Winemaker Notes
Wild strawberries, rhubarb, pomegranate and black cherries aromas are all found on the nose. The palate is so silky and smooth with lingering flavors of cranberry, ripe plum and spice. Earth, black tea and dried cherries may pop with age.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Bright and expressive with notes of cherries, cranberries, dried roses and baking spices. The palate is fresh and silky with gentle tannins and lifted red fruit. Balanced and approachable while starting to show some age.
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.