Region: Petaluma Gap (Sonoma Coast, California), United States
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir (Calera & 115 Clones)
Body: Medium
Notes: Black raspberry, tart red cherry, blood orange zest, crushed rose petals, dried sage, and iron-rich volcanic soil, with vibrant coastal acidity, fine-grained mountain tannins, and a long, savory, mineral-driven finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, roasted duck breast with cherry-thyme reduction, wild mushroom ragù, pan-seared salmon, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin
The Producer
Panther Ridge is a high-altitude, boutique estate founded by Suzanne Farver. Perched at 1,000 feet on the western slopes of Sonoma Mountain within the Petaluma Gap AVA, the 7-acre site sits on rugged terrain strewn with massive basalt boulders and pumice-rich volcanic soil. Farmed completely without synthetic chemicals or pesticides since its planting in 2016, the vineyard is Certified Organic and operated under strict biodynamic principles with guidance from Burgundy’s Pierre Millemann. Winemaking is handled in partnership with Adrian Manspeaker (of Joseph Jewell), focusing on minimal-intervention techniques: native yeast fermentations, gentle extraction, neutral oak aging, and bottling without fining or filtration to let the intense mountain-and-coastal site speak for itself.
The Wine
Grown above the fog line where intense high-elevation sun exposure meets howling Pacific ocean winds, the Pinot Noir vines at Panther Ridge produce small, thick-skinned berries with immense concentration and structural acidity. A blend of Calera (providing lift, spice, and floral aromatics) and clone 115 (adding weight, dark fruit, and tannic backbone), the hand-harvested grapes undergo spontaneous wild-yeast fermentation before aging in neutral French oak barrels. The 2020 estate bottling highlights brilliant dark red fruit, high-toned citrus zest, and crushed volcanic rock minerality, supported by taut, silky tannins and an energetic, lingering finish.
Region: Petaluma Gap (Sonoma Coast, California), United States
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir (Calera & 115 Clones)
Body: Medium
Notes: Black raspberry, tart red cherry, blood orange zest, crushed rose petals, dried sage, and iron-rich volcanic soil, with vibrant coastal acidity, fine-grained mountain tannins, and a long, savory, mineral-driven finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, roasted duck breast with cherry-thyme reduction, wild mushroom ragù, pan-seared salmon, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin
The Producer
Panther Ridge is a high-altitude, boutique estate founded by Suzanne Farver. Perched at 1,000 feet on the western slopes of Sonoma Mountain within the Petaluma Gap AVA, the 7-acre site sits on rugged terrain strewn with massive basalt boulders and pumice-rich volcanic soil. Farmed completely without synthetic chemicals or pesticides since its planting in 2016, the vineyard is Certified Organic and operated under strict biodynamic principles with guidance from Burgundy’s Pierre Millemann. Winemaking is handled in partnership with Adrian Manspeaker (of Joseph Jewell), focusing on minimal-intervention techniques: native yeast fermentations, gentle extraction, neutral oak aging, and bottling without fining or filtration to let the intense mountain-and-coastal site speak for itself.
The Wine
Grown above the fog line where intense high-elevation sun exposure meets howling Pacific ocean winds, the Pinot Noir vines at Panther Ridge produce small, thick-skinned berries with immense concentration and structural acidity. A blend of Calera (providing lift, spice, and floral aromatics) and clone 115 (adding weight, dark fruit, and tannic backbone), the hand-harvested grapes undergo spontaneous wild-yeast fermentation before aging in neutral French oak barrels. The 2020 estate bottling highlights brilliant dark red fruit, high-toned citrus zest, and crushed volcanic rock minerality, supported by taut, silky tannins and an energetic, lingering finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.