Winemaker Notes
Rich strawberry and rhubarb aromas delicately interweave with layers of rose hips, steeped Oolong tea and anise. An herbal, almost minty sensation, leads into tones of pie crust and pomegranate. The concentration of this vintage also brings a darker, brooding character while still providing velvety tannins and fresh acidity.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lots of violets, roses and hibiscus with some dried strawberry on the nose. Full-bodied with smoky, smooth tannins and lovely balance and freshness. Hints of smoked meat to the fruit. Firm and bright.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Pinot Noir Ygnacia comes from five massal selections in the Hyde Vineyard, planted in 2020. It was made with destemmed grapes and matured for 18 months in 20% new French oak. It has a medium ruby-purple color and expressive cranberry sauce, red cherries, orange peel, forest floor and mushroom aromas. The light-bodied palate is fresh and chalky, with pure, flinty fruits and a long finish.
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Wine Spectator
Wonderfully rendered, with a lush and inviting wave of griotte, plum puree and raspberry coulis notes that stretch out, while notes of anise, wood spice and red tea fill in. The sleek mineral underpinning adds subtle contrast to the very expressive fruit. Lovely. Drink now
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.