Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A very solid red offering dried-strawberry, violet and cedar aromas and flavors with hints of oak. Full-bodied, firm and chewy with fantastic length and complexity. Great potential.
Barrel Sample: 95-96 -
Wine Spectator
Succulent griotte, steeped raspberry, incense, black tea and mineral notes weave together in this very focused version, ending with fine detail as nicely embedded and mouthwatering acidity holds the finish. Drink now
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir Ygnacia is scented of cranberries, blueberries and rhubarb with notes of mossy bark, woodsmoke and dried herbs. The light to medium-bodied palate is bright and fresh, with earth-laced fruit and a finely chalky frame, finishing long and lifted.
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.