dorado, where he worked at Skinner Vineyards and focused on Rhône varieties, he came back to Sonoma to start a winery and a family at the same time. in addition to producing vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Gros Ventre makes an eclectic assortment of white wine offerings from Chenin Blanc, Fiano, and beyond. They produce approximately 2500 cases a year.