Cobb Vineyards Pinot Noir Emmaline Ann Vineyard 2018

If you’re looking for the quintessential expression of the true Sonoma Coast, look no further than Ross Cobb’s Emmaline Ann Vineyard. This tiny, three-acre parcel sits perched on a hillside near Freestone, surrounded by towering redwoods and Douglas firs that keep the air cool and the fruit vibrant. Ross, a veteran of Flowers and Hirsch, knows this rugged terrain better than just about anyone, and it shows in the bottle.

The 2018 vintage is a study in transparency and poise. While many California Pinots lean into the big and bold category, Cobb takes the opposite path, favoring early picking to preserve the grape’s natural acidity and delicate secondary aromas. On the nose, it’s a fragrant bouquet of wild raspberry, bing cherry, and crushed rose petals, underscored by that distinct forest floor earthiness and a whisper of black tea.

The palate is where the magic really happens. It’s light on its feet but carries incredible tension. You’ll find layers of tart pomegranate, blood orange peel, and savory herbs (think sweet sage) supported by ultra-fine, velvety tannins. At roughly 13% alcohol, it’s a wine of flavor without weight—a cerebral, elegant red that makes a lasting impression without ever raising its voice.