Winemaker Notes
In tasting through all the barreled Pinot Noir, Saintsbury is above all looking for those lots that show the right balance of tannin and acid, coupled with fruit flavors that while rich, dark-red and complex, are not overblown. The Carneros bottling delivers distinctive Pinot Noir character of black/sour cherry and spice in a vibrant and elegant wine.
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.