Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
A variety you don’t see often in Napa, the 2017 Gamay Noir is nevertheless terrific and would stand beside any number of top Pinot Noirs, both from France and California. Lots of cherry and strawberry fruits, some integrated stems, and plenty of spice all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant on the palate. Count me impressed. This wine was aged a year in 30% new barrels, and I suspect it will evolve for at least 4-6 years.
Delightfully playful, but also capable of impressive gravitas, Gamay is responsible for juicy, berry-packed wines. From Beaujolais, Gamay generally has three classes: Beaujolais Nouveau, a decidedly young, fruit-driven wine, Beaujolais Villages and Cru Beaujolais. The Villages and Crus are highly ranked grape growing communes whose wines are capable of improving with age whereas Nouveau, released two months after harvest, is intended for immediate consumption. Somm Secret—The ten different Crus have their own distinct personalities—Fleurie is delicate and floral, Côte de Brouilly is concentrated and elegant and Morgon is structured and age-worthy.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.