Peay Vineyards is a partnership between Vanessa Wong, and Andy and Nick Peay. Founded in 1998, the 48 acre hilltop vineyard is located in the far northwestern corner of the Sonoma Coast, four miles from the Pacific Ocean. They grow 33 acres of Pinot Noir, 8 acres of Syrah, 5 acres of Chardonnay, and small amounts of Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne. Winemaker Vanessa Wong left her position as winemaker at Peter Michael Winery in 2001 to dedicate her time to launching Peay Vineyards. Nick, a University California Davis-trained and veteran Santa Cruz mountains winemaker is the vineyard manager, while Andy is in charge of sales and marketing.
The wine is a beautiful garnet in color. Dark cherries, flower and tea on the nose. Spicy red fruits, mushrooms, strawberries, a touch of cherry pie and minerals on the palate. Bright, racy acidity. Great mouthfeel. Subtle, silky tannins and a beautiful finish. This is a wine to enjoy over the next 2-4 years.
I previously wrote about Peay in Mailing Lists: Excellent California Wines Without the Wait – this is a winery to keep your eye on. Peay was the San Francisco Chronicle Winery of the Year in 2009, sells fruit to Williams-Selyem and Failla, yet they still fly under the radar. Look for this Pinot Noir.
My rating: 92 points
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Tom, I first tasted Peay wines at dinner Andy Peay hosted in Kansas City in 2010, and they have been a favorite ever since. I especially like the Estate Pinot Noir and Les Titans Syrah. These wines are quintessential cool climate wines from the ‘true’ Sonoma Coast, and I always pick up something from their mailers.
Very cool. I have heard Peay does some exceptional wine dinners.