Winemaker Notes
Rose petals, hawthorn, wild strawberry and plum mingle with hints of cola, black tea and licorice. On the palate, dark fruits of blackberry and black cherry take the lead, with lovely jam notes, a notion of sassafras and a long, supple, velvety ?nish.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
This is an expansive and richly layered red, dense in black cherry and plum with seasonings of baking spice, molasses and cola. Approachable in style, it will appeal to a wide swath of palates and settings.
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.