Winemaker Notes
It’s a vibrant, fruit driven expression of Carneros and a favorite of early Scribe followers.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Positively gorgeous, bursting with pure red berry fruit, rich cedarwood spices, a hint of black truffle and deep forest underbrush with soaring tannins on the palate that are neatly compact and tightly framed together, underscored by racy, crisp and crunchy acidity. A dynamic, brooding wine with a lightness that comes from the bright acid tension.
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.