2021 MARINE LAYER LYRA SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR Baron Ziegler, co-founder of Banshee Wines, has embarked on a thrilling new venture with Marine Layer. This project is rapidly garnering acclaim for its exceptional quality. Showcasing the Sonoma Coast’s finest vineyards, Marine Layer captures the vibrant fruit essence uniquely expressed in this cool, Pacific Ocean-influenced region. The name “Marine Layer” is a fitting tribute to the dense coastal fog that blankets the vines nightly. This fog creates a precise microclimate that prolongs the grapes’ maturation and intensifies their flavor complexity. Named for one of California’s brightest constellations, the Lyra Pinot Noir mirrors the grapevine's annual cycle, flourishing in spring and culminating in autumn. The 2021 vintage is a harmonious composition of fruit sourced from Marine Layer Vineyard (44%) and Dutton-Gravenstein Vineyard (39%), complemented by contributions from Whistler, Walala, Grand Vent, Gap’s Crown, and Dutton-Jentoft. Crafted with meticulous care, this Pinot Noir underwent fermentation with 35% whole clusters in open-top tanks. Subsequent aging for eleven months in 25% new French oak barrels, followed by gentle lees stirring, culminated in a final blend and bottling. The result is a wine that embodies the spirit of its celestial namesake, delivering a truly extraordinary experience with every sip. Winery Notes: The 2021 Lyra is layered, lifted, and bright, and in our opinion, the epitome of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Bright ruby in color with a nose of violets and rich red berries. The palate shows high-toned red fruits, with layers of red raspberry, cardamom, and citrus peel. With soft and integrated tannins, the 2021 Lyra is perfectly balanced with an elegance often found in some of our favorite wines.