Truchard Estate Carneros Pinot Noir 2021

92 Points Wine Enthusiast

This is an elegant, well-made and understated wine, offering a complex depth of dark berry, forest and spicy acidity. Enduring flecks of orange peel and currant underscore a freshness that lingers.

Wine Notes
A beautiful nose of black cherry, wild strawberry, and pomegranate
with hints of rhubarb, tea, and earth. The mouth is silky; with flavors of ripe plum,
cranberry, and sweet vanilla. Firm acidity and delicate tannins focus the palate and
provide a lingering finish of spice and red fruit. 14.1% Alc.

100% Grown, produced and bottled by the Truchard family in Upper Carneros region of the Napa Valley. Truchard Vineyards was started by Tony and Jo Ann Truchard (native Texans) in the 70s, the estate has grown to 480 acres (80% Sustainably Grown, 20% Organically Grown). The Truchard family's wine tradition can be traced to 1887 when Jean Marie Truchard and father Anthony Marie Truchard emigrated from a small town outside of Lyon, France to the United States. Together they established a vineyard and winery on 500 acres in Southeast Texas. Like many, after prohibition decided to seek alternatives to grapes.

The family legacy of farming and viticulture ran deep as Jean Marie's grandson Tony eventually inherited his love of farming and pioneering spirit. After medical school and service in the army, Tony and his family arrived in Napa Valley and planted vineyards in now the Carneros Appellation.

Seven separate clonal selections of Pinot Noir grow on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. Two “Martini” clones, the “Pommard” clone, the “Swan” clone and several new selections from France – Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777. Each selection provides a unique element of aromatic fruit, spice, and texture to the blend. The vines range from 21 - 43 years in age. They are planted in several select sites that take full advantage of the thin soils, rolling hills, and cooler temperatures, factors which combine to make the Carneros region ideal for producing Pinot Noir.

This wine was aged for 10 months in French oak (35% new), and bottled in August of 2018. It is ready for immediate drinking, but will gracefully age for the next 10 - 12 years.