Domaine Carneros, Avant Garde Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, California 2018

Domaine Carneros was established in 1987 by Champagne Taittinger. Famed for its traditional method sparkling wines, it also produces a number of still wines and released an inaugural Pinot Noir in 1992. Avant Garde represents the gateway into the domaine’s Pinot portfolio, with grapes sourced from all five of the producer’s Carneros estate vineyards. The wine is aged for eight months in Burgundian oak. Susy Atkins Aromatic; black cherries and plums on nose and palate; brightly fruity, smooth, hints of mocha and violets, an elegant style. Romain Bourger Earthy complexity on the nose, ripe summer fruits and hints of leather and dry herbs. The palate is ripe and juicy with elegant fruit and a velvety texture, bright acidity and good balance, and slight forest floor notes on the finish. Keith Kirkpatrick Lovely mid colour. Bright fruit and hint of mushroom on the nose, very classic Pinot. Very soft and inviting fruit on the palate, cherry and a little peppery spice. Very well balanced, good acidity on a pleasing, mid-weight finish.