Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Tony Soter is at the top of his game, consistently turning out wines that outperform the competition. His '03 Pinot isn't quite as monumental as the '02 Heirloom, but is a fabulous wine, fresh and complex, utterly drinkable now but with a probable life ahead. It's dry and tart in beef bouillon, cherry tomato flavors, with a sweet cherry-raspberry and spicy oak edge, and a transparent, elegant quality.
Editors' Choice
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.