Winemaker Notes
A vibrant ruby red, garnet color, with aromas of lifted red berries, black cherry and fresh strawberry, alongside earth and spice notes of cedar, pink peppercorn and crushed tea leaf, finishing with brown baking spice notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove, characteristics often found in Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noirs. Rich, round and silky with bright acidity and long, fine-grained tannins that suggest the opportunity to age a bit, for further development of the complex layers of flavor.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
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James Suckling
Vivid strawberry and dried-flower aromas here with hints of sandalwood. Medium to full body with firm, creamy tannins and a tangy finish. Opulent. Tight and focused. Pumice and black and white-pepper notes. A pretty wine already, but give it a year or two to open and soften.
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Wine Enthusiast
A well-made, larger production offering, this wine is richly layered in strawberry, raspberry and black tea, the oak slightly sweet and toasty. Smoky overtones provide a hint of game and earth, leading to a cohesive, resolved 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.