Tag Archives: carneros pinot noir

Cameron Hughes Lot 704 Pinot Noir 2018, Carneros, California

12 Sunday Jul 2020

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Talk about a New World version of Pinot.  This wine was full of stuffing- evident right away.  In the glass it was brooding, dark and semi opaque.  The nose was full throttle- big, ripe cherry, cinnamon, plum and sassafras.  A heady palate ensued with fruit flavors clamoring for attention, pushing aside the lithe tannins and making the acidity stand in line to be noticed.  If you like big, fruit forward versions of Pinot, this one is right up your alley.  Technically speaking, it gets 90 points from me but is not really my cup of tea.  I prefer a more restrained style of Pinot, a là Burgundy, or even cooler climate a là Oregon.  This wine comes from a great appellation and is well made.  At $16 a pop, it’s well worth stashing a few and drinking over the next 6 years.  5 stars.  Salut….

Ceja Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012, Carneros, USA

24 Saturday Jun 2017

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Reddish purple but nearly see through in the glass.  The nose is of strawberry and rhubarb.  On the palate it is strawberry pie meets cherry with a noticeable up front acidity.  The mid palate is where it’s at with this wine- much rounder mouthfeel with flavors of red berries, more rhubarb and some tannins that are ever so gently caressing my gums.  The finish is really smooth, long and reminiscent of more strawberry notes.  Roasted chicken with garlic comes to mind.  89 points and 3 stars for this $56 effort.  Salut….

ceja pinot noir

 

Artesa Winery Carneros Pinot Noir 2014, Napa Valley, USA

10 Saturday Jun 2017

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I travel a ton through the San Francisco airport where there is an American Express Centurion lounge.  This particular lounge has a wine tasting machine that includes some very delectable offerings such as this lovely Carneros  Pinot Noir.  Sorry about the poor image quality but I had to shoot through the glass of the vending machine.

Very opaque, on the lighter side of purple.  The nose is very much New World- strawberries, nutmeg and a touch of anise.  The initial taste is very easygoing, delicate and fruity with framboise, strawberry and barely a trace of acidity or tannins at this stage.  The mid palate has a slightly green edge to it and this is where I detect some tannic components as well as a balancing acidity- both of which are very mild.  This wine has elegance and seduction, is very understated yet somewhat complex and nicely crafted.  The finish has a decent length to it and comprises of more strawberry and now a touch of bing cherry.  Tannins are present till the very end.  90 points, $20 make this a 4 star wine to drink from now till 2022 with grilled salmon, veal scallopini or just some good cheese and meat cuts.  Salut….

Scribe Pinot Noir III. Storm King 2014

27 Saturday Feb 2016

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From a friend’s cellar-  Nose of raspberry and Bing cherry. Initial taste consists of a certain effervescence to go with raspberry coulis and some cherry juice. Mild tannins and slight acidity make it easy drinking. The mid palate shows off more cherries and some green vegetal hints. The finish is tart with hints of pomegranate and more effervescence. 89 points from me make this $42 offering a 3 star wine.  Pairing wise, it probably could use some Venison or other game.  Salut….

scribe pinot noir storm king

Scribe ‘VIII, The Ghost Continent’ Pinot Noir 2014

08 Tuesday Dec 2015

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My friend pulled this bottle out for us this past Sunday at a gathering.  It was delightful.  Beautiful clear, delicate red color in the glass with a nose of new world cherry, strawberry and (grass?).  On the first taste, very smooth intro to kirsch, cherry torte and cola. Crispy acidity and tight tannins make for a nice mouthfeel. The acidity rolls deep and the length is long. This wine drinks beautifully right now but has the stuffing to go deep into the cellar for 10 plus years. 92 points all day long.  Carneros produces some of my favorite Pinots, and this one sits high on the perch.  I believe this is a $40 bottle making it a splurge but 4 stars from me.  Salut….

scribe the ghost continent pinot noir

Schug Carneros Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Reserve 2009

10 Friday Aug 2012

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Not much is known about this newly released wine, so when I bought a case it was by reputation.  Glad I did.  Textbook Carneros Pinot, made in a modern style with cherry and strawberry on the palate being caressed by a touch of oak.  Very good balance between acidity, tannins and alcohol (13.5%) make for a lovely mouthfeel.  Classic Pinot nose and very nice finish.  I served this one first with some Tomato and Mozzarella salad, coupled with Eggplant compote.  Dee-lish.  I would imagine this wine could get a 91+ point rating.  I’m giving it 4 stars and glad I have 11 more!