2023 Upwell Pinot Noir, North Coast, California, USA

ABOUT THE WINE

The 2023 Upwell Pinot Noir is quintessentially vibrant — showcasing a bright core of red fruit flavors like raspberry, cranberry, and Bing cherry, layered with gentle notes of forest floor, raspberry leaf, and a touch of baking spice. On the palate it’s elegantly textured with fine, integrated tannins and refreshing acidity that keeps the wine lively without ever feeling sharp. The North Coast designation reflects fruit sourced from cooler coastal‑influenced sites across Sonoma and adjacent California AVAs, allowing the delicate Pinot Noir aromatics to express themselves clearly.

This vintage was harvested with careful attention to timing, ensuring balanced sugar and acidity levels — a hallmark of cool‑climate Pinot. The wine spent the appropriate time on skins to build just enough structure while retaining elegance, and was aged in a mix of French oak (primarily neutral) to support complexity without overwhelming the varietal purity.

Food Pairings: roast duck with cherry gastrique, grilled salmon with herb beurre blanc, mushroom risotto, or a simple cheese board with brie and aged gouda.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Upwell represents a modern California producer focused on crafting wines that emphasize purity, balance, and site expression. With roots in the North Coast — a diverse and climatically dynamic region — the winery works with growers who practice sustainable vineyard management, aiming for healthy canopies, low yields, and fruit that reflects its terroir. Upwell’s winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention: gentle handling, careful fermentations tailored to each lot, and judicious use of oak to elevate rather than mask the fruit.

The result is a portfolio of wines that feel approachable yet nuanced, embodying both the vibrancy of California fruit and the finesse that Pinot Noir demands. Upwell’s commitment is to make wines that appeal to both everyday enjoyment and thoughtful sipping.