Sun Chase Vineyard stands perched between 1200 and 1400 feet on Sonoma Mountain in the Petaluma Gap region. Hillside blocks and a long cool 2011 growing season produced a balanced and focused wine with big, bright red fruit, earthy notes of forest floor and plenty of structure. As we get to know this vineyard, it is interesting to see how this site is showing its terroir. We have come to understand that Sun Chase fruit is darker in profile. To compliment the fruit there are small pine groves near both the 667 and 777 blocks. The oils from those trees are what we believe help define the pine needle, forest floor essences. We believe this vineyard has the potential to surpass the quality of its sister vineyard, Gaps Crown.

Wine Enthusiast Review The dark color and heady aroma of crushed ripe plums suggest this wine’s size, an impression confirmed when you take a sip. It’s a big wine, extracted in cherry and raspberry jam, with hints of orange rind, anise liqueur, white pepper and smoky oak. The vineyard is in the emerging Petaluma Gap region. Drink now–2020.

PinotFile Review Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromatically alive with dark berry, spiced plum and wooded forest aromas. Well-endowed with prodigious black cherry, black currant, blackberry and blueberry fruits typical of 667 and 777, accented with a touch of spice. The tannins are muscular but well matched to the sappy fruit, and the lingering finish offers a pleasing riff of acidity. Somewhat brooding at this stage, this wine will benefit from further cellaring.