Domaine Carneros Estate Pinot Noir 2022 Red Wine

Domaine Carneros Estate Pinot Noir 2022 

Los Carneros AVA, CA

750 ml

94 pts. James Suckling:

"Vibrant aromas of strawberries, blueberry bush, citrus peel and cassia bark. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, showing a plush and generous mouthfeel with underlying tension. Very refined and pure, with a soft touch. Drink or hold."

You get a lot of bang for your buck with this wonderful Pinot! It's got a Marilyn Monroe nose, a rich and complex mouthfeel, dark fruit and cooked cherries blended with earthiness, and a spicy finish that lingers oh so pleasantly. Yes, it's a sexy wine! - Wine Factor 

FROM THE WINERY

Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir begins in the six sustainably certified Estate Vineyards, which are all located within four miles of the Château. Eleven different clones of Pinot Noir are grown and each one contributes its unique flavor profile and personality to make this compelling blend, a true mosaic of the Carneros terroir. After an early-morning harvest, while the grapes are still cool, the handpicked fruit is gently destemmed and cold soaked. Fermentation takes place in small, open-topped vats with punch-downs, resulting in heightened color and complex flavors. After pressing off, the finished wine went directly into French Oak barrels where it rested for ten months until bottling.

HARVEST NOTE

An early winter downpour and spring rains filled our reservoirs after two consecutive drought years. The growing season was consistent and mild with the moderating influence of the Carneros marine layer allowing the grapes to mature slowly. Ten days of heat in early September were mitigated by high humidity and irrigation, but grape maturation was accelerated, and our fast-paced harvest was completed by September 15th. An eventful season yielded a remarkable vintage with voluptuous wines balanced with vibrant acidity.

TASTING NOTE

On the nose one encounters subtle red fruits, saddle leather, and tobacco leaf. The palate delivers vibrant red fruits including baked cherry and fig, followed by notes of spice and warming finish. Ten months of barrel age lends a subtle sweetness that balances the supple tannin from this exceptional vintage producing an intense full bodied Pinot Noir. The hallmark of Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir is the texture, and this wine delivers with a supple and rich mouthfeel.

TECHNICAL DATA

GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir

APPELLATION: Carneros

PH: 3.60

ACIDITY: 0.59 g/100ml

ABV: 14.5%

AGING: 10 months in 100% French Oak barrels, 33% new