2023 Falstaff Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
A beautiful counterpoint to the more powerful and slow-moving McDougall bottling, the 2023 Pinot Noir Falstaff Vineyard is intensely focused and mineral-driven on the nose, gradually developing additional notes of fresh herbs and dried flowers. The palate is admirably sleek and tensile, seamlessly moving into a soaring, mineral-driven and focused finish. The energy here is palpable, delivered with patience and elegance. I look forward to following this in the cellar over the next decade.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
16 barrels produced from vines planted in 1999 at 505 ft, 8.2 miles from the ocean on Goldridge soils. Not picked until 17 October. Spontaneous fermentation with 50% whole cluster, and aged in used French oak barrels. Unfined, unfiltered. Intense fruit with some violet notes and still quite obvious acidity. Needs a little time to mellow and take on a bit of body in bottle. (JR)
The 2023 Pinot Noir Falstaff is redolent of crushed rocks, slate, white pepper, mint, red plum, herbs and iron. Bright acids drive through a core of red-toned fruit in this mid-weight yet juicy Pinot. All the elements are so well balanced. This is a classic Kutch wine, done with a bit more forward fruit than in some prior years.