Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/961311
36 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } APRIL/MAY 2018 In each issue, the editorial team at The SOMM Journal will deliberate through wine submissions and release final judgment on select wines that garnered scores of at least 90 points. The "joury" will also feature an esteemed guest sommelier. Black Kite 2015 Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, Peta- luma Gap, Sonoma Coast ($60) Hi-toned and ripe dark red fruits, seashells, fresh purple flowers, and sweet, spicy cinna - mon. It's richer in texture, yet the acid is powerful enough to counter the dense red fruit and well-integrated oak. Gap's Crown is proof that Black Kite can make incredible Pinot Noir not only from its estate in Anderson Valley but from other sites as well, particu - larly in the Sonoma Coast. The (New) World of Pinot Noir AS A MEDIA SPONSOR for the World of Pinot Noir held March 2–3 in Santa Barbara, California, The SOMM Journal was summoned to taste more than 100 examples of this beloved variety. Very few entries from outside of the U.S. were received, with most selections hailing from California and Washington State. Twelve outstanding producers were chosen and celebrated during the event at the Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort: They were so good, in fact, that our Publisher/Edito - rial Director Meridith May has chosen to also highlight these exceptional bottlings in this edition of The SOMM Joury. She called upon a handful of guest somm "jourors" to help taste through the litany of labels: Here are our results! PHOTO: COURTESY OF TALBOTT VINEYARDS A view of Sleepy Hollow Vineyard on the Talbott Estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Stephen Ross Founder/Winemaker Stephen Dooley. Stephen Ross 2015 Stone Corral Vine- yard Pinot Noir, Edna Valley ($56) Intensely-bright raspberry, deep, ripe cherry, and dried rose funnels enter a vein of salinity. Stone Corral Vineyard, the flagship site of Stephen Ross, is located in the Edna Valley—one of the coolest winegrowing regions in Califor - nia. This is 20% whole cluster aged 15 months in 50% new French oak. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHEN ROSS WINE CELLARS