Sonoma Mountain AVA is an incredibly diverse appellation that captures the majesty of Cabernet Sauvignon on the eastern side and the elegance of Pinot Noir on the west. Situated between Petaluma and Sonoma, the undulating hills that rise to a dramatic elevation on the western face are blessed with ample fog and cool winds from the Petaluma Gap. Today’s particular example hails from the Van de Kamp vineyard, which is the highest elevation site on the mountain as well as the oldest block of Pinot Noir in all of Sonoma County. The near fifty-year-old vines, coupled with the high elevation and ideal cool weather, results in a world-class Pinot Noir of ample freshness, seriously concentrated California fruit and a near old world sense of place.

 

The owner of a well-appointed estate comprised of premium parcels across Sonoma County, Richard Berridge came by his astute knowledge of terroir and the vine, honestly. With a bachelor’s degree from Berkeley and a master’s from Harvard in landscape architecture, Richard became one of the original founders of Duckhorn Vineyards in 1976 and had contributed his expertise to some of the most famous estates in California over the years. He started Richard Berridge Wines with a focus on showcasing the incredible potential of carefully chosen, cool-weather sites in Sonoma. With the talent of his winemaking team, Greg LaFollette and Virginia Lambrix, Richard Berridge Wines consistently deliver age-worthy Pinot Noir of incredible balance, restrained use of 26% new French oak and astute winemaking that offers a snapshot of what Sonoma’s cool sites are truly capable of. This beautiful example is no exception and hails from the blockbuster 2009 vintage, which is reaching its stunning peak now.