2017 Goldrock Estate Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Pinot Noir Goldrock Estate is even more impressive from bottle than it was from barrel. Gravel, graphite, smoke, leather, and whole range of dark fruit notes give the Goldrock Estate a decidedly somber feel that pairs well with its brooding structure. A Pinot of gravitas and power, the Goldrock needs time to fully come together, but it is super impressive today.
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The Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Pinot Noir Goldrock Estate is pale to medium ruby-purple and scented of raspberry and strawberry preserves, crushed red cherries, Earl Grey tea leaves, tree bark and allspice with notes of licorice, dried herbs and rose petals. In the mouth, it has a medium to full weight and slowly building intensity of earth and spice-laced fruits, with a firm, grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing long. Give this another year or two in bottle. 1,552 cases produced.
Another Sonoma Coast release, the 2017 Pinot Noir Goldrock Estate saw a touch of stems as well as the standard 45-55% new barrels. Its ruby/purple hue gives way to notes of Caramelized black raspberries, candied cherries, crushed flowers, and exotic spices. Rich, powerful, medium to full-bodied, and nicely structured, it's a big, mouthfilling 2017 that does everything right.
The 2017 Pinot Noir Goldrock Estate is powerful, inward and tightly wound. I very much admire the energy here, even if it is quite evident that the 2017 is not in the mood to show all of its cards today. Hints of sage, lavender and rose petal gradually open up, but the Goldrock is reticent and brooding. I suspect those qualities will serve the wine well in time, though.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.