Crossbarn, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2018

 From grapes sourced from the western side of the Sonoma Coast, closer to the marine influence of the Pacific, this is an alluring wine with floral, cherry, raspberry, Meyer lemon zest aromas and plush flavors of plums, cherries, mingled with spicy cinnamon and sweet fresh herbs.  The juicy fruit is sparked with nervy acidity and framed by polished tannins.  Globe-trotting superstar winemaker Paul Hobbs grew up on a farm in upstate New York.  He got his BS Chemistry at Notre Dame and an MS in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis in the late 1970s.  He then worked at Robert Mondavi Winery and was on the Opus One team.  His next gig was at Simi Winery, working for wine legend Zelma Long and a young wine consultant named Michel Rolland.  Through a classmate with the last name of Catena he was introduced to the wine scene in Argentina, which paved the way to his having his own wineries, including international partnerships and a career of international wine consulting.  The Crossbarn name comes from a structure where he and his siblings played on his family’s farm in upper New York state.  The winery is located in Sebastopol and grapes are sourced from vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations.