2023 Pinot Noir Clos du Ciel
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Pinot Noir Clos Du Ciel Estate is from the southernmost vineyard they work with on the Sonoma Coast. A deeper ruby red color, it’s more brooding and deep on the nose, with layered aromas of toasted incense, dark black raspberries, and savory windswept herbs, as well as some umami notes coming through. The palate is full in structure, with ripe tannins, broad shoulders, a rich, savory feel, and a long-lasting finish. This robust Pinot should drink well over the coming 15 or so years. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, while former winemaker Luc Morlet remains as a consultant. Robert studied at the Colorado School of Mines, which led him to a career in environmental geophysics before finding his path into the world of wine. He went on to UC Davis to study Viticulture and Enology. Most recently, Robert was a member of the winemaking team at Continuum in Napa. Vineyard manager Javier Avina has championed the land since 1991. Each of the sites are steep hillsides in Knights Valley that modulate with varied exposition and soils. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Pinot Noir Clos du Ciel opens with dark plum, cherry and pomegranate aromas that give way to compelling nuances of orange peel, pipe tobacco, dried flowers and spicy undertones, and with each return to the glass, it offers a new aromatic subtlety. Full-bodied, the palate is brimming with highly concentrated, detailed flavors that go on and on in the mouth. It’s structured by fine, grainy tannins, and succulent acidity lures you back to the glass again and again. 226 cases were made.
The 2023 Pinot Noir Clos du Ciel is fabulous. Aromatic and vertical in feel, with captivating energy, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. Dark red cherry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, new leather and incense are all beautifully amplified in the glass.
About the producer
Founded in 1983 by Sir Peter Michael CBE and his wife Margaret, Peter Michael Winery produces some of California’s finest wines.