This Sonoma Pinot Noir is derived from a sustainably farmed, single-vineyard called Zara’s Block after the owners’ in-house, vigneron granddaughter. Perched in a southwestern pocket of Bennett Valley on a 600 to 800-foot knoll that is surrounded by ancient oak trees, the vines are rooted in spreckles soil, which is comprised of volcanic tuff, uplifted river gravel, sandy loam and clay. Bennett Valley, the smallest Sonoma appellation, is nestled between Sonoma, Taylor and Bennett Mountain and enjoys coastal fog, marine breezes and moderating diurnal shifts, which results in incredibly ripe grapes with fresh, retained acidity. Barbara and Ed Pascoe purchased their estate back in 2004 and have turned the vineyards into low-yielding parcels that translate to ample concentration and tremendous quality in the glass.

      

Their acclaimed winemaker, John Raytek, served as a sommelier at the world-renowned Inn at Little Washington in Virginia before working under Master Somm, Bobby Stuckey, at Aspen’s Little Nell, then under Master of Wine, Martin Williams in Sydney, Australia. With a great appreciation for wine’s place in culinary tradition, he set out for California and has served as winemaker at Copain, Rhys Vineyard, Pfendler and now Barbed Oak. His own label, Ceritas, has become one of the most celebrated and highly allocated in the country and is sold only to a lucky few on the list. The Pascoe’s heirloom clones, sustainable farming, unique soils and microclimate in Zara’s Block presented just the conditions that this vineyard-centric winemaker was drawn to. In crafting Barbed Oak’s Estate Zara’s Block, Pinot Noir, John put the pristine fruit through a five-day cold soak then fermented slowly with only wild yeasts. The wine aged for eleven months in 35% medium-toasted French oak, which lends the expression of place a voice in this beautifully crafted wine.