2018 Littorai Pinot Noir Roman Vineyard
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Tasting notes
A savory nose of baked cherry, toasted sage and chicory root. Medium-bodied and much brighter on the palate than the nose, with fresh, shiny acidity. Pretty, succulent and delicious with fine tannins. So clear and energetic on the palate. Drink or hold.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Pinot Noir Roman Vineyard comes from a tiny, 1.9-acre hilltop vineyard at about 1,000 feet in elevation. The nose opens slowly to tar, seaweed, bay leaves, graphite and underbrush with a core of crunchy cranberries and blackberries. In the mouth, it’s light-bodied with crunchy, minerally fruits and elegant earthy accents, offering bright pops of freshness and a long but understated finish. This will benefit from another couple years in bottle.
The 2018 Pinot Noir Roman Vineyard melds together brilliant aromatics, sculpted fruit and tons of energy with a feeling of effortless grace that makes it one of the most complete wines in this range. Sweet floral notes, bright red berry fruit, mint, cedar and spice add complexity, but in 2018, the Roman is first and foremost a wine of balance and class. The substantial finish suggests it has a very bright future.
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.