Introduction
L’Usine Annapolis Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 is a testament to the exceptional, cool-climate potential of the Annapolis Vineyard, located in the extreme western reaches of the Sonoma Coast AVA. This singular site is highly prized for its unique combination of elevation, direct coastal influence, and diverse soils, which provide ideal conditions for cultivating world-class Pinot Noir with distinct personality. “L’Usine,” meaning “the factory” in French, is the micro-production project of acclaimed winemaker Austin Peterson, who meticulously crafts limited-edition wines that showcase the pure essence of their vineyard sources. The 2018 vintage in Sonoma Coast was particularly lauded for its long, even growing season, resulting in wines of remarkable balance, concentration, and vibrancy, positioning this L’Usine Pinot Noir as a profound expression of its elite terroir.
Character Description
The L’Usine Annapolis Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 displays a brilliant, luminous ruby-red hue, indicating its purity and finesse. It offers an intensely aromatic and captivating bouquet of fresh red berries—wild raspberry, tart cherry, and cranberry—elegantly interwoven with complex notes of forest floor, dried rose petals, a subtle hint of savory spice, and a distinctive minerality that speaks of its coastal origin. On the palate, it delivers a medium-bodied and beautifully silky texture, with vibrant red fruit flavors that mirror the nose. It’s supported by fine-grained, integrated tannins that provide structure and a long, graceful finish, balanced by a bright, refreshing acidity that ensures liveliness and remarkable precision. The finish is persistent, clean, and exceptionally elegant, leaving a lingering impression of pure fruit, savory depth, and the unique character of this extraordinary Sonoma Coast vineyard.
Perfect Pairings
This versatile and elegant Annapolis Vineyard Pinot Noir is an exceptional partner for a wide range of refined and flavorful dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted duck breast, pan-seared salmon or tuna, and mushroom-based dishes like truffle risotto or wild mushroom tarts. Its earthy nuances and vibrant acidity also make it an ideal accompaniment to pork tenderloin with fruit compote, charcuterie boards with mild cheeses, or lighter game birds such as quail. The wine’s approachable yet sophisticated profile makes it a fantastic choice for a casual dinner, a celebratory gathering, or for those who appreciate the expressive charm and subtle power of a cool-climate, terroir-driven Pinot Noir. Decanting for 30 minutes can further enhance its aromatic profile.
About the Winery
L’Usine (meaning “the factory”) is the passion project of Austin Peterson, widely recognized for his role as winemaker at the prestigious Ovid Napa Valley. With L’Usine, Peterson applies his precise, hands-on, and often minimalist winemaking philosophy to select, exceptional vineyard sites, primarily focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California’s premier cool-climate regions. The “factory” name is an ironic nod to their artisanal, small-batch approach, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail from the vineyard to the bottle, rather than mass production. L’Usine’s commitment is to produce limited quantities of highly expressive, terroir-driven wines that showcase the purity of the fruit and the distinct characteristics of their chosen sites, reflecting a dedication to crafting wines of true individuality, elegance, and profound sense of place.
