Cirq Bootleggers Hill Pinot Noir 2016
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
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Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Showing similar to last year’s tasting, the 2016 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill is a beauty from Michael Browne that has plenty of kirsch and black cherry notes, medium to full body, a terrific floral and forest floor character, and sweet tannins. It’s opened up slightly since this time last year and should drink nicely for another 7-8 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill is medium ruby in color and has an open nose of spiced cranberries, pomegranate, potpourri and kirsch with nuances of red berry jam, charcuterie and autumn leaves plus a hint of eucalyptus leaf. The palate is medium to full-bodied, lush and flavorful, with a pretty interplay of ripe fruits and earthy nuances. All that flavor is supported by finely grained tannins and integrated freshness, finishing long and layered. Bold, lush and delicious.
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Wine Spectator
A zesty style, with white pepper and spice notes to the raspberry and red plum flavors. The crisp finish offers flinty accents. Drink now through 2021.
Other Vintages
2015-
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Wine
Spectator
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Wine
Spectator
"It has always been my dream to plant a vineyard and make wine from it. Wines that are the highest quality obtainable. Wines that provide a lens on where they were grown. CIRQ is the realization of that dream.” –Michael Browne
The vision for CIRQ first took shape several years ago when Michael Browne & the CIRQ team discovered what they consider to be the best sites in the best region for Pinot Noir; the Russian River Valley. They made the commitment at that time to pour all of their resources into developing these sites.
Browne & Co. bring a high level of focus to the task. They farm two estate vineyards and produce a single estate Pinot Noir from each. Production is extremely limited for the simple reason that CIRQ is an estate-driven program. They’ve done this with one goal in mind: to provide enthusiasts with wines of uncommon breeding that delight their senses and connect them to these special places.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.