Tasting Notes

“The 2019 San Pablo Bay Block is racy with flavors of tart cranberries, red cherries and a delicate perfume of rose petals. The palate is layered with similar fruit notes, along with a depth of pomegranate, macerated strawberries and baking spices with a subtle hint of vanilla that leads to a smooth finish. This wine is full of verve and will beautifully round out with aging.”

Winemaking Notes

“The fruit was fermented in open top oak puncheons to allow more complexity and variety in the phenolic, aromatic and flavor components of the wine, producing a completely unique representation of the Pinot Noir grape. The wine was aged in French oak, a portion of which was the same puncheons the wine was fermented in that very year and rested ‘sur lie’ for the entire aging period.”

Vineyard Notes

“Tucked within a larger vineyard estate in Napa Valley’s Carneros AVA are several blocks of vines producing singularly distinctive Pinot Noir. Marine influenced by morning fog from the San Pablo Bay just to the south and the cool evening wind gap from the Pacific Ocean farther to the west, the blocks are sheltered in a rolling swale which warms considerably during the daytime. As a result of this dramatic diurnal shift, the grapes display lush, ripe fruit balanced with bright acidity. Cherry Pie San Pablo Bay Block Pinot Noir is produced from this site.”

93 Points Tasting Panel – “Robust in body and pleasurable to sip, this French oak–aged Pinot Noir is distinctive, with smoky cedar, sage, black cherry, and black pepper. Round and earthy, with unexpected muscle.”

90 Points James Suckling – “Aromas of raspberries, cherries and sweet spices. Medium-bodied with sleek tannins. Round and creamy with fruity character. Flavorful finish.”