CARLTON HILL
2006 ESTATE RESERVE PINOT NOIR

Common wisdom tells us that it’s “all about the genes,” whether one is talking about people or wines. And, like her fraternal twin, the 2006 Carlton Hill Estate Reserve Pinot Noir is a real beauty. However, the personality of this wine is just a little more mysterious and, thus, intriguing.

Metaphorically speaking, think Lauren Bacall rather than Marilyn Monroe or perhaps Jacqueline Bissett vs. Kathleen Turner.

Winemaking Process

The 2006 Carlton Hill Estate Reserve Pinot Noir lived in barrel for approximately 17 months, 50% of which was new French oak. We chose five of the most promising barrels from the 2006 vintage, three of which consisted of free run derived from our 115 clone. In contrast to the 2005 Estate Reserve, where only two of the four original barrels made it to reserve status, all five made the cut, giving us 120 cases of this wine. Ten cases are devoted to magnums.

In My Humble Opinion

Consistent with prior vintages from our Carlton Hill Vineyard, this wine displays phenomenal balance and structure. While the tannins are more pronounced than those found in the 06 Estate, the fruit and acidity integrate the tannins to create a nearly seamless wine. The fruit flavors, while still developing, reveal more dark black raspberry and cherry than the 06 Estate and yet subtle hints of violet and rose still emerge on the palate and nose. Exotic notes of spice, oak and caramel develop on the finish.

The 2006 Estate Reserve is very much in its infancy and requires longer cellaring. It was bottled on March 18th, 2008 and, as a result, the aromatics are just beginning to emerge. So, its mystery will continue to unfold.

Most Sincerely,

David C. Polite
Carlton Hill Wine Company

The Wine Advocate review, Oct. 2008 (#179)

The Wine Advocate gave the 2008 Carlton Hill Vineyard Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 90 points.