Winemaker Notes
Medium ruby in color, with incredible saturation, the wine opens on the nose with a burst of graphite, followed by aromas of blackberry and plum. The palate is red-fruit driven, featuring tart cherry, raspberry, red plum, lingonberry and even a hint of melon. Focused yet supported by fully ripe tannins, the mouthfeel is balanced and harmonious.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Bright, lifted and precise aromas of cherries, citrus peel, graphite, strawberries and earth. The palate shows seamlessly integrated fine-grained tannins and a textural, rounded mouthfeel that finishes with a mouthwatering, mineral edge. Very well constructed. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
Earthy aromas of dusty cherry, fried shiitake, cranberry, and forest floor swirl on the nose of this Pinot. The palate delivers on that promise, with dark fruit and spice lingering in a framework of grippy tannin and zippy orange peel acidity. A little time in the cellar will allow this to unfold nicely. Best from 2028-2040.
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Wine Spectator
This shows a more muscular side of Pinot, with density to its mix of plum skin, blackberry reduction and black cherry paste flavors. Streaks of iris and ink add energy and range on the finish. Best from 2027 through 2032.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir was matured for 16 months in 61% new French oak. It has elegant aromas of cranberries, raspberries, aniseed, damp earth and morel mushrooms. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, crunchy flavors framed by dusty tannins and fresh acidity, and it has a long, spicy finish.
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.