Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A pleasantly rich, vibrant Pinot Noir, made in a lighter style. Shows mouth-filling flavors of raspberries, cherries and toasted oak, with a long, spicy finish. Bright acidity makes for a clean, crisp feel.
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Wine Spectator
Impressive for its density and complexity, this is layered, displaying ripe black cherry, mineral, spice and cedar. Medium- to full-bodied, ending with firm tannins and a savory herb and berry edge. Best from 2011 through 2017.
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.