Two friends who each pursued their true calling in life, Jim Nantz and Peter Deutsch, have created a wine in the spirit of their shared passion for exceptional wine and their regard for craftsmanship. Each vintage we carefully select the best single-vineyard wine from across all our vineyards, and that bottling becomes our finest expression of Pinot Noir. It is quite literally The Patriarch of our family of Pinot Noirs as well as an homage to our own patriarchs who taught us to pursue our Calling.
This very special library vertical includes one bottle of The Patriarch each from three exceptional recent vintages: 2014, 2015, and 2016. Each scoring over 90 points, we invite you to enjoy a trip backwards through time in Sonoma County, where we hone our winemaking craft in tribute to those who came before.
A classic bouquet of dark fruit and Christmas spices. The same flavors return on the palate along with a touch of pepper, forest floor and lovely leathery tannins.
Fox Den Vineyards sits on the Western boundary of the Green Valley AVA in the Russian River Valley, 12 miles from the coast. The microclimate has moderate daytime temperatures, cool nights, and early-morning fog, resulting in a long growing season that is perfect for Pinot Noir. The grapes boast good sugar levels, ripe tannins, and high acid, resulting in dense and complex wines.
A complex wine with red berries, black plum and flower petals supported by darker notes of dried herbs, cedar, clove, allspice, dried citrus peel and forest floor. Full-bodied with stony minerality and grippy tannins.
The bright ruby red color hints at the red raspberry, fresh red plum and wild cherry aromas with notes of white pepper and rose petal. The red plum, cherry and strawberry on the palate are complemented by orange peel, white pepper and a note of salinity. The overall effect is clean, crisp and brightly fruit-driven Pinot Noir with everything in balance.
The aromas are rich and concentrated with dark blue fruit and plum layered over dark chocolate and peppery oak. The palate is powerful and intense with layers of blackberry, roasted coffee and hints of bacon.
This is a full-bodied Pinot with an elegant array of rich, bold aromatics and flavors: cloves, white pepper, red fruits and forest floor. This wine can hold up to richer dishes thanks to the excellence of the vintage.
Concentrated fruit and floral notes on the nose. On the palate, flavors of red cherry, boysenberry, tobacco and a hint of licorice are well balanced with refreshing acidity and elegant tannins.
Subtle new oak notes with bright Bing cherry, white pepper and clove. On the palate, cranberry, pomegranate and red raspberry wrap together with spiciness that is classic to the region. The wine is lush, mid-weight and has a long finish.
