Winemaker Notes
The nose is greeted with intense blackberry and black cherry fruit with spice and a touch of toasty oak. The mouthfeel is big but silky and builds on the black fruit with spice and earth with a hint of cedar. The acid is bright enough to balance out the texture and carry the wine into a long finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine is spicy, savory and dense—a full-bodied wine from the sparkling wine producer which farms throughout the appellation. Buzzing acidity lies beneath a hearty helping of black cherry, strawberry and cola.
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Tasting Panel
Deep ruby color; smooth, crisp, and juicy with tart cherry and savory notes showing before a long fnish.
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.