Dark color for 7 year old Carneros Pinot Noir. Aromas have serious intensity of black fruit, more raspberry than cherry, but there is some pungency and heat. The palate is rich, but there is a touch of Pinot finesse and a little bit of lace to the texture. The black fruit has fine purity, there is both a touch of minerality and a touch of sous-bois, but finally this does not have the subtlety, polish or veneer I look for in Carneros Pinot Noir. I’m going to give this two ratings:
As Pinot Noir - 86.
As wine - 89.
If you told me that somebody had snuck 10% of Zin into this, it would explain a lot. Label says 14.5% alcohol.
Dan Kravitz