Red - Pinot Noir

This is the most important wine in the Banshee lineup, and they treat it as such. The 2016 edition is an exciting, yet friendly wine, bursting at the seams with aromas of macerated wild berries and an elegant, soft earth undertone. The flavors combine both sweet and tart, reminiscent of Santa Rosa plums and wild blackberries that grow so commonly in Sonoma Wine Country. The finish is bright, slightly herbal, and savory making this an excellent food wine, as well as a charming drinking experience by itself.

Probably better known for their wildly popular Meiomi Pinot Noir, Belle Glos makes a wonderful single vineyard Pinot from the Los Alturas Vineyard in the Santa Lucia appellation. Located in one of the highest-plantable sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, this pristine bench offers the Las Alturas Vineyard cool, coastal days with consistent sunshine and a foundation of Gloria sandy loam soil. When planting this 15-acre vineyard, they matched various Pinot Noir clones to individual slopes and soil attributes of the land. Yields are deliberately kept low in order to preserve the fruit intensity these clonal choices provide. The Belle Glos Pinot Noir 2017, Los Alturas Vineyard starts off with a deep ruby red color and intriguing aromas of sun-warmed blackberries, ripe plums, with hints of black licorice. A complexity of dark berry fruits unfold on the palate; blackberries and bing cherries along with dark chocolate flavors. Vanilla and cedar oak undertones on the mid-palate further enhance the wine. The overall impression is rich with refined tannins, firm acidity and explosive layers of ripe fruit.

Vintage to vintage consistency and representing the Russian River Valley terroir are the hallmarks of the Dutton Estate Karmen Isabella Pinot Noir 2014. Beginning with a red brilliant hue in the glass, you’ll be further enticed by the intense aromas of raspberry, Bing cherry, tart cranberry, and delicate rose petals. The entry is bright and supple with red currant and wild strawberries intermingling with pomegranate, plum, and orange rind. The finish is long with a kiss of French vanilla. Enjoy it now or store for the next four to seven years. 1026 cases produced. 92 Points – Planet Grape, Publisher’s Pick and California Grapevine – “Fragrant, floral, seductive, bright, raspberry and cherry fruit aroma with hints of rose petals and Asian spices; medium body, crisp, elegant, nicely balanced, red fruit flavors with bright acidity and a silky mouthfeel. Very highly recommended.”

Rich nose; smooth and silky juicy bing cherries and raspberry; mellow, lush and ripe with tangy acidity and lovely structure; elegant, long and racy with a long, pure finish. An incredible, profound Pinot Noir, Foxen's 2016 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 was completely destemmed and aged 17 months in 50% new French oak. Its deep ruby color is followed by sensational notes of sweet cherries, black raspberries, crushed flowers and a touch of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional, with seamless texture, this is California Pinot Noir at its finest. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years. “A powerful, structured wine, the 2016 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is literally bursting at the seams with explosive energy. A host of savory herbs, smoke, licorice and tobacco open up in the glass, but this is a wine to put a way for a few years, as the elements still need time to come together. The firm, grippy finish and the wine's overall delineation are both striking.” — Antonio Galloni – 95 points

Land's Edge Pinot Noir is a classic “True”  Sonoma Coast multi-vineyard Pinot Noir blend from stunningly beautiful, mostly estate vineyards that overlook the cool Pacific Ocean coastline.  This wine has a floral, raspberry and black cherry scented bouquet complemented by balanced oak and broad, deep and rich cola, earth and spice notes in the finish.  “The 2015 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Land's Edge Vineyards is soft, open and expressive, all of which suggest it is best enjoyed over the next few years. Dark red cherry, plum, spice and a hint of new oak meld together on the supple finish. The Land's Edge is a blend of fruit from Far Coast and Seascape, and is a great introduction to the house style.” Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate.  92 Points.