Winemaker Notes
A vibrant red ruby trending garnet color, aromas of heady red plum, dark cherry and berry confiture dominate, alongside bright fresh fruit with slight bay and thyme, white pepper and slight oak spice. Flavors follow the same pattern, with the familiar cinnamon graham cracker note often found in this wine. Rich and round and showcasing red fruits such as Bing cherry, raspberry with bright acidity and long, fine-grained tannin's that suggest the opportunity to age a bit for further development of complex layers of flavors. Glossy, a bit showy, a fine example of what Grace Benoist Ranch offers.
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.