Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This very interesting wine treads a delicate balance between exuberantly ripe persimmons and cherries, and earthier notes of red tomatoes. But those tomatoes are rich and satisfying, like summer heirloom varieties picked fresh off the vine that are sweet as a peaches. Veteran Stemmler, who can usually be depended on to turn out serious Pinot Noir, has succeeded here, giving us a delicious wine for drinking now, but one whose balance should protect it for 6–8 years.
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.