Winemaker Notes
The 2015 Au Contraire Lawler Vineyard Pinot Noir is a dark ruby color in appearance. Pronounced aromas of fresh cherry, tea and baking spice. French oak aging lends notes of sarsaparilla and cola nut. The palate is broad and lush with roundness and purity of fruit.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine offers expressive tones of strawberry, leather and jam, with a full-bodied, rich approach. A creamy, velvety quality unfolds on the palate, supported by brawny tannins.
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Wine Spectator
Finely textured, with a rich array of ripe dark cherry and plum flavors that are matched to Asian spice notes. Chocolate and cream details show on the plush finish.
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.