100% Pinot Noir – Page 2

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2022

Dutton-Goldfield

Docker Hill Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Docker Hill owners Karson and Bill Aubuchon planted their vineyard in 2010 (to Heritage and Dijon clones), and several spots sit above the fog line and are cooler and longer ripening as a result. After aging 17 months in 45% new French oak, this Pinot Noir shows fantastic notes of rhubarb, boysenberry, brambly herbs, violets, and sandalwood. In the mouth, it takes a somewhat darker tone, showing ripe blackberry fruit flavors in intense waves, each topped with earthy truffle notes. It will age very, very well, though it is awfully difficult to refuse now. – J.R.

Red

2022

Dutton-Goldfield

Dutton-Ranch, Snow Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Leads with boysenberry, and quickly reveals dark tea, dark berries, dark spices, and a dark disposition. The palate is surprisingly structured, with a long finish of sweet, ripe wild blueberries (both fresh and dried). Delicious. – J.R.

Red

2022

El Rey Wine

Pinot Noir

The El Ray Vineyard sits on the western edge of Santa Barbara County, perched on a hillside overlooking the historic La Purisima Mission lands. From this site comes a beautifully balanced Pinot Noir that delivers a quintessential expression of the region. Bright cherry fruit is infused with warm brown baking spices, supported by fine-grained yet robust tannins. Juicy, crunchy acidity with a saline edge underscores the wine’s structure, giving it lift, precision, and a mouthwatering finish.

Red

2022

Irvine & Roberts Vineyards

Estate Pinot Noir

Total elegance—this Pinot Noir weaves conifer notes around bright red berry, cherry, and pomegranate fruit, accented by flinty minerality and gorgeous cedarwood. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers cherry, blood orange, and cranberry, all lifted by crunchy cranberry acidity. The tannins are fine, firm, and taut—beautifully elongated and persistent through the long, spicy finish. A superbly built and absolutely delicious Pinot Noir. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that this Pinot Noir is a blend of older plantings and newer vines established in 2018. Grapes are mostly destemmed, though select lots are fermented with whole clusters for blending flexibility. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with individual blocks vinified separately. After a short cold soak, native fermentations begin, accompanied by a regimen of pumpovers and punchdowns. Following primary fermentation, an extended maceration of up to 28 days builds mouthfeel, mid-palate weight, and structure. The wine is gently pressed, with primarily free-run juice selected for the final blend. It is aged in roughly one-third new French oak for up to 18 months before blending and bottling.

Red

2022

Ken Brown Wines

Fiddlestick Vineyard Pinot Noir

Planted in 1998 and nestled in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, the Fiddlestix Vineyard benefits from a northwest-facing slope that’s blanketed in cool morning fog and refreshed by afternoon Pacific breezes. In 2022, it delivered a deeply flavorful and expressive Pinot Noir. Aromas of spearmint, pine forest, and black cherry lead into a palate that shifts toward pomegranate, revealing a deep mid-palate of saline-laced acid tension. The tannins are exceptionally fine-grained, providing structure without weight, while the finish unfurls with notes of spiced plum, coriander, and cumin, accented by the faintest whisper of crème brûlée.

Red

2022

Ken Brown Wines

Rancho La Vina Vineyard Pinot Noir

Perched on the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Rancho La Viña Vineyard is relentlessly exposed to Pacific Ocean winds—a defining element that leaves its mark on this robust and expressive Pinot Noir. The wine channels that coastal intensity with a deep core of dark cherry fruit, sea-spray salinity, and aromatic layers of cedarwood, dried rose petals, and crushed sage. Full-bodied and commanding, the tannins are bold and structured, building momentum through a long, mouth-coating finish. Pair this with well-salted red meat or herb-roasted chicken crowned with a rich Béarnaise sauce.

Red

2022

Koehler Wine Estate

Zotovich Pinot Noir

Sourced from the sustainably farmed Zotovich Vineyard, this Pinot Noir was aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine opens with rich black cherry and blackberry fruit layered with expressive cedarwood, wild sage, and pine forest aromatics. On the palate, dark chocolate notes unfold across a medium- to full-bodied frame, supported by fine-grained, velvety tannins. The finish is long and mineral-driven, marked by wet slate and river stone character.

Red

2022

Loubud Wines

Peake Ranch Blanc de Noirs

Green apple and candied minerality leap from the glass, introducing this vibrant sparkler. Beneath the assertive, fine mousse lies a core of weighty orchard fruit, unfolding with layers of white plum and golden Rainier cherry on the light-bodied palate.

