Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Pinot Noir emerges from the glass with layers of perfumed red fruit and sweet spices. This fleshy, generous Pinot is best enjoyed over the next few years, while the fruit retains its juicy exuberance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.
88+ Points -
Wine Spectator
Trim and spicy, offering a band of black cherry, mineral, cedar and black licorice flavors. Elegant and medium- to full-bodied, this is clean and cleansing on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 15,000 cases made.
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.