2021 Peay West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

To say we're huge fans of Peay at K&L is definitely an understatement! A quick check of our sales history shows that we've carried 231 different SKUs from them ranging back to 2002 Estate Pinot Noir. As pioneers of the north west Sonoma Coast, brothers Andy and Nick Peay, plus the critical addition of winemaker Vanessa Wong (who also happens to be Nick's wife) put the small town of Annapolis on the world wine map. Peay have been critical in elevating the wines of the Sonoma Coast to the highest possible levels. This incredible estate sits just one mountain ridge back from the cold Pacific Ocean four miles to the west. Surrounded by coastal forest and often enveloped in fog, this vineyard is on the edge of where grape growing is possible. Thanks to perfect south and south west exposures, and fine marine sedimentary soils lifted into the mountains by the San Andreas Fault, the vines here struggle just the right amount and produce tiny amounts of highly concentrated, remarkably flavorful fruit. Peay farm the estate according to certified organic and fish friendly standards, they are true holistic stewards of the land. The vines on the estate have now hit 25-years of age. The team that farms them and crafts the resulting wines continue to become ever more knowledgeable and intimate with the land as each growing season passes. In 2021 mother nature also contributed with a near perfect growing season. All of these factors have combined to create what I think are the best releases I've ever tasted from Peay. While we'll have to wait until the autumn for their single block releases, the 2021 West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (that is entirely estate-grown fruit) is absolutely stunning. The combination of exotic floral tones, bright, fresh berry fruits, forest floor, Asian spice, truffle, and earth is just magical. So much pure fruit, so much savory intrigue. Lush, silky texture, but also vibrant acidity and linear focus. It has it all. To be honest I'm not sure how Jeb Dunnuck deducted that one point for his 99-point score...this is Pinot perfection.

A 99 point wine for under $50? Yes, please! This new vintage of Peay Pinot Noir rocks with 100% estate fruit, It's quite clean and vibrant, full of big aromatics. I get huge black cherry notes, nice florality, forest underbrush, and sun-drenched soil. The palate has bursting raspberry in addition to the cherry along with some sage-y herbal and earthy tones. Absolutely delicious, this is Sonoma Coast PN at its peak.

From casual wine drinkers to dedicated collectors, Peay is one of those names that seems unanimously revered, and wines like this are the reason. Aromatically it is engaging with bright red berry fruits, beautiful florals, and a hint of cola. On the palate, it shows a deft balance of ripeness of fruit without being heavy or rich for a second, a brilliant purity of fruit (fresh cherry and raspberry), and a long finish with a bit of salinity and plenty of structure. The way that it hits so many high notes is truly impressive, and to do so for an all-too-reasonable price puts it at another level altogether. A scintillating and impressive wine to drink now or cellar for the years to come, it is certainly a must-try in my book.