Artesa's Pinot Noir vineyards span the entire cool-climate Carneros region. Temperatures are moderated by the adjoining San Pablo Bay, cool afternoon breezes and persistent morning fog. This climate yields grapes that have enough cool, hang time and sunshine to develop great depth of flavor with great natural acid. In response to the late wet spring, Artesa made an extra vineyard pass, hand removing excess fruit zone leaves. This assured that the fruit would get the full benefit of both the plentiful sun and wind, drying the grapes quickly and hastening full ripening.

Artesa Pinot Noir Reserve 2006 Reviews

"Dry and herbal, with a modest mix of savory dried cherry and berry fruit." - 82, Wine Spectator

"Marked by crisp acidity and mint-infused cherry pie filling flavors, this Pinot finishes a bit sharp. It needs rich fare to soften it, like Ahi tuna or lamb." - Wine Enthusiast

Artesa Pinot Noir Reserve 2006 Tasting Notes

A bright Carneros Pinot Noir filled with aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry and red currant. This wine is beautifully subtle and multi-layered with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, leather, cedar chest and smoke from a distant campfire. Combining both elegance and boldness, this wine is wonderful to drink now while it also has the concentration and complexity to age well for 5 years.

Artesa Pinot Noir Reserve 2006 Pairings

Pair with braised beef, duck, goose, pheasant, lamb tangine, osso bucco, plank-roasted salmon, semi-soft, herbed and smoked cheeses.