The Wonderland Project 'The Two Kings' Pinot Noir, Sonoma County

Fresh Bing cherry and crushed raspberry rise first, followed by wild chaparral and a subtle thread of Assam tea, giving The Wonderland Project 'The Two Kings' Pinot Noir, Sonoma County 2023 an aromatic profile that is both lifted and quietly savory. For this new vintage, Matt Ahern expands the blend to six vineyard sources across Sonoma Valley and Carneros, building on the foundation of the 2022 while deepening site complexity. The result continues The Wonderland Project’s core philosophy, organically farmed sourcing, minimal intervention, and wines shaped to express season over cellar imprint.

Product Details:

• Owner & Winemaker: Matt Ahern
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vineyards: Los Chamizal, Brooklime, Durell Vineyard, Leveroni Vineyard, Gloria Ferrer, plus one additional Sonoma Valley site
  
• Clones: 777, Mt. Eden, Wadenswil
  
• Farming Practices: Organically farmed fruit, including Los Chamizal
  
• Harvest Dates: September 21 to October 24, 2023
  
• Fermentation: Stainless steel open-top tanks, 0 to 50% whole cluster depending on lot
  
• Aging: 6 months in 100% neutral oak barrels
  
• Bottling Date: May 21, 2024
  
• Alcohol: 13.5%
  
• Residual Sugar: 0.0 g/L
  
• pH: 3.71
  
• TA: 5.3 g/L
  
• Brix at Harvest: 23.1
  
• Yield: 3.5 tons per acre
  
• Production: 1430 cases

Sensory Description:

The 2023 vintage stands in clear contrast to the 2022. Where 2022 leaned riper and more immediately plush, shaped by a warmer and more compressed season, 2023 unfolds with greater aromatic lift and structural poise. A winter of saturating rains, a cool spring, and a long, temperate summer extended hang time and encouraged gradual ripening. That slower arc shows in the wine’s clarity of fruit and measured alcohol. Red cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry form the core, while chaparral, dried rose petal, and black tea add dimension. The modest whole-cluster inclusion contributes a fine herbal lift and gentle tannic weave rather than overt stemminess. With neutral barrel aging preserving transparency, the palate feels linear and energetic, finishing with bright acidity and a lightly savory, mouthwatering edge that underscores its Sonoma Valley and Carneros breadth without excess weight.

Producer’s Background:

Founded in 2010 by former sommelier and wine broker Matt Ahern, The Wonderland Project is rooted in the belief that thoughtful sourcing and restrained cellar work yield wines of authenticity and balance. Ahern focuses on organically farmed vineyards and avoids heavy oak influence, preferring neutral barrels and transparent élevage. The Two Kings serves as his Sonoma County Pinot Noir benchmark, designed to remain consistent in intent while clearly articulating the personality of each vintage.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in a Burgundy bowl to emphasize aromatic nuance and texture. The 2023’s freshness and savory detail pair beautifully with roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin with herbs, or lentil and root vegetable dishes. Its fine tannins and bright acidity also complement soft-rind cheeses and charcuterie.