Trail Marker Wine Co. Saveria Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
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Robert
Parker -
Wilfred
Wong
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Saveria Vineyard Pinot Noir has a totally seductive nose of black raspberries, black cherries and redcurrants with touches of violets, roses and Provence herbs. Medium-bodied, lively and with a beautifully plush texture with a hint of compelling chew, it has layer upon layer of savory and earthy flavors and a long, perfumed finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: When I think about Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noirs, I visualize wines of power and richness. Sometimes, the wines are too big. The 2016 Trail Marker Saveria Vineyard is quite the opposite, and quite refreshing change of pace. TASTING NOTES: This wine is bright and savory. Its aromas and flavors of red fruits and savory spices make it an excellent choice with pan-seared wild salmon fillet. (Tasted: August 31, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
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2018-
Wine &
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Robert
Parker
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
A rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.