Winemaker Notes
This wine begins with a beautiful and intense nose of rhubarb, orange rind, boysenberries, bay leaves and allspice. The palate opens with leather tones, a touch of sweetness and elegant tannins that bring tension and balance to the wine. It is extremely supple and full of depth and complexity.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has a very smoothly delivered array of rich dark cherries and plums, swathed in dark, toasted spices and a rich, supple and round finish.
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.