Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Pinot Noir Allomi comes from Carneros. Pale to medium ruby-purple, it comes bounding out of the glass like a young, excited puppy with notions of bright Bing cherries, black raspberries, fresh blackberries and mulberries with touches of tar, aniseed, lavender and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with red and black fruits, supported by soft, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with some earthy notes coming through.
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Wine Spectator
Hints of red licorice accent the dried berry and cherry flavors, with medium-grained tannins. Pomegranate and allspice details linger on the finish, with dark chocolate notes.
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.