Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir (375ML half-bottle) 2014
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James
Suckling -
Wilfred
Wong -
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Enthusiast
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Winemaker Notes
The richness of this wine pairs well with fatty, rich meats, such as lamb, duck, and stewed curries, as well as artisanal cheeses and wild mushrooms.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Shows some finesse among many full-throttle Carneros pinot noirs. Full body, medium, soft and polished tannins and a juicy finish. Lots of nut and cedar undertones. Drink or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
I am often perplexed when I taste and evaluate Pinot Noir—there are no real prototypes of this grape variety. The wines' nuances run the gamut from tart red to very deep black fruits. In the end, one must go with the hedonistic approach and just let each individual wine reveal itself. The 2014 Saintsbury Pinot Noir does an excellent job of showing off its Napa Carneros roots—ripe fruits that run between red and black, textures that are rather substantial, and herbs that show just an accent of savoriness. (Tasted: June 26, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
Earthy compost and sage provide a rustic undertone to this well-made wine, dotted in cranberry, green tea and a hint of menthol. Medium bodied, it offers velvety texture and body within a graceful structure.
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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.