COBB Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Block Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast 2018 Bottle (los)

Description

Cobb Wines presents a masterpiece of the Sonoma Coast with this 2018 Old Firs Block Pinot Noir. Hailing from one of their oldest vineyard blocks planted in 1989, it offers a distinct sense of place. The nose is captivating, featuring aromas of crushed pine needles, savoury herbs, and wild dark cherries. On the palate, it displays incredible elegance and structure. Notes of pomegranate, spiced plum, and damp earth weave together, supported by vibrant acidity and fine tannins. It is not a heavy wine but one of finesse and tension. The finish is long and mineral driven, leaving a lingering impression of the forest floor. This is cool climate Pinot Noir at its absolute finest.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 95+ points
Drink Date: 2022 - 2033
The 2018 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Block comes from vines planted in 1989. Various clones are planted on AXR1 rootstock, including Wadenswil, Pommard and Martini. Despite the rootstock, Ross Cobb notes that the vines are unaffected by phylloxera. "We are very isolated out here, and those old clones are doing fine." The vines produced a singular rendition in 2018, with alluring scents of pipe tobacco, dried orange peel and dusty earth and a core of pretty raspberry and blueberry fruit. The palate is bright and saline-focused at this early stage, expertly structured with shimmering acidity, silty tannins and an ethereal, spice-laced finish. It’s shy but hints at more to come, so give it 2-3 years in bottle.

VINOUS 94+ points
Drinking window: 2024 - 2033
The 2018 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Block is a powerful, incisive wine from vines first planted in 1989 with Martini and Wadensvil clones. A powerful, savory wine, the 2018 is going to need a number of years to soften. Dark cherry, tobacco, leather, cedar and spice add layers of nuance, but the 2018 is very much a wine for the cellar. The 60% whole cluster add quite a bit of aromatic complexity as the wine starts to open. Readers should be in no rush.

DECANTER 94 points
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2041
This site typically shows off power and persistence with a deft touch, and the excellent, drama-free 2018 vintage follows suit. Aromas of rose petals, hibiscus and bay laurel are followed by a palate that's simultaneously dense, compacted and vibrant, with an energetic and ever-evolving finish.