Patz and Hall Winery in Sonoma was founded in 1988 when husband and wife team James Hall and Anne Moses collaborated with their friends and business partners Donald and Heather Patz. They developed an iconic brand and niche in the crafting of expressive, finesse-driven single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from specific vineyard sites. Rather than owning vineyards, James built relationships with esteemed growers, securing high quality fruit from their vineyards. These quintessential growers include Larry Hyde, Gary, Mark and Jeff Pisoni, Lee and George Martinelli, Gail, Steve and Joe Dutton and Charlie Chenoweth. James dedicates his artistic energies crafting prized raw materials into great wines.

The 2021 Patz & Hall Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of the finest expressions from this iconic vineyard site in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The brooding dark garnet color has alluring aromatics of freshly cut garden flowers with jasmine that quickly draw you into the glass. As you gracefully climb in, you are immersed with an assortment of fresh orchard berries, black plum preserves, wild strawberry puree and melted chocolate, all encased in a potpourri of exotic Asian spices. The wealth of silky fruit glides effortlessly across the palate. It is complemented with soft, pillowy tannins with just enough tension and freshness that continue to a lingering finish that leaves you breathless and craving another sip.

By W Peter Hoyne