12 Jan Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Pfendler Vineyards 2019 Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County

A few months ago, I drank the 2019 Pfendler Chardonnay which put a smile on my face. I had been looking forward to enjoying the Pinot Noir and finally opened it this week. Everything I love about Pinot Noir, from a pretty nose to fresh acidity and beautiful texture, was in the Pfendler Vineyards 2019 Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County, the Please The Palate wine of the week.

The talented Erica Stancliff is the winemaker at Pfendler Vineyards and 2019 marks her first vintage with the winery. But, she is not new to the Petaluma Gap, having worked with vineyards in the region to make Trombetta Family Wines. In addition, she is the President of the Board of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance.

The Petaluma Gap is defined by a series of winds that come from morning until evening, with different temperatures. It is these winds that develop the incredible acid found in the wines. These form different acid levels for the wines grown there.

For the 2019 Pfendler Vineyards Pinot Noir, the grapes come from Pfendler’s Helgren Vineyard, the highest of Pfendler’s three estate vineyards. Sitting at 2,200 feet on the mountain top, Helgren is situated above the fog line, offering the greatest sun exposure.

Retailing for $55, the 2019 Pfendler Vineyards Pinot Noir is a bright garnet red. It has a very pretty nose of fresh cherry and violet flowers with a touch of earth and spice. Fresh acidity hits the palate and a lovely texture lingers on the palate. This is a perfect wine to enjoy with a wide range of food, from fish to white meat to red meat to cheeses.