2018 Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir

2018 Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir

2018 Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir

The 2018 vintage was highlighted by its moderate growing season and average rainfall, resulting in grapes with extra hang time. Cooperative weather during the flowering stage increased fruit yields and created crisp refreshing wines with wonderfully ripe flavors. The 2018 Estate Pino Noir reveals a symphony of aromas and flavors. Raspberry pie, sweet spice, forest floor and plum are complemented by toasted oak and graphite.

Wilfred Wong (92/100)
COMMENTARY: The Chalone Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir has been one of the most consistent, high-quality wines from the Central Coast. The 2018 vintage shows excellent persistence and a beautifully layered finish. TASTING NOTES: This wine is vibrant and fresh with aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, as well as a hint of savory spices. Enjoy it with grilled lamb chops. (Tasted: September 24, 2020, San Francisco, CA)

The largest and perhaps most varied of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces a good majority of the state’s wine. This vast district stretches from San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara along the coast, and reaches inland nearly all the way to the Central Valley.

Encompassing an extremely diverse array of climates, soil types and wine styles, it contains many smaller sub-AVAs, including San Francisco Bay, Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.

While the region could probably support almost any major grape varietiy, it is famous for a few. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are among the major ones. The Central Coast is home to many of the state’s small, artisanal wineries crafting unique, high-quality wines, as well as larger producers also making exceptional wines.