2017 Le Caprice Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
This label comes from Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, planted at 1,000-1,400 feet elevation to a “suitcase” clone on a soil type of clay with basalt rocks. Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir le Caprice comes roaring out of the glass with pronounced redcurrants, warm cranberries and black cherries scents plus hints of violets, rhubarb and star anise with wafts of red roses, black tea and wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a fantastic structure of firm, finely grained tannins with bold freshness supporting the incredibly energetic and expressive red berries and black cherries layers, finishing long and perfumed. Impressive! 1,422 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Really fun aromas of crushed berries, green tea, flowers and raw meat, all jumping out of the glass. Pure and focused. Tight and creamy. Needs time to open and develop. Try after 2025.
Always the first vineyard picked, the 2017 Pinot Noir Le Caprice has a Volnay-like perfume of ripe strawberries, blackberries, violets, and cedary spice. It’s incredibly complex, medium to full-bodied, has a terrific sense of elegance, and a great finish. This is a beautiful Pinot Noir from the Fort Ross-Seaview appellation that’s already hard to resist yet should easily evolve for at least a decade.
The 2017 Pinot Noir Le Caprice is ample, rich and super-expressive, with bright floral and saline notes that lend energy to a core of sweet red cherry fruit. Hints of cinnamon and mint develop later, adding nuance. Intensely saline and pulsating with energy, Le Caprice shows why the wines of the Sonoma Coast are so enticing. This is very nicely done.
About the producer
Founded in 1983 by Sir Peter Michael CBE and his wife Margaret, Peter Michael Winery produces some of California’s finest wines.