Rosé

2022

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

Estate Pinot Noir

Sourced from sustainably farmed estate vineyards and aged 10 months sur lies in French oak barrels (31% new), this Pinot Noir is bold and expressive. Aromas of ripe raspberry and strawberry leap from the glass, accented by new wood cedar. The palate is framed by firm, structured tannins and layered with river stone minerality, pressed wildflowers, and a fragrant burst of blood orange that energizes the mid-palate.

Red

2022

Maren (Bybee Wine Co)

Octo Pinot Noir

Just like the MAREN White, the label on this OCTO Pinot Noir states that it’s a medium-bodied wine bursting with cherry, blackberry, and cocoa notes—and I’m happy to confirm my tasting aligns with that. Of course, I’ll add a few flourishes: enticing cedarwood notes weave around and beneath the cherry and blackberry fruit, joined by darker forest berries framed by firm, tense tannins. The finish offers a cool, wet-slate minerality and a crunchy apple-skin aftertaste.

Red

2022

Marine Layer

Bohemian Vineyard Pinot Noir

Bohemian Vineyard is a 7-acre Pinot Noir site in the Freestone sub-AVA of the Sonoma Coast, planted to a mix of Dijon clones in classic Goldridge soils and exposed to all the cool-climate conditions this area is known for. Yes, yes—terroir talk—but it matters, because it all leads to a dynamic wine layered with crunchy cherry fruit, exotic Indian spices, Earl Grey tea, and rich blood-orange acidity, accented by a touch of grapefruit zest. Super-fine black tea tannins frame the palate, with gorgeous hints of deep forest and underbrush adding dimension. Hand-picked at night, with 20% whole cluster. Cool native ferment, 16 days on the skins. Gravity-drained and lightly pressed, then aged 11 months in 25% new French oak.

Red

2022

Marine Layer

Dutton Jentoft Vineyard Pinot Noir

This wine is positively destructive in its sway over you—bold and ripe, with dark-fruited intensity. Cherry and pomegranate meet rich Earl Grey tea notes, while a touch of ironstone minerality lifts from the glass. Blood orange and its zest cut through, joined by succulent, saline-dusted dark cherry fruit infused with cocoa nibs. The supple mid-palate concentration is hard to beat, leading to a long, cool, wet-slate finish. Just wow. Dutton-Jentoft Vineyard lies in the Green Valley sub-AVA of the Sonoma Coast. Perched on a steep hillside at around 600 feet in elevation, it is planted to both Swan and Calera clones.

Red

2022

Marine Layer

Marine Layer Vineyard Pinot Noir

From the winery’s six-acre Marine Layer Vineyard, planted in 2016 on a southwest-facing slope near Sebastopol, this wine is solid and full-bodied, with aromatic spice from toasty cedarwood (aged in 30% new French oak). Succulent and red-cherry fruited, it carries apple-skin notes and a touch of blondie brownie richness. Absolutely lip-smacking. The blend includes Calera, Mt. Eden, 667, 115, and, according to the winery’s tech sheet, “a few special suitcase selections.”

Red

2022

Merry Edwards

Meredith Estate Pinot Noir

Rich, potent, and alluring. Dark spices and even hints of iron mix with tobacco, truffle, blackberry, blue plum, and incense on the nose. The palate is remarkably consistent, adding blood orange acidity to the wild berry and plum flavors. Packs a punch, but lands all of its hits elegantly. – J.R.

Red

2022

Nicolas-Jay

Momtazi Pinot Noir

A beautifully spicy, structured, earthy expression of a distinct place and time. Deftly balancing savory, dark cherry flavors with pepper and bramble notes, with a palate that is equal parts depth and nuance. This one should stand the test of time. – J.R.

Red

2022

Piro Wine Company

Presqu'ile Vineyard Pinot Noir

From the Presqu’ile Vineyard comes this elegant, light- to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with supple, velvet-textured tannins and graceful, lifted acidity. Layers of strawberry-rhubarb interlace with bright baking spice notes, while a subtle pink Himalayan sea salt nuance adds intrigue on the medium-length finish.

Red

2022

Piro Wine Company

Runway Vineyard Pinot Noir

The Runaway Vineyard Pinot Noir is a supple, juicy expression of the grape, offering generous dark berry fruit layered with fine cedarwood spice, a hint of agave nectar, and espresso bean. Gentle tannins and medium-bright acidity frame the wine, making for an easy-going, approachable, and thoroughly satisfying sip.

