Pinot Noir is a notoriously fickle variety and one must be ready to accept the challenges that come with farming this grape. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. Belly of the Whale is crafted from Sun Chase Vineyard fruit, located in the southern reaches of the Sonoma Coast appellation, the cool, high elevation slopes that act as a gateway to the rest of Sonoma County's wine country. For this wine, I use 777 clone Pinot, which is cold-soaked for ten days before being fermented on the skins for 21 days. Once complete, I age Belly of the Whale for 10 months in 50% new French oak barrels.Here we cross the threshold where we pass from the world we know into a realm rife with danger. The world grows dark. Inky black raspberry, damp earth, and dried and decaying flowers depict the profile of these grapes born of older Pinot Noir vines. Unfined and unfiltered, this is a wine capable of slumbering in your cellar for 10-15 years. The Belly of the Whale is the Sonoma Coast as you've never seen it before. There's no going back. 250 cases produced. | Bibiana Gonzalez Rave Pisoni for Cattley WinesComing from the Sonoma Coast, the 2019 Pinot Noir Belly of the Whale is a more reserved, inward, and focused wine offering a beautiful blend of spiced red and black fruits intermixed with bouquet garni, crushed stone, and exotic spice-like aromas and flavors. More medium-bodied on the palate, it has a wonderful mid-palate, building yet perfectly ripe tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. This is another remarkable wine from Bibiana Gonzalez Rave. It will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for 10-15 years in cool cellars. Bravo! | 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com