The True Sonoma Coast
Situated in the West Sonoma Coast AVA, Platt Vineyard illustrates the dynamic confluence of the Pacific Ocean, Redwood forests, millions of years of tectonic activity and a rich, thriving ecosystem.
In this dramatic, breathtaking landscape with the high annual rainfall, cool, intense sunlight illuminates brilliant green canopies of vines, deeply rooted in the soft, fine grained sandy Goldridge soils, delivering a decidedly pure and energetic expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The Pacific
Influence
Platt Vineyard is ideally situated less than 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean on a sunny, South facing ridgeline and benefits from a maritime climate. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean results in significantly cooler temperatures during the day and slightly warmer temperatures at night which allows for slow, even ripening while preserving acidity. While the marine influence ensures cool temperatures, the impact of the sun is quite the opposite, radiant and powerful, ensuring full phenolic maturity at more restrained potential alcohol levels.
Dense fog rolls in frequently, moderating temperature extremes and saturating the leaves and surrounding Redwoods with moisture, giving life to the vines during the warmer months.
A range of coastal hills separates Platt from the rugged coastline, acting as a buffer, turning intense marine winds into a cooling breeze and serving as a funnel by which fog and salty air converge on the vines.
Treasured
Goldridge soils
Visiting Platt Vineyard millions of years ago would have required a boat. Part of the Wilson Grove formation, an ancient seabed, the vineyard is located on fine Goldridge soils.
Goldridge soils are yellowish-brown fine-grained sandy loams, known for their excellent drainage, low vigor and ease of cultivation, they are ideal for the production of premium quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The resulting wines are intensely aromatic, pure, and elegant with great length.
A team of industry experts were hired in 2001 and 2002 by Platt to study, prep, and advise on vineyard design and layout. They dug tens of soil pits throughout the vineyard and found that the soils of Platt Vineyard are diverse in their constitution and characteristics but can predominantly be described as Goldridge soils.
A Rare biodiversity
A dense forest of centuries-old coastal Redwoods surrounds the vineyard bringing an abundance of life, cool shade, and an atmosphere of timeless serenity. We feel lucky to be surrounded by these majestic giants. We farm the edges of the vineyard in accordance with the availability of sunlight and embrace the added layer of complexity they impart to the wines.
We are privileged to share this land with a healthy population of native fauna. Hawks, California quail, and vultures are the easiest to spot, but not the only inhabitants of this thriving ecosystem. Depending on the season and time of day, one might also come across deer, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, badgers, turkeys, owls, racoons, mountain lions and bears.
A Diverse Range Of Microclimates
Platt Vineyard sits between 425 and 800 feet of elevation and is divided into 32 blocks. Each block is distinguished by unique characteristics of soil composition, exposure, elevation, and slope. These differences, in addition to the numerous rootstocks and clonal selections, bring a wide variety of components to the blending table and allow for multiple expressions of the site.
The lower portion of the vineyard, which sits at elevations between 425 and 580 feet, is comprised of 9 blocks of Pinot Noir totaling 5 acres of producing vines. This is the coolest section of the vineyard and the most impacted by lingering fog. Generally the last blocks to be harvested, the wines tend to be bright and vibrant with great freshness and energy.
The middle section of the vineyard around the reservoir totals 7 acres of Pinot Noir and 11 acres of Chardonnay. South, South-East and South-West facing blocks straddle the ridge. Both early and later ripening blocks of Pinot Noir can be found in this section, resulting in an array of aromatics, textures and fruit profiles. Chardonnay from this section benefits from a slightly longer hang time as compared to the upper ridge and the wines showcase an extremely complex profile of citrus and stone fruits with great intensity.
Resting at 700 feet and above, there are 7 blocks of Pinot Noir and 3 blocks of Chardonnay on the upper ridge totaling 10 acres. Predominantly South facing and with the best exposure, these blocks benefit from the intense sunlight that shines on Platt. While this section is cooled by the afternoon breeze coming in off the Pacific, it is the first fruit to ripen. The Chardonnays are precise and characterized by lime and citrus notes coupled with salty minerality. The Pinot Noirs develop beautifully. They are defined by their expressive blue and dark fruit tones, perfume and detailed, supple tannins while losing none of the vibrant acidity that defines the site.
