Terra de Promissio
Petaluma Gap AVA, about 4 miles east of downtown Petaluma

Pinot Noir

Producers: Williams Selyem, The Calling, Gary Farrell Winery, Castello di Amerosa, Domaine Della, Dutcher Crossing, Metzker, Waypoint and Land of Promise

Gently rolling hills overlook the Petaluma River, spanning 50 acres kissed by wind and fog flowing from the Sonoma Coast and San Pablo Bay. As the name says, this is "the land of promise." The first 32 acres were planted in 2002, with every row farmed as it is today, customized to each client winemaker's meticulous instructions. The property's Dijon clones produce smaller berries and clusters, but that's what makes the fruit so coveted for it's concentrated flavors and mischievous nature that ambition winemakers love to pamper. Terra De Promissio's own wines (Land of Promise) are so valued that they are allocated almost exclusively to all it's members.

"We get just 5 tons from 2 blocks from this gem of a property, but I love its ideal terrier for its balance of earth and fruit characteristics. The soil, sun exposure, hill elevation, vine density, and the wind and fog of the Petaluma Gap all contribute to the grapes developing a slow maturation and extended hang time. This results in intensely flavored grapes and a chemistry for age worthy wines." - James MacPhail, a winemaker, The Calling.

Three to try:
The Calling 2021 Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir $80
Gary Farrell 2019 Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir $90
Williams Selyem 2022 Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir, $78

Sonoma Magazine, August 25, 2024