2017 Sanguis Loner A Bicyclette
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Medium garnet, the 2017 Loner Pinot Noir A Bicyclette is more evolved than some of the other wines in this retrospective, having matured three years in neutral, 500-liter puncheons. It has pleasantly degraded aromas of dried cherries, underbrush, graphite and mushrooms. The medium-bodied palate is holding on to its core of cherry fruit and bright acidity, and it has a frame of chalky tannins and long, earthy finish. Drink it over the next 3-5 years. Around 125 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
What I assume is the current release, the 2017 Loner Pinot Noir À Bicyclette is an interesting blend of 97% Pinot Noir and 3% Chardonnay, all from the John Sebastiano Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills. Sour cherries, leafy herbs, leather, and subtle gamey notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, has a supple, elegant texture and a good finish. It's mature but should keep for another 7-8 years or more. While I always love the wines from Matthias Pippig, some of these latest releases played in what I call the “more interesting than good” category. While all good, there are hits and misses here.
The 2017 Pinot Noir A Bicyclette shows the aromatic and flavor complexity of a wine that is a few years old. Sweet dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, mint and dried flowers lend notable aromatic complexity to this mid-weight, nuanced Pinot Noir from the John Sebastiano Vineyard. I would prefer to drink it over the next few years.