2021 Spinning Gold Wines Pinot Noir McDougall Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast 750 ml

There is no Pinot region hotter than the “True” Sonoma Coast, and the top sites typically come with a mile-long waiting list. In most vintages, only cult labels—like Aubert, Drew Family, Hirsch, Kistler, and RAEN—get the grapes.

But in 2021—Wine Spectator’s top-rated California Pinot vintage of all time—Rivers-Marie alum Andy Jones peeled away a few tons of Pinot from the Sonoma Coast’s McDougall Ranch. The site is so coveted that even Pinot juggernaut HIRSCH is a client, and with his windfall, Jones crafted an absolutely EXTRAORDINARY wine. 

Andy Jones began his love affair with Pinot Noir working in restaurants. In 2008 he had the stroke of luck to connect with Thomas Rivers Brown with an internship at Outpost, and over the next 15 years he got a masterclass in winemaking at Thomas Rivers Brown’s side, taking increasingly responsible roles at wineries like Rivers-Marie and the mysterious, culty Theorem. 

He came well-prepared for this vineyard. Planted in 1998 by legendary vineyardist Warren Dutton, the massive redwoods tower above McDougall, while the mighty Pacific serves up fierce winds untouched for thousands of miles. In 2021, this blustery, marginal climate delivered a Pinot that reflects this startling setting in thrilling detail.

Sweeping, powerful Pinot, this strikes a dark garnet cast in the glass. Its aromas are led by a generous dose of dark cherry with a hint of raspberry wrapped in lush red roses and kola nut spice. The mouthfeel is full and round, with dark and red fruit, and acidity that overlays silky tannin and a generously long finish.