93 Points - Bacchus & Berry
90 Points - Tasting Panel Magazine
Gold Medal - 2013 Critics Challenge Wine Competition
Arroyo Seco, a sub-region within Monterrey County defined by the distinct soils left by an ancient river that once flowed through the area, is probably best known—to those who know it at all—for its chardonnay. But thanks to a small but dedicated group of producers, this cool, wind-swept region is gaining a reputation for Pinot Noir.
Vineyard Notes
Located on Arroyo Seco Road, this 60-acre vineyard is owned by Mark Chesebro and farmed by Michael Griva. Found at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains the sand and cobblestone soils are well draining, which help to diminish yields. The vineyard is planted to multiple varietals, including 7 different clones of Pinot Noir.
Winemaking Notes
The Pinot Noir was hand-harvested on September 23, 2009. At the winery, the fruit was gently crushed and de-stemmed with the must racked to tank. Cold-soaked for two days the juice was inoculated and spent the 15 days extracting color and favors from the skins. Following the extraction period the must was pressed and the wine racked to French oak barrels. Aged for over ten months the wine was bottled on August 25, 2010.
Tasting Notes
This enchanting wine epitomizes the elegance and richness of Pinot Noir from Arroyo Seco AVA. Loaded with juicy berry fruit, the bouquet fills with raspberry and wild huckleberry. In its recesses aromas of pomegranate, rustic bread, cinnamon, roses and earthy characters abound. Dark in color, on the palate this wine shows a great red berry and cherry core along with firm acidity and supple tannins.
Vineyards: Cedar Lane Vineyard
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clones: 60% - Pommard Clone 4, 40% -“Dijon” Clone 667
Harvest: September 23, 2009
Aging: French Oak, 30% New Dargaud & Jaegle (cooper)
Bottled: August 25, 2010
Acidity: 0.59
pH: 3.61
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 206 cases
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
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