2015 La Pitchoune Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

“Grab some glasses!” 

We could barely make out our CEO’s breathless command as he barreled into the office, bottle in hand. 

We’d never seen Joe like this. Normally one to meander desk to desk, chatting about The Office reruns and on-base percentages, he made a beeline for the back conference room. We exchanged looks, then followed.

As soon as we walked in and placed our Riedels on the table, we noticed what Joe was carrying: the 2015 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from La Pitchoune, the boutique producer whose Pinots have graced the lists at wine country Michelin three-star temples The French Laundry and SingleThread. 

Knowing La Pitchoune’s Pinots are made to age exquisitely, we could understand Joe’s enthusiasm for this 2015—and by the time we’d experienced the Pinot’s crush of red fruit, elegant and restrained body, and gorgeous supple texture, we were every bit as excited about it as he was

“Now get this wine,” he said, with a big smile. 

Joe should be careful what he wishes for, because we’ve not only secured the exclusive on this library release of La Pitchoune’s exquisite Pinot, but done it at a massive bargain: 29%. That means our CEO’s precious Pinot will soon be snapped up, which means less for him—but he’s had his share, and we know he’ll be even happier if Wine Access members enjoy it, especially at such a great price.  

Here’s the story: Joe had been visiting his mother-in-law, who is friends with La Pitchoune proprietor Tracy Nielsen and happened to have a case on hand. Over the course of the week, Joe—a massive Pinot Noir fan who’s been collecting Sonoma Coast legends like Kosta Browne for years—found a reason to open multiple bottles a day, paired the Pinot with every dinner, and basically cleaned them out. He even resorted to chicanery to sneak out the half-bottle he brought to the office. 

It’s no surprise it was such a hit, as La Pitchoune has gained a sterling reputation in wine country, and barely makes it out: Sonoma magazine called it “one of the most coveted producers in Sonoma County,” and a good portion is claimed by restaurants like SingleThread and The French Laundry. These Michelin three-star destinations doubtless prize this Pinot for its Burgundian grace and exquisite ageability, which comes from a conscious winemaking choice: The premium fruit is picked early, which results in a higher tannin level and relatively high acidity, two characteristics that mean the wine will thrive in the cellar. 

Now more than four years after harvest, the 2015 La Pitchoune is coming into its own, and leaving a trail of adoring fans—and ever since Joe brought the La Pitchoune in, there’s been a cluster of them in our Napa office. We, Joe included, will be claiming cases for ourselves (if we can), and we’d love for you to join us.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 13.50%
• 30 mins
• Drink Up
• % Pinot Noir
• Serving temperature – 58°
• Cork