Funneled marine wind defines this famed, gravel-laden terrain on a severe slope of Sonoma Mountain positioned in the Petaluma Gap, creating signature structural tannins and mineral characteristics. Gap’s Crown Vineyard sits on a western hillside with northwest exposure just outside the town of Penngrove. The sub-appellation of Petaluma Gap has strong afternoon wind and a reliable dense fog bank, which benefits from the cool microclimate of the area. The nature and speed of the wind make Gap’s Crown distinctive from other winegrowing regions. Winds exceeding 20 miles per hour are not uncommon. This cooling wind tunnel effect prolongs hang times and slows photosynthesis, allowing grapes to reach physiological ripeness at lower sugar levels while maintaining ideal levels of acidity.

2023 AUTEUR GAPS CROWN PINOT NOIR
Sultry cassis, black cherry, and a fresh lilac bouquet emerge over an underbelly of dried leather, clove, and boysenberry. Lifted with rosehip and graphite freshness, an opulent intricacy of layers will continue to age and evolve over the years.

2023  AUTEUR BOLT BLOCK GAPS CROWN PINOT NOIR

95 – Vinous  + Jeb Dunnuck | The 2023 Pinot Noir Gaps Crown Vineyard Bolt Block is exceptional. Structured, polished and precise, the 2023 is so expressive and deftly calibrated. Comprising all 667 clone, the Bolt Block is rich in cherry fruit and large-ish in stature, but it blossoms in the glass with delicate layers of orange peel, licorice, lavender, underbrush and a garrigue-like savoriness. Finesse and expressiveness are dialed all the way up. The 2023 ticks all the right boxes. It’s a fabulous wine in every way.