Aston Estate, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, 2018

The first vintage in 2004 was under the Aston Experimental label. The vineyard is planted exclusively to Dijon clones 115 (2 acres), 667 (4 acres) and 777 (8 acres). In the beginning, the style was a bit bigger reflecting what was currently happening on the coast, the unpredictability of the weather, young vine characteristics and the logistics of hauling the fruit out of this remote site. As the vineyard matured, so did the area and that part of the world feels much smaller and closer these days.

Aston Estate is located near the remote township of Annapolis, approximately five miles and two ridge lines in from the coast-close enough to benefit from the ocean’s cooling effects, yet just outside the fog line, so days are long and temperate. The southwest facing vineyard thrives in a microclimate typified by full-sun days and moderate temperatures that are a standout in the cooler Sonoma Coast climate.

The Goldridge Loam soil is perfectly suited to Pinot Noir, and the gentle slopes and contours (10-15%) are reminiscent of the topography of the prestigious grand cru sites of Burgundy. Typically, these sites lie in the transitional “belt” between the extreme hillside plantings and the lower flatland sections where the moderate slopes provide an excellent balance of stress and support to the vines.