Winemaker Notes
The 2010 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir is medium ruby in color, with just a hint of the garnet hue so typical of Carneros. The nose shows aromas of black cherry, raspberry, lilac, blackberry and sassafras. The palate echoes these berry and cherry notes, but shows an earthier, iron-like quality along with pomegranate, blueberry and vanilla. Deftly combining earthiness and fresh fruit, this brooding wine is lifted by wonderful acidity, and finishes with a lingering raspberry flavor.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Offers ebullient raspberry and black cherry flavors that are ripe and seductive, with spice, loam and sandalwood details. Notes of cassis, raspberry jam and red licorice crescendo on the long finish, with very refined tannins. Drink now through 2023. 589 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.