Platt sits 2.5-miles from the Coast and the vineyard cascades down a south facing ridgeline. The Goldridge Fine Sandy loam soils are the most sought after for Pinot Noir and afford excellent drainage. The wind blows reliably out of the west and provides good airflow which helps keep the grapes clean. The vineyard elevation ranges from 425-850 feet above sea level and is frequently (but not always) above the fog that fills the valley most every morning.
Flanagan Pinot Noir Platt Vineyard is a compelling expression of what is widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest vineyard sites in California. The wine has a brilliant color and the fruit character, despite the very cool site, is explosive. The nose offers a rich bouquet of ripe cranberry, cola, and a hint of spice. The palate shows very clean dark red fruit with a silky, persistent finish. Incredible acidity, a beautiful mouthfeel, and an incredible purity of fruit character make this a reference point wine.
"The 2019 Pinot Noir Platt Vineyard comes from a noteworthy site on the Sonoma Coast and was destemmed and brought up in 40% new French oak. It offers a young, unevolved style that's going to reward bottle age, giving up quality black cherry and black raspberry fruit as well as classic spring flower and forest floor-like nuances. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, and balanced, with a good spine of acidity, it has a big kiss of SO2 on the nose and palate, so I wouldn't touch bottles for at least a good year or two."
- Jeb Dunnuck (July 2021)
"Juicy and spicy in white pepper, this is a richly layered and fleshy wine from the great site—opulent yet balanced. Brambly blackberry and cherry provide a fruity contrast to the more coastal-influenced elements that are buoyant throughout in fresh acidity. - VIRGINIE BOONE"
- Wine Enthusiast (November 2020), 93 pts
Eric Flanagan traveled extensively and was fascinated by how grape varieties expressed so differently around the world. In 1999 Eric purchased 40 acres on the side of Bennett Mountain and ...
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