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2010 Carneros Pinot Noir
Eleven soil types and a variety of Pinot Noir clones and selections, varied terrain plus the daily effects of cooling summer breezes and morning fog combine to produce exceptional wine from our 335 acre estate vines in Carneros. As our understanding and development of our terroir grows, our estate Pinot Noir gains complexity and consistency. This is the 19th Carneros Pinot Noir we have released.
Tasting Notes
Raspberry and cherry aromas with hints of cedar oak announce the character of this distinctive and earthy Carneros Pinot Noir. On the palate, you will find concentrated fruit of black cherry and ripe plum complimented by well integrated oak spices. This wine's medium acidity leads to a perfectly balanced dry and fragrant finish.
Winemaking Notes
The 2010 growing season will be remembered for its rainfall during the bloom period, the coolest summer on record, heat spikes, low yields, and periodic rains throughout harvest. But alas, the resultant smaller berries, with increased ratio of skins to juice, contributed to greater extraction and concentration of flavors in the finished wine.
Acclaim
2008 VINTAGE, 88 POINTS
"The 2008 Carneros Pinot Noir has a really nice mix of Pinot fruit flavors with wild berries, ripe plums, spice and pepper leading the way. Soft and velvety with more juicy berries and spice unfolding on the silky finish."
- International Wine Report, July 2012
2008 VINTAGE, 91 POINTS, EDITOR'S CHOICE
"What a great price for a Pinot Noir with this charm and integrity. It's a wonderful wine, dry and rich in raspberry, cherry and spice flavors. Feels svelte and silky in the mouth, just like you want Pinot to be."
- Wine Enthusiast, April 2012
2008 VINTAGE, 91 POINTS
"A California Pinot Noir that emphasizes elegance over sheer power. It conveys a refreshing delicacy often lacking in California Pinot Noir and marries spice with bright red fruit flavors...it allows the magic of Pinot Noir to bloom in the glass."
- Michael Apstein, Wine Review Online, December 27, 2011
Awards
2009 VINTAGE, 2013 Gold Medals
Pinot Noir Shootout
2008 VINTAGE, 2012 Gold Medals
Affairs of the Vine
Critics Challenge
Jefferson Cup Invitational - Double Gold
North of the Gate Wine Competition
Food Affinities
Delicious with grilled salmon or seared pork loin or duck. Pasta with a mushroom sauce would also be a superb match with this flavorful pinot noir. For the cheese course, try aged Cheddar, Chevre or Manchego.
Analysis
Blend: 100% Carneros Pinot Noir
