Lot #22 Emeritus Vineyards

“First Light” is a one-of-a-kind wine sourced from the estate’s Pinot Hill vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills. This unique site lies at the convergence of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Petaluma Gap AVAs, nestled in a fog channel where coastal fog first sweeps inland each afternoon and lingers until late morning. Pinot Hill is bathed in sunlight for only a few hours each day, creating ideal conditions for growing exceptional Pinot Noir. For this exclusive lot, Emeritus selected a single block planted to the revered Hyde selection, located on the vineyard’s eastern slope. This block receives only the soft, diffused morning sunlight, filtered through the persistent fog, producing a wine of remarkable elegance, complexity, and a true expression of this singular terroir. “First Light” represents the first glimmer of sunlight visible over the horizon, a moment filled with potential and promise.

Emeritus Vineyards celebrated their 25th anniversary as a company in 2025 and their 20th vintage as a winery. Brice Cutrer Jones founded Emeritus in 1999 when he purchased Hallberg Ranch. Today, the legacy continues under the leadership of Brice’s daughter, Mari Jones. She is joined by an incredible team, including Vineyard Manager Riggs Lokka and Winemaker Keith Hammond.

This low alcohol wine is characterized by a delicate balance of floral, spicy, and herbaceous notes. At its core, it reveals rich dark red fruits, with complexity and elegance. Being aged in a single, once-used barrel allows the wine to reflect not only the unique terroir of Pinot Hill but also the essence of its namesake.

WINEMAKER(S): Keith Hammond

ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: July 2025
ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: December 2025

National Distribution: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, WA, Washington, DC

International Distribution: Includes Canada, Denmark, Japan, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.

A winemaker dinner or store visit is offered in your market as part of this lot. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date.