Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2014 Pinot Noir Anne Katherina Vineyard has a lovely perfume of red roses, violets, red cherries and raspberries with a waft of fragrant earth. Medium-bodied and elegantly crafted on the palate, it has a very fine backbone of grainy tannins and refreshing acidity cutting through the intense flavors, finishing with a lingering perfume. 92+ points
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Wine Enthusiast
From the seven-acre site surrounding the producer's farmhouse in the heart of the appellation, this wine is tart with red fruit and vibrant, spicy acidity. Perfumed rose petal notes fill the glass, revealing a silky texture as it opens.
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Wine Spectator
Dusty, zesty wild berry flavors are joined by savory underbrush and dried herb notes at the core, with a frame of baking spice, anise and cedary oak elements. Drink now through 2022.
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.