2021 Littorai Pinot Noir The Return
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir The Return is highly expressive and generous in character, offering the same supple allure it did when I tasted it in early 2023. It unfolds a touch of flintiness and reveals layers of wild berries, Earl Grey tea leaves, nori, iron and conifer on the nose. The medium-bodied palate explodes with layered flavors! It has powdery tannins, firm acidity and a very long, flavorful finish with soaring floral perfume. 150 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Pinot Noir The Return is super-impressive in this range. Just as it was last year, the 2021 is racy and potent to the core. Readers will find a wine of explosive energy and textural depth. Black cherry, menthol, tobacco, licorice and dried herbs abound. This towering, statuesque Pinot has a ton to offer.
Pale ruby in colour. Thick, earthy perfume, like a foggy forest with loamy soils and ferns. Bright, crunchy, fresh red fruit – pomegranate and cherry. Light toast, cola and sassafras finish. (SCJ)
The 2021 Pinot Noir The Return is dazzling. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and crème de cassis infuse the 2021 with tons of textural richness and intensity. This opaque, dense Pinot might very well be the darkest wine I have ever tasted at Littorai. The 2021 is not exactly subtle, but who cares? Superb.
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.