Winemaker Notes
The bouquet is filled with sweet red cherry, orange peel and toffee, with earthy notes adding to the complex aromatic profile. The palate texture is sleek and filled with raspberry, red currant and mocha flavors. A roasted oak note carries the wine through an extended finish.
Delicious with grilled salmon, rack of lamb, duck breast with dried cherries, wild mushroom ragout and slowroasted ribs.
Professional Ratings
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.