2018 Laguna Ridge Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard was originally scheduled to be picked the night of August 17, but the pick was canceled due to the lightning storm that started hundreds of wildfires across California. Instead, it was harvested the following evening, August 18, before smoke began to threaten vineyards in Sonoma. The fortuitous timing resulted in this wine, offering singular expression, power and definition. Medium ruby-purple in color, it has layered scents of crushed cherries, blood orange, lilac and sage with botanical undertones. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and silky, with seamless acidity that highlights its spicy accents and a very long, layered finish. Wow! (EB)
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Aromas of ripe red fruit, cured meat and a hint of wet stone. Medium-bodied with gentle tannins. Delicate, but there is good presence and depth here. The mineral backbone really helps to keep the palate going. Slightly more savory towards the finish. Very satisfying. Spicy.
Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is still shy at this youthful stage, taking its time to unfurl to scents of smoked cranberries, fresh violets, fragrant earth, tangerine peel and touches of woodsmoke, tree bark and graphite. In the mouth, it has a medium weight, a very, very silky texture and fantastic bitterness, framed by bright, ripe fruits and addicting juiciness, finishing very long and with incredible lingering flavors. Pure class.
The 2018 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is a darker, more black and blue fruited release that has more fruit and opulence, yet still plays in the fresh, elegant, cooler climate style favored at this estate. Plenty of leafy herbs, forest floor, and mineral notes emerge with time in the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied and offers bright yet integrated acidity, flawless balance, and a great finish. It's another beautiful wine in the lineup. Winemaker Jason Kesner continues to put his mark on these wines, pulling back on harvest dates and focusing more on acidity, while not sacrificing concentration and texture. It’s not an easy tightrope to walk, but he’s doing an amazing job. These latest 2018s are truly brilliant, singular wines readers will love to have in their cellar.
About the producer
Kistler’s Chardonnays are some of the world’s most sought-after. This cult Californian producer crafts small volumes of exceptional, rich and generous, yet mineral and precise wines. With almost the entire production sold directly to their mailing list, the wines are also incredibly hard to find.