Boars’ View “The Coast” Pinot Noir 2018
Fort Ross–Seaview AVA, Sonoma Coast, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Handcrafted by Thomas Rivers Brown at the dramatic West Sonoma Coast site, this Pinot Noir highlights maritime fog, Goldridge loam soils, and heritage clones. The 2018 “Coast” includes 100% heritage clones—Calera, Mt. Eden, and Swan—meticulously fermented and aged to express both elegance and power.  
Aromas & Flavors
Plush and aromatic: expect cranberry compote, lavender, sandalwood, and hints of violet. On the palate, it delivers black cherry, plum paste, nutmeg, quince, forest floor, and licorice—all layered over a finely tuned mineral edge.  
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined. Silky tannins and well-integrated acidity support rich fruit without heaviness. A harmonious finish unfolds with persistence and grace.  
Winemaking Notes
Destemmed fruit underwent fermentation and then aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new, from François Frères, Remond, and Gauthier cooperages. The result is focused power with nuanced oak influence.  
Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled duck, game birds, roasted pork, or truffle-scented risotto. Its depth and savory complexity also pair beautifully with hearty stews or mushroom-forward dishes. 
Verdict
Boars’ View “The Coast” PINOT NOIR 2018 is a masterclass in West Coast Pinot—intensely flavorful, texturally rich, and meticulously crafted. A cellar-worthy wine with both grace and longevity. A rare Napa-level Pinot Noir priced in the $145–160 range. Cheers! — 3 months ago
Fantastic example of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. On the nose, it’s a fruit bomb but on the palate even more exquisite. Purple violets, black currant, black pepper, Parmesan rind, black raspberry, light forest floor, graphite. Extremely well balanced.so good. — 6 months ago
Quite light garnet wide terracotta , garnet rim. Quite a lot of dry spice , nutmeg , star anis , red cherry, raspberry , red currant , earthy hints . After a while a bit more leafy , smoky on the nose. On the palate this is quite light and direct in style , raspberry , red cherry and those earthy , granite touches . This has fresh acidity and fine , light tannins . Reasonable earthy , spiced finish . Certainly ready and on this showing will probably last ok another 5 or so years. Not the most complex , overall I found it a little pedestrian, but still showing ok , but no need to wait any longer , I don’t see this improving . — a month ago
Complex SB from NZ. Cucumber veggie notes with minerality such as flint etc — 2 months ago
So yummy 😋 — 2 months ago
I really enjoyed this bottle. It evolved steadily, improving, over a few hours. I had it on pizza night but it could easily pair well with heartier fare. Enjoy now or over the next 5+ years. — 6 months ago
Scott E. Becker
[Tasted on November 23, 2025 at Home with Michael, Rachel and Kat]
Raspberry and blackberry fruit, with violet and soft cedar notes. Wine Spectator rated 96 points and rated #4 in its Top 100 of 2025 list. — 11 days ago