Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir begins in the six different Estate Vineyards, which are green certified, and are 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.

DrinkHacker.com
2016 vintage
91 Points
Wine Spectator
2016 vintage
Harvest Note
Our growing season in 2016, in many ways, mirrored that of 2015. An early harvest began on August 1st and continued through August 14th for sparkling wine grapes. The accumulation of growing degree days tracked quite consistently between 2016 and 2015 although with slightly higher yields. The personality of the vintage seems to be a theme of brightness an concentration.
Tasting Note
Beginning with the nose, one encounters bright raspberry and cooked cherry notes along with hints of sassafras and freshly turned earth. Ten months of barrel age lends a sweetness that balances the supple tannin from this exceptional vintage producing an intense, full-bodied Pinot Noir. Of particular note in this vintage is the juicy and sweet fruited entry upon the palate, backed up by delicate spice notes that lead to a lengthy, warming finish. The hallmark of Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir is the texture, and this wine delivers with a supple and silky mouth-feel.
Food Pairing
This dynamic wine can be enjoyed alone as an aperitif or matched with a diverse group of dishes such as beef, poultry, pork or grilled salmon, prepared in a variety of culinary styles.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Carneros
PH: 3.7
ACIDITY: 0.58g/100ml
ABV: 14%
AGING: 10 month barrel ageing in 100% French oak
Unique Selling Points
  • 100% green certified estate-grown Pinot Noir from Carneros
  • Master blending of dozens of separately vinified lots achieves the perfect expression of Carneros terroir

About the Grape

Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
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