California Pinot Noir - Published in October 2012
Over 100 reviews, with 47 rated 90+
October 2012 Featured Collections
Spanish Cava France Beyond Rhône Online ExclusivesAcacia 2010 Roberts Road Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
- Online Exclusive
- $65
As delicious as Pinot Noir gets, this has fireworks of raspberries, cherries and cola, and a sweet, mushroom-like essence of earth. Then the depth kicks in. It’s not a big, tannic wine, but rather soft, with enormous charm and immediate appeal. Drink now–2016.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
Kynsi 2009 Stone Corral Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir (Edna Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $48
This is absolutely delicious, with raspberry, cherry and mocha flavors that go on and on. Great Central Coast acidity provides needed tartness to balance the richness. It’s a beautiful, ripe, flashy and sophisticated Pinot Noir, showing the early drinkability and freshness of the Edna Valley.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
Kynsi 2009 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $39
Made in the Kynsi style, this is direct and delicious, made for drinking now. The wild raspberry and cherry flavors have a brightness and acidity that make them savory.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
MacPhail 2010 Wightman House Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
- $55
This explodes with ripe raspberry, strawberry and cherry flavors, while the heat from the alcohol gives it the headiness of a liqueur. It’s definitely not a subtle wine, but one to enjoy now with grilled tuna, lamb or wild mushroom risotto.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
Black Kite 2009 Stony Terrace Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $52
Tasted in May of 2012, this shows an immaturity, where all the parts haven’t yet come together. It has a big, rich black-cherry flavor, with elaborate smoky oak, brisk acidity, firm tannins and heat from the alcohol all vying for dominance. Needs time; cellar it until 2015.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
Black Kite 2009 Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $42
Right out of the bottle, it’s a bit clumsy, but airing quickly lets it mellow, so give it some time in a decanter. Delicious in cherry, cola, bacon, cinnamon toast and other classic cool-climate Pinot flavors, it shows a racy acidity that makes it vibrant.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
Belle Glos 2010 Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- Online Exclusive
- $44
This bottling has varied over the vintages, but 2010 has produced a softly lush, rich Pinot for drinking now. It’s as tasty as a dessert confection, with flavors of raspberry jam, buttercream and cinnamon toast, balanced with acidity. For all the richness, it finishes properly dry.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
Belle Glos 2010 Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
- Online Exclusive
- $44
Like the winery’s other 2010 Pinots, this one’s seems sweet and jammy in raspberries, cherries and cola, with lots of caramelized new-oak tones. It definitely appeals for its opulence, but would benefit from greater subtlety. Drink now.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
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