California wines from Stéphane Vivier: Vivier Sonoma Coast Pinot 2017 and Vivier Gap’s Crown Vineyard 2018.

Fine Terroir Selections added California wines from Stéphane Vivier, described as a winemaking prodigy from his start in Burgundy through celebrated Napa partnerships. He and his wife Dana launched their eponymous label in 2009, creating Pinot Noirs steeped with Old World mineral elegance for quality wines drinking beautifully now or for cellaring for another decade. No herbicides are used, and sustainable and organic practices maintain the soil ecosystem. Vivier Sonoma Coast Pinot 2017 is created from two vineyards in the Petaluma Gap region, at 12.2% ABV. The primary source is an old farm ranch with heritage Burgundian selections among 30-year-old vines and Pinot from 15-year-old vines at Gap’s Crown Vineyard, on the western hillside of Sonoma Mountain in the most northern part of the Petaluma Gap, 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels, creating an earthy and sweet perfume filled with black cherry, spicy California bay leaves with a sophisticated flavor profile, smooth with tightly knit tannins. Vivier Gap’s Crown Vineyard 2018 is a 100% Pinot Noir, 12.9% ABV, aged 18 months. Floral, subtle and minerally perfumed aromas of light spice, violet, and vibrant red fruits are followed by a dense, elegant and racy palate, showing texture and refinement with fresh raspberry and spice underneath.