Winemaker Notes
This highly pleasurable, hedonistic Pinot Noir explodes out of the glass—pure fruit, unrestrained from a warm vintage, yet fresh from early overnight harvesting. The palate is supple and generous, layered with black cherries, baking spices, and cola. Brambly and delicious, long and evolving.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from the cooler Los Carneros region of Napa Valley, the 2017 Pinot Noir has classic Pinot Noir character in its spiced cherry, dried flowers, forest floor, and subtle marine and salty nuances. It's medium-bodied, has a rounded, elegant texture, good acidity, and a solid finish. It's an outstanding, pleasure bent effort to drink.
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.