Charles Krug Carneros Pinot Noir 2018
-
James
Suckling
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This elegant, medium-bodied wine features an attractive bouquet of cola, dried cherries and cranberries, and toasted brown sugar. Flavors of baked cherries, tobacco leaf follow with bright hints of cola on the lingering finish.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Plums and strawberries with chocolate and cedar. Some fresh herbs. Full body, round tannins and a juicy finish. Chewy, yet so delicious. Rich, yet well formed and tense. Drink or hold.
Other Vintages
2017-
James
Suckling
In 1861, Charles Krug, the visionary father of Napa Valley winemaking, established the winery that started it all. In 1943, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased this iconic estate and continued to build on its reputation for innovation and uncompromising quality. Their son, Peter Mondavi Sr., carried on this tradition remaining active in the winery until his passing in 2016 at the age of 101.
Today his two sons–Peter Jr. and Marc–steward the family business as co-proprietors intent on building a lasting legacy for their children and those generations still to come. 2018 marked the 75th Anniversary of four generations of Mondavi Family ownership of Charles Krug.
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.