Winemaker Notes
Soft notes of strawberry and cherry on the nose, with a lightly spiced and sweet cherry entry. The mid-palate is accented with cinnamon stick and toasted oak. The finish is well-balanced, supple and exquisitely smooth. Enjoy with roasted chicken, mushroom risotto or grilled lobster.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Dried-strawberry and -cherry aromas follow through to a full body, lots of dried and ripe fruit and a chocolate aftertaste. Fruit-forward — yet delicious and lively.
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.