2018 Littorai Pinot Noir The Return
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2018 Pinot Noir The Return comes from steep, northwest-facing vines planted in the early 1990s as part of the original Savoy vineyard. Ted Lemon says, "It's about a 25 degree slope with lots of undulations that forms a single string bean that spans 1,600-1,800 feet elevation. The fog migrates up and down the coast. We are above the fog line, so the fog burns off sooner because it's a smaller valley with no outlet." Medium ruby in color, the nose begins with tar, licorice, spices and potpourri, segueing to tangerine peel, cranberry and rhubarb fruits. The medium-bodied palate is intensely flavored, finely grainy and seamlessly fresh, with Goldilocks ripeness and a long finish laced with floral perfume. What a beautiful wine!
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Pinot Noir The Return is another very pretty wine in this range. Bright and focused, with terrific aromatic intensity, the 2018 has so much to offer. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, mint, lavender and pine are some of the many notes that are so beautifully sculpted in the 2018. This is such a gorgeous and expressive wine.
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.