Winemaker Notes
Our 2021 Estate Pinot Noir reveals a wild berry character defined by succulent notes of blackberry and black tea that roll into layers of hawthorn, plum and wild strawberry. The marriage of both black and red fruits embodies the classic Los Carneros Pinot Noir, bursting with the heightened aromatics and excellent freshness that define our Cuvaison estate vineyard. The flavors are bold and expansive on the palate, while a vibrant acidity heightens the long and harmonious finish.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
When all of the wines in a portfolio seem to excel in every vintage, an entire team is surely to be credited, but Cuvaison winemaker Steven Rogstad deserves top billing. This Pinot is already more complex, integrated, and simpoly delicious than many examples with significantly higher selling prices and advantages in maturity. Its core of Bing cherry, cranberry, and strawberry remains pristine despite ten months of aging in (35% new) French oak barrels. The wood adds spice notes and just a bit of beneficial grip without intruding on the fruit's party.
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Wine Enthusiast
Effusive cherry and raspberry aromas are followed by warm, broad strawberry and cinnamon flavors in this full-bodied, smooth and generous wine.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Deep ruby-garnet in color, this 2021 Cuvaison Pinot Noir opens with alluring aromas of boysenberry, savory spice, and dried earth. Medium-bodied and firm on the palate, it is dry with medium acidity and very good balance. Flavors of red and black fruits mingle with savory spice, mineral undertones, and subtle oak. The finish is medium in intensity and length. Pair this wine with herb-crusted rack of lamb Provençale—the wine’s vibrant acidity and layered spice harmonize beautifully with the dish’s rosemary, thyme, and garlic accents. (Tasted: June 17, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
Juicy and engaging, with a lively gush of mulberry and black cherry compote notes, plus anise, red licorice and violet accents that fill in through the finish. Drink now through 2026. 2,181 cases made.
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.