Winemaker Notes
The opulence of the 2017 vintage is expressed with ripe black cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and red currant flavors, with secondary notes of rose, cedar, forest floor, clove, star anise, orange peel and a touch of dried porcini. Though this wine has been released with years of bottle age, it still shows a youthful, vibrant character with an elegant, round mid-palate and a long bright finish. It is a Pinot Noir for all occasions but is a particularly well suited dinner companion to simple roast meats from chicken to lamb, root vegetables, anything with mushrooms and even richer preparations of fish like cedar plank salmon or a classic turbot.
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.