2021 McDougall Ranch Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir McDougall Ranch is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, spice, dried herbs, leather and tobacco add gravitas to this somber, imposing Pinot Noir. There's serious depth and textural intensity here.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,338 g. 20 barrels produced from vines planted in 1998 on greywacke and sandstone soils at 1,010 ft, 3.5 miles from the Pacific. Picked as early as 1 September, about a month earlier than the Falstaff vineyard. It's on an exposed south-facing site well above the fog line. Much deeper crimson than Falstaff 2021 – a colour that could be described as mid crimson. Sweet candy nose and opulent fruit. This would be the bottling to serve to someone who was more used to Russian River Valley Pinot – as an introduction to Sonoma Coast Pinot. An undertow of richness with that grainy texture on the end that seems to be a signature of these wines. Probably best to wait until 2023 before starting to drink this. Very elegant, lively, lightly spicy wine with good acidity and persistence. (JR)