2015 The Haven Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
One of my favorites in the lineup was the 2015 Pinot Noir The Haven Vineyard, which comes from the Sonoma Coast. It has plenty of oomph and is a powerful wine, with classic black raspberry and strawberry fruits, spice, and spring flower aromas and flavors. Deep, concentrated, yet still in the house style with its finesse and elegance, I finished my note with “Love it.” This is another estate making a distinctly vibrant, fresh style of wine that’s going to appeal to the Burgundy lovers out there. It’s an incredibly educational tasting going through all these different single vineyards from Ted Lemon and these are interesting, singular wines. As a whole, the 2015s shows slightly more oomph compared to the 2016s, yet both vintages have vibrant acidity and balanced profiles. As expected, quantities are slightly up in 2016.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2015 Pinot Noir The Haven Vineyard Estate is dark, plush and inviting. Black cherry and plum fruit give the wine its dark, somewhat somber personality, but it is the wine's overall balance that stands out. Floral and savory overtones add nuance throughout. All the elements meld together effortlessly in a wine that captures the natural intensity of the year and yet remains quite refined. My impression is that the Haven is holding quite a bit back, as it is both less expressive than it was from barrel and also not quite as showy as some of the other wines in the range.
The 2015 Pinot Noir The Haven Vineyard Estate is another highlight in this range. Dark cherry, blueberry, licorice, spice and lavender give the 2015 much of its textural richness and unctuousness. The 25% whole clusters are pretty much buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Bold, racy and inviting, the Haven is another drop-dead gorgeous beauty from Littorai.
Crazy aromas of Chinese spice, soy and dark fruits. Dark mushroom. Full body, incredible depth and intensity. Electric finish. Stone, mineral, spice. What a presence. Better in 2020 but gorgeous now.
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.