Winemaker Notes
This Pinot Blanc initially impresses with high aromatic notes of white flower, lemon peel, almond, pear and green melon backed by a nutty, leesy richness and firm minerality. A succulent roundness on the mid-palate provides contrast while a kiss of salinity adds savoriness. The wine has an expectedly youthful tightness that guarantees it will continue to evolve for some time to come. The mouthwatering finish lingers long after the wine is gone and will have you coming back for more.
Approachable, aromatic and pleasantly plush on the palate, Pinot Blanc is a white grape variety most associated with the Alsace region of France. Although its heritage is Burgundian, today it is rarely found there and instead thrives throughout central Europe, namely Germany and Austria, where it is known as Weissburgunder and Alto Adige where it is called Pinot Bianco. Interestingly, Pinot Blanc was born out of a mutation of the pink-skinned Pinot Gris. Somm Secret—Chardonnay fans looking to try something new would benefit from giving Pinot Blanc a try.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.