Clos Julien is a small winery specializing in cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from California. So, what sets the Sonoma coast apart as a top-tier source for Pinot Noir? It’s all about the fog. Clos Julien Pinot Noir hails from vineyards throughout the far Sonoma Coast, many perilously perched on steep ridges just a couple of miles from the pacific. Here, cool marine air sweeps in through the Petaluma Wind Gap, blanketing the vines in mist and extending the growing season. This slow, steady ripening allows Pinot Noir to develop exceptional depth and complexity. When farmed to perfection, these grapes command some of the highest prices in the world, typically destined for only the most prestigious bottles.

The 2023 vintage was outstanding in the Sonoma Coast and Clos Julien’s fruit source shines through in every sip. The wine is aromatically dynamic, bursting from the glass with an entrancing combination of ripe, crunchy berries and red flowers. This Pinot offers an irresistible balance of juicy berry richness and nervy vibrancy. The palate delivers both freshness and depth as the wine unfolds across the tongue, culminating in a long, lively finish. This is truly an electric bottle of American Pinot — one that even this Burgundian had no trouble falling in love with! This wine will pair beautifully with roast pork tenderloin served with caramelized wild mushroom polenta or pan-seared veal chops over ratatouille.