2021 Pinot Noir Clos du Ciel
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir Clos du Ciel opens with youthful tones of brown sugar and allspice that give way to red cherries, cranberries, mushroom, lavender and juniper scents. The light-bodied palate balances finely chalky tannins, energetic acidity, a deep yet youthfully coiled core of fruit and a long, spicy finish. It has closed up significantly from its recent bottling (and a previous barrel tasting in early 2021), and I expect it will reveal more in time. 497 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Pinot Noir Clos du Ciel marries the energy of the Caprice with some of the mid-palate sweetness of the Danseuse, a pretty appealing combination in my book. Spice, orange peel, mocha, dried herbs and bright red-toned fruit all grace this layered, sublime Pinot Noir from Peter Michael. Clean, mineral notes extend the finish.
Similar in appearance to the Ma Danseuse, the 2021 Pinot Noir Clos Du Ciel is potent with a concentrated perfume of spiced orange, clove, blackberry, and medicinal herbs. Full-bodied, it has a more compact structure, with ripe tannins and a fresh spine of acidity. Ripe with preserved berries, candied flowers, and baking spices through the palate, it takes on a very long finish without losing any fruit along the way. Drink 2025-2040. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, while former winemaker Luc Morlet remains as a consultant. Robert studied at the Colorado School of Mines, which led him to a career in environmental geophysics before finding his path into the world of wine. He went on to UC Davis to study Viticulture and Enology. Most recently, Robert was a member of the winemaking team at Continuum in Napa. Vineyard manager Javier Avina has championed the land since 1991. Each of the sites are steep hillsides in Knights Valley that modulate with varied exposition and soils. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.
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.