This vineyard sits high on a rock strewn, windswept hill directly overlooking the Petaluma Gap, the coastal mountain feature that feeds the cool Pacific air into the Russian River basin. Usually the last vineyard we pick each year, this extremely slow ripening site shows deeply fruity aromas of black cherry, plum, and cassis. Notes of sandalwood, moist fresh earth, and a faint waft of ocean spray define this wine as one of the most unique in our lineup. A crowd-pleasing richness is tempered by a fresh beam of mouthwatering acidity. Gap's Crown Vineyard is a very long-lived wine that rewards patient cellaring.

94 pts Jeb Dennuck "More deeply colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown comes from a great site on the Sonoma Coast. It has a rich bouquet of black currants, toasted spice, and earthy notes as well as a powerful, full-bodied style on the palate. This is a big, concentrated effort that has plenty of tannins a big mid-palate, and a great finish, and despite all its richness, it stays nicely balanced and pure. I'm a fan."

Founded in 1988 after assistant winemaker, James Hall, and national sales manager, Donald Patz began a close friendship while working together at Flora Springs Winery and Vineyards. They discovered a mutual enthusiasm for a rich and compelling style of wine made by applying traditional winemaking techniques to fruit from elite, small vineyards. Inspired to combine their winemaking and sales talents, James and Donald joined with partners Anne Moses and Heather Patz, to establish Patz & Hall. 

Patz & Hall has become one of California's most highly regarded wineries with a celebrated portfolio of single-vineyard wines. To achieve their goal of making exceptional limited-production wines the four founders each focused their specialized knowledge and expertise on different areas of the winery's operations. This approach, along with a commitment to developing close personal relationships with many of California's finest growers (Larry Hyde, Lee Hudson and the Martinelli and Pisoni families) became the cornerstones of the winery's success. 

750ML / 14.5% ABV