Sonoma Cutrer Pinot Noir?

I know and respect Sonoma Cutrer for their line of Chardonnay which can be found on many restaurant lists and, around here, just a few retail shops. Now, apparently, they are making Pinot Noir which is news to me. Has anyone had occasion to try it?

I know and respect Sonoma Cutrer for their line of Chardonnay which can be found on many restaurant lists and, around here, just a few retail shops. Now, apparently, they are making Pinot Noir which is news to me. Has anyone had occasion to try it?

Yes. (but I was at S-C when they first released it). I think it's pretty good PN. In the Sonoma Coast style. Blend of three basic vineyards primarily. with (I think) the key one being the Owsley Vineyard parcel located close to the Sonoma Coast and right next to Merry Edwards' choicest vineyards as well. It's cold as hell over there so the fruit comes out pretty spicy/cranberry/pomegranate and adds a nice tang to the wine.

They made Pinot for about eight years before they ever released any under the S-C label; up until then they were keeping it undercover and selling some fruit to other smaller growers in the area with a non-disclosure agreement. They have about six vintages out now, I believe; but the first four were miniscule and available only in selected restaruants. Only recently released to retail and only recently available to any degree, now that vineyards are maturing.

Small batch, small press, small fermenters, and made at a totally separate facility at S-C, separated entirely from the Chardonnay in all ways.

It's new world, but with an avoidance of gobbiness and a nod toward more French lean-ness in a cooler new world envrironment (several notable French consultants were involved in setting up the vineyards and the initial production of the wine).

I'll leave it to others for their evaluation and TNs of the wine.

Hoke - thanks for your analysis with a little history thrown in. My local retailer has this for upwards of $25/btl in six-bottle cases, the 2007, I think. At that price, maybe I'll suggest he do a tasting before I consider buying.

Hoke - thanks for your analysis with a little history thrown in. My local retailer has this for upwards of $25/btl in six-bottle cases, the 2007, I think. At that price, maybe I'll suggest he do a tasting before I consider buying.

Yeah, $25--30 sounds in line with their pricing. Obviously, any time you can get a tasting before investing it's a good thing.

We had friends over Saturday night for rack of pork and Pinot Noir. Two of us sell wine here in Tualatin and Wilsonville. We had Roots 2007 Estate $25 from Oregon, Palliser Estate 2005 $29 from Martinborough, New Zealand, and Sonoma Cutrer Pinot Noir 2005 $37. Roots is made by Chris Berg who does a very good job. His 2007 Estate had a very nice earthy quality. This was an example of very well made Pinot from Oregon in 2007. It certainly shows a lighter vintage but nice balance. Palliser Estate 2005 was my personal favorite. It shows well from an excellent vintage from New Zealand and especially Martinborough. They are one of the older wineries from that area. It showed darker fruits with some nice mushroom and earth notes. I also did not realize that Sonoma Cutrer was making Pinot Noir. This was a more restrained style of California Pinot. This was more strawberry fruit, more delicate but well balanced. We thought this was a very nice group of Pinots that certainly diversity of place and vintage. I continue to find very impressive Oregon 2007 Pinot Noirs.

Thank you for the notes, Michael. I find myself reaching for PN more and more often.