2023 Salty Goats Coastline Pinot Noir

94 POINTS: The 2023 Salty Goats 'Coastline Project’ Pinot Noir blends grapes from Fort Ross-Seaview (Red Car Estate), Lucky Well (Occidental), and Flochinni (Petaluma Gap). Native yeast fermented in a mix of open and closed-top bins, the wine spent 14 days on skins, underwent malolactic fermentation in a barrel, and includes 25% whole cluster. It was aged for 12 months in 20% new French oak, with no rackings, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fantastically fresh and inviting, this Pinot Noir showcases salty, vibrant character with espresso bean nuances, loamy earth, and crunchy red cherry and spiced plum fruit. Excellent, velvety tannins support a medium-bodied palate with cola spices, kirsch, and blood orange acidity, accented by clove and allspice. Gorgeous rose petal floral notes emerge on the finish. One to seek out, this wine is the brainchild of partner winemakers Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook, who have been making wine together at Nickel & Nickel for nearly a decade. While passionate about Napa Cabernet, their after-hours preference for lighter wines like Pinot Noir inspired them to launch Salty Goats in 2020 as an outlet for experimenting with their favourite varieties.