2006 Carneros Pinot Noir

88 points - Wine Spectator
88 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
88 points - Wine News
4 Stars - Restaurant Wine
Double Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition

Vintage

In 2006, budbreak began in early March and was followed by a cool wet spring. Ample rain generated vigorous vine growth early in the season, requiring diligent canopy management. The summer weather was quite favorable with generally warm days and one short hot spell. Most of August and September was slightly cooler than normal, which delayed harvest slightly for our Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but made for ideal ripening conditions. Syrah and Merlot matured slowly and evenly through the cool October.

Winemaking

The grapes were handpicked at night to preserve the fruit character. The grapes were hand-sorted twice on our belt system and gently destemmed. Each lot was cold soaked for a minimum of five days to maximize color and flavor extraction. The must was then fermented in small open-top fermentors to broaden the texture and complexity of the wine. After an average of 14 days on the skins, the wine was pressed gently and aged for eight months in 33% new French oak, with the balance in one to five-year-old barrels. With this vintage Buena Vista Carneros has started to use screwcap as the preferred closure on its wines. "I am adamant in delivering the best expression of our vineyards. I believe this closure captures the pure Pinot Noir aromas and flavors and will deliver the best quality in the glass,” remarks Winemaker Jeff Stewart.

Tasting Notes

The 2006 Pinot Noir Carneros has aromas of bright bing cherry, fresh ground nutmeg and earthy wild mushroom. In the mouth the wine shows intense bright blackberry and plum fruit with undertones of sweet mocha and clove. This is a wine of great depth with the long, supple finish considered a hallmark of Carneros Pinot Noir.

Past Vintages

2005 Carneros Pinot Noir
2004 Carneros Pinot Noir
2003 Carneros Pinot Noir
2002 Carneros Pinot Noir
2000 Carneros Pinot Noir
1999 Carneros Pinot Noir