Winemaker Notes
Showcasing hallmark dark fruits and bracing acidity, this Pinot Noir is classic Carneros. The complex aromatics have it all—underforest earthiness with a core of black cherry and baking spices, complemented by flinty minerality. Velvety on the palate, the wine is perfectly weighted with incredible natural acidity and a long, evolving finish. One of our favorites from a truly outstanding vintage.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of wild forest berries, cloves, soil and button mushrooms. Fresh violets, too. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins. Silky and fresh with a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The appellation 2018 Pinot Noir Carneros is a terrific wine, offering lots of mulled strawberries, sassafras, spring flowers, and foresty aromas and flavors. It's lightly textured, medium-bodied, and elegant on the palate, with plenty of character. It actually reminds me of a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir with its lively, floral, very elegant style.
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.