Winemaker Notes
The 2015 Heirloom Pinot Noir stands out for delicately entwined notes of orange pekoe tea leaves, cherry fruit, forest floor and gingerbread on the nose. Displaying a subtle savory personality, this wine wows with bright, fresh cherry on the palate, woven with a hint of minerality on the finish. With a true buoyancy on the palate, this wine presents great structure, soft tannins and vivid acidity. Its persistent nature narrates great ageing potential as these nuanced aromas and flavors will continue to harmonize with cellaring.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
his is a really fascinating pinot noir with so much spice, meat and dark berry character. Lifted. Wet earth, too. Full body, whole cluster and wild fruit flavors. Goes on and on. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Heirloom is scented of red currants and mulberries with nuances of garrigue, damp soil, black truffles and yeast extract plus a touch of spice box. Medium-bodied, the palate reveals an impressive structure of grainy tannins and racy acidity with tightly wound fruit going earthy into the long finish.
Rating: 94+ -
Wine Enthusiast
Juicy, tart and refreshing in acidity, this wine's core is defined in savory black tea and cardamom, and highlighted with bold swathes of orange zest and strawberry that linger around the spice. Medium bodied, it's well-integrated in oak and moderate concentration.
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.