Carmel Road Pinot Noir

Carmel Road Winery is located in the heart of Monterey County where the air is crisp and the tempo is relaxed and measured. Most mornings their vineyards are shrouded in fog. Most afternoons a brisk Pacific Ocean wind blows southward along the ridge tops and benchlands of the Salinas Valley delivering fresh, cool maritime air. For years their region was considered too cold and windy to grow world-class grapes. Today, Monterey boasts some of the most highly acclaimed AVAs in all of California.

The wines of Carmel Road come from a remarkable group of vineyards that lie within the Salinas Valley of Monterey County. On the western side, the alluvial plain stretches from the mouth of Monterey Bay southward along the eastern-facing bench-land fans in the rain shadow of the Gabilan Range, and constitutes a series of west-facing alluvial hillsides. The foothills here receive more afternoon sunshine, which promotes a riper fruit profile.

At Carmel Road, theyve tailored their viticulture and winemaking techniques to capture the compelling character of their unique climate and soils. Their Pinot Noirs are known for their rich flavors, firm acidity and brilliant varietal flavors. The 2007 is a rich and complex wine, marked by crushed blackberry, ripe strawberries, warm spice and refreshing red fruit tones on the finish.