Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This showcases lovely, sappy cherry and raspberry flavors that are grounded and given greater interest by a rich, mulchy earthiness and also a slight funkiness—like wild mushrooms pan-sauteed in bacon fat.
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Wine Spectator
Marked by spicy anise, dried berry, cedar and mineral flavors that are tight and concentrated, this is medium- to full-bodied, at points dense and concentrated, even chunky, ending with a loamy earth aftertaste.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.