Red

2022

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Flood Family Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

The winery sits on an original Mexican land grant once owned by the James Flood family of San Francisco, located along the Sisquoc River in northern Santa Barbara County, east of Santa Maria. This Pinot Noir is lush, layered, and expressive, offering ripe raspberry and cherry fruit bracketed by firm, mineral-scented tannins. Notes of blood orange and crushed cacao nibs underscore the wine’s saline-acid finish, which brings excellent tension and length.

Red

2022

Riverbench Vineyard

Estate Pinot Noir Pommard

The Pommard-named Pinot Noir from Riverbench is a soft, supple, and satiny red that delivers immediate charm. Cherry and raspberry fruit take center stage, layered with sweet baking spices, a hint of vanilla, and new cedar wood nuances. Subtle notes of flamed grapefruit peel and tangy blood orange acidity add lift and energy. Featherweight tannins gently frame the juicy core, offering just enough grip to carry the wine through a long, polished finish.

Red

2022

Seagrape Wine Co.

Hibbit's Ranch Pinot Noir

A very pretty and elegant red-fruited Pinot Noir, this wine opens with fragrant aromas of baking spices, espresso bean, clove, and a delicate touch of coriander. Juicy blood orange acidity brings lift and vibrancy, framing a lengthy, nuanced finish marked by pink sea salt and gentle, well-integrated tannins.

Red

2022

Vignerons

Pinot Noir

This is a silky, easy-drinking Pinot Noir brimming with bright red fruit and lifted spice. Velvety in texture, it glides across the palate with notes of espresso bean, clove, and a subtle hint of coriander cream lingering through the finish.

Red

2023

Argot

Kanzler Vineyard Pinot Noir

From the renowned Kanzler Vineyard, the 2023 Pinot Noir bursts with vivid freshness and tension, offering bright notes of ruby red grapefruit, blood orange, and savory sage. Aromatics of anise, mint, rose petal, and rose stem lend complexity and lift, while crisp, woody tannins provide structure. Juicy, spicy acidity laced with saline and pine forest character underscores the wine’s impeccable grip and precision. Compared to the softer, more supple 2022 vintage, the 2023 is taut and energetic, built for longevity. Enjoy the generosity of the 2022s now—by the boatload—while the 2023s continue to evolve toward their full potential.

Red

2023

Argot

Pinot Noir

This wine bangs hard — In a great way! Sourced from both hillside and valley floor vineyards within the Sonoma Mountain AVA, this wine showcases striking vitality and spice-driven aromatics. The nose is bold and expressive, with notes of blood orange, grapefruit zest, fragrant pine forest, and wild underbrush. Medium-bodied on the palate, it unfolds with vibrant citrus tones and firm yet elongated velvety tannins. Rose petal lifts the lengthy, perfumed finish. Grapes were destemmed, then cluster- and berry-sorted before undergoing a seven-day cold soak in stainless steel with inactive yeasts naturally propagating. Fermentation began spontaneously as the must warmed, driven entirely by native yeasts. Following fermentation, precise press cuts separated free-run and press juice before barreling. The wine was aged for 16 months in 87% new French oak, resulting in a complex, richly textured expression of Sonoma Mountain fruit.

Red

2023

Benmar

Above the Clouds Pinot Noir

A darker‑styled Pinot Noir from this producer, the 2023 Above the Clouds from Benmar opens with the juicy richness of black cherry and black raspberry, warmed by cedarwood spice and enlivened by tangerine peel and grapefruit zest. The nose deepens with crushed raspberry, wild cherry and pomegranate, offset by wild herbs, rose petal and forest‑floor. On the palate, sinewy, crisp tannins support a saline‑tinged core that pulses with redcurrant, cranberry and strawberry fruit. Intense minerality and a whisper of black tea anchor the mid‑palate, while the finish drifts into cocoa‑powder, conifer and lingering brine—a hauntingly savory, vibrant expression of high‑elevation Willamette Pinot.

Red

2023

Cambria Estate Winery

Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Bright-toned and red-fruited, this wine offers expressive cedarwood notes mingling with dried Mediterranean herbs, all building on the medium-bodied palate with fine-grained tannins. There’s good mid-palate density, but overall the wine remains light, bright, and juicy.

Red

2023

Cattleya

Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir

Spicy and mineral, with rhubarb, cherry, and raspberry aromas and flavors, topped off with an almost minty herbal spice. Nice balance of roundness and acidity here! – J.R.

Red

2023

Cattleya

Pinot Noir

A dark and brooding Pinot with intense boysenberry, plum, and black raspberry fruits. Hints of leather, turned earth, and tobacco and tea leaves join the fray on the wonderful nose. It’s silky and substantial, but clearly has a mineral edge (and great structure) under all of that ripe palate fruitiness. – J.R.

