Pinot Noir!
Each Fall I look forward to bringing back our Pinot Noir flight as a way to bring attention to this versatile and elegant varietal. Both the Santa Cruz Mountain and Santa Lucia Highlands AVA’s produce more than their fair share of Pinot Noir grapes, so we have plenty of wines for your to enjoy!
Let’s get started…
Pinot Noir is renowned for its wide range of flavor characteristics, which can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil, winemaking techniques, and aging processes. Here are some common flavor characteristics found in Pinot Noir wines:
Red Fruit: Pinot Noir often exhibits flavors of red fruits such as cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries. These flavors can range from fresh and tart to ripe and jammy depending on the ripeness of the grapes and the winemaking style.
Earthiness: Many Pinot Noirs display earthy characteristics such as forest floor, mushrooms, damp leaves, and truffles. These earthy notes are often associated with wines from cooler climates and can add complexity to the wine.
Herbal Notes: Herbal aromas and flavors like thyme, mint, and dried herbs can be present in Pinot Noir wines, especially those from cooler regions where the grapes develop these nuances.
Spice: Pinot Noir can exhibit subtle spice notes such as cinnamon, clove, allspice, and white pepper. These spice characteristics can add layers of complexity and interest to the wine.
Floral Aromas: Floral aromas such as violet, rose petal, and lavender are often found in Pinot Noir wines, particularly in wines from cooler regions with longer growing seasons.
Minerality: Some Pinot Noirs express minerality, which can manifest as flavors reminiscent of stones, chalk, or minerals. This minerality is often associated with wines grown in specific soil types and can contribute to the wine's overall character.
Oak Influence: Our Pinot Noir is always aged in oak barrels, 20% neutral oak and 80% new French. Oak can impart flavors such as vanilla, toast, caramel, and clove.
Acidity: Pinot Noir typically has moderate to high acidity, which contributes to its freshness and ability to pair well with a variety of foods. Acidity can lend a vibrant quality to the wine and help balance its fruit and earthy flavors.
These flavor characteristics can vary significantly from one Pinot Noir to another, making it a versatile and intriguing wine to explore. Additionally, factors such as vintage variation and terroir further contribute to the diversity of flavors found in Pinot Noir wines.
We look forward to sharing a flight with you soon!
Eric Stockwell
Winemaker