2006 Carlton Hill Estate Pinot Noir

     Based upon my Playboy Magazine metaphor in last year’s newsletter, you got the clue that the 2006 vintage stood in sharp contrast to 2005. The yield in 2006was approximately 2.2 tons to the acre and weather conditions right through harvest were picture perfect. All these grapes required at crush was a proper finishing school. Now, after eleven months in barrel, this bevy is ready for its societal debut.   

    Initially, I was concerned that the vintage might turn out to be just another pretty face in the crowd. Instead this wine would appear to combine the best of both worlds, beauty and brains. Certainly the most feminine wine the vineyard has produced to date, floral notes of violet and candied fruit combine with bright flavors of cranberry, and wild black raspberry. The wine has a very soft mouth feel and finishes with subtle herbal notes of wood smoke and tobacco. Consistent with prior Carlton Hill vintages, this wine is wonderfully balanced and round yet its overall structure and acidity cause the flavors to linger in the mouth well after your last sip.  

    While it seems each of you have a favorite vintage, I can say without hesitation that, at this early stage of development, the 2006 Estate Pinot Noir is the most pleasurable and refined Carlton Hill release to date. Utilizing 35% new French oak, 490 cases of this wine are available for purchase. As for the ‘06 Reserve, it will be released once again over the Memorial Day weekend.

I look forward to your impressions.