Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Thick tannin's lead to a savory, stemmy edginess of varietal intensity in this medium bodied wine, showing dense layers of black cherry, strawberry and tea. Medium bodied, it settles on the mid palate to offer silky texture and a length of cardamom.
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Wine Spectator
Fleshy and rich-tasting, with fresh acidity and tannins supporting the dried red cherry and raspberry flavors. Minerally in the midpalate, with leafy and forest floor notes on the savory finish. Drink now through 2024. 5,000 cases made.
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.