Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir (75cl, 14.1%)

A 100% Pinot Noir from the Carneros AVA in Napa Valley, California, made by Bouchaine Vineyards. Bouchaine is the oldest continually operating winery in the Carneros AVA. The estate spans 100 rolling acres planted with seven clones of Pinot Noir, with over 40 vineyard blocks fermented separately. Free-run wine goes to mostly French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation, and an all-female vineyard crew manages the growing process by hand. Winemaker Chris Kajani previously worked at Saintsbury. The nose shows dark cherry, wild strawberry, cola, fresh roses and cigar tobacco, with earthy truffle and clay. The palate moves from juicy cherry to red currant, raspberry and pomegranate, then brown spice, cinnamon, black tea and floral notes. The finish carries floral and rhubarb notes with white pepper, mint and wild herbs, with moderate bittersweet tannins and a mineral streak.