Bottle Briefing: Canihan Family Winery with Patrick Schmitt MW
In db‘s latest video, Patrick Schmitt MW tastes five wines from Sonoma Valley producer Canihan Family Winery, having discovered the estate at The Global Pinot Noir Masters.
Canihan Family Winery was founded in 2006 by Bill Canihan Jr., though the oenological connection extends three generations back to Switzerland. Bill’s grandfather, August Siegriest worked in Swiss vineyards before emigrating to the US aged 17. A focus on cool-climate varieties, particularly its award-winning Pinot Noirs, connects the estate and the family heritage to this day.
Now, Canihan Family Winery is known for its high-quality wines and focus on sustainable viticulture. The estate is fully organic and prioritises careful land management, such as using no irrigation (even in Sonoma’s dry climate) to encourage low-yielding vines with impressive intensity.
In this video, Schmitt explores the winery’s range, encompassing its widely regarded Pinot Noirs as well as Chardonnay, traditional method sparkling and a peppery Syrah. In doing so, he explores the impact of cool climate viticulture on these Californian wines and how international varieties can find unique expressions in Sonoma Valley.
Wines Tasted:
- Canihan Rosé – 100% Pinot Noir
- Canihan Sparkling Brut Nature (traditional method)
- Canihan Chardonnay
- Canihan Pinot Noir
- Canihan Exuberance Syrah
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