Winemaker Notes
Complex nose of ripe strawberries, leather, cherry liqueur, fresh split cedar, smoke, blackberries, sea salt and carbon. Rounded and broad mouth feel of seamless sweet black fruit, red currant and earth. This is a big pinot noir without being over the top.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Compact, but wonderfully ripe, juicy and pure, with an explosion of pomegranate, cherry, currant and raspberry flavors, which are accented with sage, cedar, spice and tea. Drink now through 2014.
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Wine Enthusiast
Lovely and lilting, like a cloud in a glass. Shows true Pinot essence in the silky texture and rich flavors of cherries, black raspberries, cola, mocha and pepper spice, firmed and toned with crisp Carneros acidity.
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.