Winemaker Notes
Medium light in color, this Pinot Noir teases the nose with dried raspberries, then builds allspice, clove, and nutmeg, evolving into fresh baked strawberry-rhubarb pie. Bing cherry, root beer, and vanilla provide grace notes. On the palate this is quintessentially Carneros and classically Poseidon Vineyard: medium weight,
not overly aggressive, with well-balanced fruit and spice that mimic the aromas, with an added touch of soy and Sassafras. The acidity leaves the finish clean and fresh while the spice notes continue their echo.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Floral, herbaceous aromas join ripe plum and dried cherry flavors in this full-bodied, broad and generous wine. Subtle spicy notes come from 30% new Hungarian barrels
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.