Tasting Notes

This red is rustic, with earthy, meaty aromas combined with the famous Carneros bitter cherry. Cinnamon and "Red Hots" follow, with candied leather and green tea. Cherry cola, rhubarb, and damp leaves finish the mix; this Pinot doesn't disappoint with its wide variety of classic flavor. Although it will turn more expressive when enjoyed with food, it has enough smooth character to drink well on its own.

Winery Story

Bouchaine Vineyards, established in the oldest continually operating winery in the Carneros District, was founded in 1981 and is privately owned by Gerret and Tatiana Copeland of Wilmington, Delaware. The winery is devoted to the production of ultra-premium Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. One of the first wineries to participate in the Napa Green Farm Certification program, the entire vineyard is farmed sustainably, and they are in the process of converting the vineyard to organic farming.

The winery completed an extensive renovation in 1995, modernizing the cellars while retaining the trademark open-top concrete fermenters that are the "heart and soul" of Bouchaine's Pinot Noir production. Original redwood tanks from the early 1900s were recycled as siding for winery buildings. Bouchaine received numerous awards from Napa Valley historic and architectural organizations for its new winery. A fireplace warms the cozy tasting room, and a deck and terrace beckon with dramatic views of the vine-covered rolling hills of Carneros.