Red

2023

DANCIN

Adagio Pinot Noir

Native fermented in 1.5-ton macro bins, this 100% Wädenswil 2A clone Pinot Noir was aged for 10 months in 25% new French oak. It’s an expressive and bright Pinot with vibrant blood orange acidity, fragrant cherry and rose petal nuances, and layers of crushed wild herbs. Dusty cocoa powder tannins frame the juicy, long, and spicy finish. Winemaker Chris Jiron believes this late-ripening clone is ideal for the region.

Red

2023

DANCIN

Écarte Pinot Noir

Native fermented in 1.5-ton macro bins and aged for 10 months in 25% new French oak, this 100% Pommard clone Pinot Noir is spicy and expressive, with cocoa nib nuances and dusty cherry notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, it delivers juicy cherry and blackberry fruit, pomegranate seeds, and a touch of grapefruit zest. Rose petal florals and a hint of honeysuckle linger on the long finish. The wine has excellent grip and tension, offering both structure and elegance.

Red

2023

DANCIN

En Bas Pinot Noir

Native fermented in 1.5-ton macro bins and aged for 10 months in 25% new French oak, this Dijon 777 Pinot Noir offers cherry and strawberry fruit layered with fragrant Indian spices and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a long, expressive finish, it’s both aromatic and finely structured.

Red

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

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$

2021

Producer

Name

This Pinot Noir from Iaon Pohlit, sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills, beautifully lives up to its name—Ocean & Earth—with ripe cherry fruit layered over loamy earth and salty sea spray nuances. Aromatic notes of espresso bean, clove, and rose petal add depth and allure. Mineral-rich, granular tannins frame the medium-bodied palate, building to a lingering finish marked by smoked paprika and savory spice. Delish!

Red

2021

Producer

Name

This Pinot Noir was aged on the lees for 17 months in 50% new French oak. Classic Bing cherry and spiced plum leap from the glass, joined by toasty cherry wood and dark chocolate, accented with subtle, crunchy currant fruit. Warm baking spices abound in this gracefully textured wine, which glides across every corner of the palate all too easily.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

This Pinot Noir is in its perfect drinking window, having evolved beyond bright red cherry fruit into more savory territory—think red currant, tobacco leaf, and black tea–like tannins. All of that builds on the medium-bodied palate, layered with crunchy currant fruit, espresso bean nuances, bay laurel, and sage, leading to a long, satisfying, smoky-savor finish. If you’re drawn to Pinot in its secondary and tertiary phase, this one’s for you. I highly recommend enjoying it over the course of a meal—ideally, a couple of bottles at a time—now through 2030.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

The 38-acre El Jabali Vineyard—pronounced “el hob-a-lee” and Spanish for “Wild Boar”—is divided into five unique blocks, each with varying slopes and aspects shaped by Pacific Ocean breezes. The 2022 release is one of the most approachable Alma Rosa wines in recent vintages, offering heady aromas of perfumed rose petals, coffee bean spice, and cherry cola. Soft, supple, and silky dark berry fruit envelops the medium-bodied palate, packed with rich toasty oak and layers of baking spices that carry through a long, ironstone-mineral finish.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

The Bastard Tongue Pinot Noir is a Sonoma County appellation blend, divined from exceptional fruit sources, and for winemaker Justin Harmon he wants it to explode out of the glass. As Harmon puts it, “Every single one of our Pinots has a shot at becoming this cuvée.” The final blend is often anchored by Swan selection, followed by Calera and Clone 115. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak, the wine delivers on its promise—it practically explodes from the glass with expressive dark berry fruit, floral intensity, and spice. The palate is creamy and decadent, medium- to full-bodied, with lavish notes of clove, cardamom, and baking spice layered over crushed cacao nibs and violets. A hint of rose petal and crushed river stones adds further complexity. The finish is long, fruit-driven, and spiced-up, framed by juicy acidity that lifts the wine’s richness and keeps it fresh and vibrant.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

