Wild strawberry, evergreen tree, radiant red cherry. Orange peel, ocean fog, fresh red currant. Juicy cranberry, tart raspberry, and pomegranate arils elegantly converge with cherry blossom, sea spray, and pine needle in a delicate explosion of fresh and lively aromatics. Notes of wildflowers, tea leaf, and rose petal advance the bright and whimsical perfume as impressions of coastal redwoods and clean forest air provide a sense of remarkably terroir-influenced purity. Allspice, coriander, caraway seed, and clove highlight a subtle yet intricate dusting of spice that dances amidst hints of salinity and sandy loam. Youthful and energetic on the palate while remaining more pretty than powerful; exhibiting incredible complexity and restraint along with a distinctly ethereal quality that will surely continue to blossom with age. Medium in body with moderate tannin and wonderfully elevated acidity. This 2018 "Lyra" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir by Marine Layer Wines is a beautifully vibrant and expressive red from Sonoma County.

Adventurous producers are pushing the boundaries of grape growing along the edges of California's Sonoma Coast, and the wine they shape from these secluded cool climate sites is quickly redefining the style of the region. This bottling, crafted by Marine Layer Wines using Pinot Noir sourced from 5 select vineyards around the Sonoma Coast, wonderfully showcases the fresher and more dynamic style of Pinot Noir that only Sonoma's coldest and most coastal corners can create. This wine bursts with bright and expressive fruit yet remains wonderfully tart and delicate, eschewing excess saturation or ripeness in pursuit of balance and finesse. It is quite primary at this stage with an exciting and enjoyably youthful crunch, and would certainly benefit from a few years of cellar age. Very well done.