Steele Carneros Pinot Noir 2016
-
Wilfred
Wong
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The Carneros vineyard, given its coastal influence, produces a wine with bright strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced with hints of tea and cola. The approach for Carneros Pinot Noir has always been to produce a classically-styled “pinot-lover’s pinot”, with moderate oak, high-tone fruit flavors, a rich nose, juicy palate, and long finish.
A favorite pairing for this wine is a wild mushroom risotto, or a cheese plate as this Pinot will pair nicely with a wide variety of cheeses. Try with a creamy Blue, a mature Gouda, or a nice Gruyere
Professional Ratings
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Steele Carneros Pinot Noir shows elegance that is often a marker of excellent Pinots from this AVA. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits dried red fruit, rustic spices, and a touch of oak in its aromas and flavors. Served it with roast chicken in a mix with arugula, baby spinach, and other garden greens. (Tasted; January 23, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
2001-
Wine
Spectator
-
Wine
Spectator
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.