2013 Pinot Noir Cuvee Isabel
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Tasting notes
Very pale ruby. Spicy and back to the red-fruit character of the Sanford & Benedict. Very sweet like ripe red cherries, almost some dried cherries here but it is still fresh and very very supple. Long and more savoury with spice on the finish. Still youthful. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Leading off the two Pinot Noirs, the 2013 Pinot Noir Isabelle is 100% varietal and comes from six different California vineyards (I’m not sure which vineyards or where). Completely barrel-fermented and aged 20 months, its medium ruby/transparent color is followed by lots of spice, autumn leaves and classic sweet-and-sour cherry fruit-like aromas and flavors, medium bodied richness, sweet tannin and an elegant, silky texture. Give it a year to integrate its oak, then enjoy bottles over the following 7-8 years.
The 2013 Pinot Noir Isabelle is one of the richer, deeper wines in the lineup. A wine of real density, the Isabelle in 2013 hits the palate with a range of super-appealing dark cherry, plum, dark spices and French oak. The style is one of weight and impact. There is no shortage of either here.