2018 Kutch Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
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Lightly colored, the 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was not destemmed and was brought up all in neutral French oak. It would be a great introduction into the wines from Kutch and has lots of stem influence as well as ripe cherry and strawberry fruit, medium-bodied richness, plenty of underlying tannins, and outstanding length. It shows the more structured, savory, yet balanced style of this team beautifully. Jamie Kutch continues to make a savory, almost Old World style of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In general, these are structured, tannic wines, and short-term cellaring is advised.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is bright, floral and beautifully perfumed, with all of the bright acids and energy of the year on display. In 2018, the Sonoma Coast is especially ethereal. The blend has a bit more Falstaff than in years past, a result of higher yields in that site. Sweet floral notes and a touch of whole cluster savoriness round things out.
Great information given on the well-designed back label. 42 barrels produced. Vineyard planted 1972 – 1999, at various elevations up to 1,500 feet (460 m). 3 – 8 miles (5 – 13 km) from the ocean. Mixed soil types. Picked 7 September to 1 October. 100% whole cluster. Three-day lag time followed by native yeast fermentation and spontaneous malolactic conversion in barrel. All of the fruit was crushed and punched down by foot. Aged in used French oak barrels on the lees untouched for 11 months. Unfined and unfiltered. Transparent crimson. Appetising sour-cherry nose. Very zesty indeed where acid and fruit joust on the palate. The whole-bunch element is certainly evident but is (just) not too pronounced. Lovely fruit is already approachable and is hugely refreshing. I can't see it becoming a La Tâche but it should provide utterly pleasurable drinking over the next few years. (JR)