The distinctive name, "Marine Layer," pays homage to the thick blanket of fog that pours in from the Pacific along the Sonoma Coast. Known for cooler temperatures and extreme conditions, growing grapes in this region is undoubtedly challenging, yet the most rewarding, as the longer hang-time for grapes results in nuanced flavors, bright acidity and balance. Their "Lyra" bottling is named after one of the oldest and brightest constellations found in the California summer sky, arriving as the vines awaken back to life and departing at harvest. It presides with a watchful eye over the evolution of our Pinot Noir vineyards as they progress through their annual cycle from bud to flower to grape.
Crafted with precision, the 2022 blend showcases the exquisite fruit harvested from the esteemed Marine Layer Vineyard in Sebastopol Hills, intertwined with grapes sourced from select single vineyard sites nestled in the Green Valley and Petaluma Gap sub-AVAs. This blend celebrates the rich diversity found in the varying climates, soils and clonal varieties across these vineyards, and was aged for 11 months in 25% new French oak. This has been one of our top selling Pinot Noirs this year, and it just received a fantastic 94-point score from Jeb Dunnuck!
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "A bright medium ruby color, the nose of the 2023 Pinot Noir Lyra is lifted and fresh, with focused, bright spice notes of ripe cranberries, cinnamon, fresh roses, and bright herbs. Medium-bodied, this carries seamlessly to the palate, with vibrant, fresh energy, fine tannins, and salty fresh accents. A phenomenal value."
VINOUS 92 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir Lyra is a fine introduction to the Marine Layer wines. Spice, crushed flowers, red berry fruit and a kiss of French oak are all laced together. This open-knit, inviting Pinot is irresistible. The 30% stems are not evident—instead, it is the fruit that speaks loudest. What a joyous wine this is."
Crafted with precision, the 2022 blend showcases the exquisite fruit harvested from the esteemed Marine Layer Vineyard in Sebastopol Hills, intertwined with grapes sourced from select single vineyard sites nestled in the Green Valley and Petaluma Gap sub-AVAs. This blend celebrates the rich diversity found in the varying climates, soils and clonal varieties across these vineyards, and was aged for 11 months in 25% new French oak. This has been one of our top selling Pinot Noirs this year, and it just received a fantastic 94-point score from Jeb Dunnuck!
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "A bright medium ruby color, the nose of the 2023 Pinot Noir Lyra is lifted and fresh, with focused, bright spice notes of ripe cranberries, cinnamon, fresh roses, and bright herbs. Medium-bodied, this carries seamlessly to the palate, with vibrant, fresh energy, fine tannins, and salty fresh accents. A phenomenal value."
VINOUS 92 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir Lyra is a fine introduction to the Marine Layer wines. Spice, crushed flowers, red berry fruit and a kiss of French oak are all laced together. This open-knit, inviting Pinot is irresistible. The 30% stems are not evident—instead, it is the fruit that speaks loudest. What a joyous wine this is."
