2016 Joli Coeur Pinot Noir
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The 2016 Pinot Noir Joli Cœur is the richest and most powerful of the Pinots in this range. Powerful, dense and quite structured, the 2016 also needs time in bottle to shed some of its formidable tannin. Dark cherry, spice, earthiness and tobacco add nuance to this decidedly, muscular Pinot. Readers need to be patient here, as the Joli Cœur is quite reticent today.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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This is made from the best section of the “Coteaux Nobles” vineyard on the second ridge in from the ocean, which produces smaller berry and cluster sizes. Medium ruby-purple- colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Joli Coeur reveals seductive exotic spices, raspberry pie and candied violets scents with a core of chocolate-covered cherries and tilled soil plus a waft of truffles. Full-bodied, super concentrated and impactful in the mouth, it has a solid frame of velvety tannins and an epically long finish. 300 cases produced.
The 2016 Pinot Noir Joli Coeur comes from an east-facing parcel and shallow soils. It offers more Bing cherry and strawberry notes, with more floral and spice nuances developing with time in the glass. As with all of Luc’s wines, it’s beautifully balanced and pure, with ripe yet present tannin and a great finish. I loved these latest releases from Luc Morlet and family, and they show a sensational mix of classic, balanced, even old-school, characters mixed with killer California fruit. As a whole, the 2014s show more elegance and complexity, with the 2015s possessing more power and richness. These are rockstar wines.
Once again, the 2016 Pinot Noir Jolie Cœur is superb. Rich, ample and layered, with tremendous balance, the 2016 has it all. Dark berry fruit, chocolate, hard candy and sweet floral notes give the Jolie Cœur a distinctly exotic feel and striking perfume. This is another big, voluptuous Pinot from Luc and Jodie Morlet