From the renowned Kanzler Vineyard, this Pinot Noir is strikingly floral and high-toned, with lifted aromatics of white pepper, blood orange, and rose petals. Medium-bodied with wonderful depth and concentration, the palate reveals ripe dark berry fruit framed by sinewy, velvety tannins. Layers of baking spice—clove in particular—interweave with crushed slate and a full-bodied richness. The finish is long, salty, and perfumed, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and power in equal measure.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Named after the late Jim Clendenen’s daughter, Isabelle, this wine is a blend of the best barrels from Au Bon Climat’s top vineyard sites. It’s a beautifully fragrant Pinot Noir, with bright pine forest aromatics and deep forest berry character layered with nuances of espresso and pomegranate seed. A tapestry of velvety-textured tannins envelops the palate, carrying juicy cherry, blood orange, and fragrant Indian spices through an extended, graceful finish. Sources for the 2022 include: Bien Nacido (Santa Maria Valley AVA), Rancho La Cuna, Los Alamos Vineyard, Kick on Vineyard (Los Alamos Valley – Santa Barbara County), Talley Vineyard (Arroyo Grande AVA), and Lala Panzi Vineyard (Russian River Valley AVA). These small lots are kept separate throughout fermentation and aging and the final blend is a lot selection of the best barrels.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

This small, organically farmed vineyard sits near Occidental, enjoying morning fog and the area’s famous Goldridge soils. Aged 13 months in 35% new French oak, it’s crafted from Calera and Romanee clones and exhibits some distinctly Burgundian flair. Mint, rhubarb, ripe cherries, cinnamon, and black tea leaf aromas lead the charge. The palate starts silky but has grip, texture, and structure to match its perky acidity. Carefully well-made, it’s classy, excellent, and will get even better with some cellaring. – J.R.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Sourced from Our Lady of Guadalupe, a vineyard owned by Dave Phinney and farmed by Amy Whiteford, this is a ripe, full-bodied, and attractively lush wine. Gobs of perfectly ripe dark berry fruit lead the way, layered with savory wild herbs—redolent of sage and thyme—mingling with espresso bean, crushed cacao nibs, and a splash of blood orange acidity. A bold finish reveals building saline-mineral tension that balances the wine’s richness beautifully. Babcock’s approach here mirrors his method with Pinot Noir: fermentation occurs in small open-top bins with no significant stem inclusion. Ferments are allowed to rise into the upper 80s or low 90s °F, inoculated on day two, and undergo 4–5 punchdowns daily by day four. The wine is pressed off between days 10 and 14 with a touch of residual sugar to complete fermentation in barrel. Malolactic is inoculated, and the wine spends 18 months in barrel, with up to 50% new French oak, depending on the wine’s character.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

A classic, vivid, and multilayered expression of Pinot Noir from the legendary Bien Nacido Estate and its equally iconic vineyard. Gorgeous red berry fruit mingles with brown baking spice, unfolding across a lush, satiny palate with velvety tannins. Notes of espresso bean, blood orange, cocoa powder, and smoked paprika add depth and intrigue. Round, rich, and inviting, the wine is framed by mouthwatering, crunchy acidity that brings energy and lift to the long finish.

White

2022

Producer

Name

Alluring aromatics of ripe Bing cherry, coriander, and cumin mingle with elegant cedarwood accents. These notes carry onto the medium-bodied palate, layered with fragrant baking spice, coffee bean, and lovely fine-grained tannins that evoke the texture and perfume of Bergamot tea. The finish is long, spicy, and mouthwatering, driven by excellent tension and vibrant energy.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Sourced from Triska Vineyard, the Pinot Noir for this sparkling wine grows on north-facing slopes under shade cloth, and was picked early—around August 9. Winemaker Julian Halasz partners with a sparkling house in Lodi for aging. The wine spent 19 months on the lees and was finished with a dosage of 8 g/L. It opens with a lovely biscuity nose of lemony brioche and fresh pastry. The mousse is rich and creamy, with a finish marked by crushed Marcona almonds and a hint of vanilla bean. Baked orchard fruit fills in the mid-palate, making this a thoroughly delicious sparkler.

White

2022

Producer

Name

Sourced entirely from the Triska Vineyard, this wine is crafted from multiple picks, each fermented separately in open-top bins with frequent punchdowns to maximize tannin extraction. The lots are gently pressed just before dryness and then aged for 8 months in 40% new French oak. This is a bold, ripe expression, brimming with dark cherry, fig, and mocha notes. Rich toffee and high-toned floral aromatics add lift, while the medium-bodied palate is framed by fine-grained tannins that offer grip and texture. The savory finish lingers with a melange of dried herbs—sage, straw grass, and more—adding complexity.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Leaping from the glass are heady aromas of sweet and savory spice—cinnamon, clove, incense, and allspice—intertwined with black cherry fruit dusted in cinnamon and a zing of grapefruit zest. On the palate, sinewy tannins and electric, crunchy acidity create a tingling sensation at the front, while that rich spice character continues to flood the olfactory senses. It’s wildly aromatic and deeply spiced—a wine that practically demands two bottles: one for the glass, and one for cooking. It will enhance rich sauces and braised meats with wonderful spice character.