Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A change up from the 100% Grenache cuvees of the past, the 2014 Rlf is 100% Pinot Noir, and it's a damn good one as well. Sporting a deeper ruby color and offering up overflowing notes of black raspberries, toasted spice, sweet oak, forest floor and a touch of marine-like saltiness, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, sexy, seamless and layered on the palate, with a terrific finish. Hats off to winemaker Eric Jensen, who's known as a Syrah and Grenache guy, for this smokin' effort. It should drink nicely through 2024 (although there's no need to hold off).
Say the words “Paso Robles Pinot Noir,” and some folks might give you a funny look. After all, the region has become famous for Zinfandel, Cabernet and Rhone varieties like Syrah and Grenache. But Pinot? It turns out, however, that Paso Pinot not only has some history, but a very promising future. As in the field of real estate, it all comes down to location, location, location.
Pinot Noir was made here as early as the 1970’s, with further efforts coming in the 1990’s. But it couldn’t happen just anywhere. Typically the sub-appellations on the Westside, namely Adelaida, Templeton Gap, York Mountain and Willow Creek, which benefit from the cooling effect of the nearby Pacific Ocean, turn out the most impressive Pinot Noir, redolent of red fruit, loamy forest floor and floral tones.