96 Points James Suckling
This is really savory with bay leaves, lightly grilled meat and violets. So complex. Full-bodied with fine yet chewy tannins that are layered and beautiful. Some basalt and white pepper undertones. Lovely soft and powdery tannins. Medium body at the end. Thoughtful wine. Drinkable but even better in two or three years.
92 Points Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch is a fine introduction to the wines of this range. Wild cherry, game, incense, leather, licorice, tobacco and dried herbs build nicely. Powerful and driving in feel, the 2021 possesses notable intensity and plenty of savory character from the mostly cool vintage and cool site.
Winemaker Notes
Our 2022 Carneros Pinot Noir opens with expressive aromas of bright Bing cherries and crushed red berries, alongside floral notes of violet and rose, accented by fresh herbs, subtle cedar spice, and a touch of volcanic minerality. The palate showcases strawberry, red currant, and black cherry, buoyed by vibrant acidity. Notes of willow bark, orange peel, and rooibos tea add complexity, while an earthy, forest floor character emerges alongside warm hints of almond skin, mushroom, vanilla, and cigar box. Medium-bodied and easy-drinking with glossy tannins and a refined balance, this Pinot Noir is both approachable and nuanced. Its bright, lifted character and underlying tension offer immediate charm while promising further evolution in the bottle.
