Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Carneros Estate opens with a note of sassafras and salty air that seems to be the signature of our terroir, which is joined by aromas of Bing cherry, fresh red currant, raspberry, pomegranate, and subtle notes of marzipan and rosemary. Juicy black cherry, berry, and plum aromas dominate the palate, with subtle dried herb notes. While still tight at this young age, there is massive concentration and depth, with structure and a surprising delicacy that suggests the wine has a long life ahead of it.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A bold and rounder fruit expression with some lifted red fruit and very velvety, silky-smooth texture on the palate. Ripe red-cherry and spicy plum finish. Impressive power here. Drink or hold.
-
Jeb Dunnuck
From the southern end of Napa Valley in the cooler Carneros AVA, the 2016 Pinot Noir Carneros Estate is a blend of both younger and older vines and spent 16 months in 55% new French oak. It’s another classic, balanced wine from this estate and has a beautiful array of spice, forest floor, black cherries, and black raspberries on the nose. Fully destemmed, it shines for its purity of fruit and overall classic style. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir (aged in 62% new French oak) is medium ruby-purple colored with beautiful black and red cherries, mulberries and dried herbs with touches of cinnamon stick and lavender. The palate is medium-bodied, fine, fresh and elegant with an alluring chewy frame and great freshness on the finish.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This is an intensely earthy wine, rich in forest floor, grilled mushroom, black tea and rose aromas. The core of the wine is fleshy and full bodied, with black currant and cassis fruits.
-
Wine Spectator
This offers tensile, grippy flavors of roasted plum and dried raspberry, with hints of pomegranate. Cola and spice details show on the finish. Drink now through 2022.
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.