Winemaker Notes
Aromas of ripe dark fruits, clove and an earthy touch of redwood forest. Approachable on the palate, with layered notes of black cherry, baked plum, blackberry, raspberry, dark chocolate with subtle hints of vanilla and toast. Plush, balanced and velvet-smooth, with a memorable finish.
Blend: 89% Pinot Noir, 11% Zinfandel
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A bold, broad and ripe-tasting red with deep black fruit and dark spice flavors on a full body. Medium tannins add some grip to the texture, as dark plum, baked cherry and clove flavors fill the palate.
Internationally recognized for gorgeous, pure fruit combined with great elegance, California Pinot noir thrives among the state’s cooler, coastal zones. Characterized by eclectic flavors and aromas of strawberry, black cherry, plum and potpourri with notes of forest floor, mushroom or black tea, the best California Pinot noir boast a supple texture and good acidity, giving them the ability to improve with age.
Credited with the beginning of Pinot noir’s glory in California, two growers, Joe Rochioli and Joseph Swan in the late 1960s independently planted Pinot noir vineyards in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. Today Sonoma County remains the leading producer of Pinot noir in the state, and Pinot noir is the leading red grape in the county, achieving its highest potential, in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast.
Other coastal appellations where Pinot noir flourishes include Carneros, Anderson Valley and most of the Central Coast.