Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Smoky, Burgundian-like notes emerge from the 2012 Pinot Noir Ahmann Estate Vineyard, which is made from the Dijon clones 667 and 777, Calera, California Heritage clone of Swan, Wadenswill and Pommard clones. One-third new oak was used. The result is a wine that exhibits lots of black currant and black raspberry fruit intermixed with hints of mocha and wood smoke. This deep, rich, medium to full-bodied, impressive Pinot Noir can be drunk now and over the next 4-5 years.
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.