Claiborne and Churchill Classic Estate Pinot Noir 2019 Red Wine

Claiborne & Churchill Classic Estate Pinot Noir 2019

Edna Valley, CA

92 pts. Wine Enthusiast:

"Uplifting aromas of plump raspberry and mint show on the nose of this bottling. Raspberry and pomegranate form the core of the palate, with dustings of chaparral also in play, leading into a tense, brisk finish."

We had the pleasure of visiting Claiborne & Churchill and meeting the family; what warm, friendly people! Truly a family-run winery, they’re very enthusiastic about their winemaking. Since 1983 they have been making wonderful Edna Valley wines (of course we’re partial to their Pinots). This Classic Estate Pinot REALLY impressed us! Pinot Noir fans would love this wine.

Interestingly, their winery is the first “straw bale” building ever constructed in California. The 16” thick walls are filled with rice straw, which is a perfect insulator!

FROM THE WINERY

The 2019 growing season saw a mild and consistent weather pattern all the way from mid-spring to the time of harvest, allowing the Pinot Noir grapes to develop good sugar levels, bright acidity and nuanced flavors.

These qualities are on full display in the Pinot Noir we call “Classic” as a nod to its hallmark status of cool-climate, coastal winegrowing.

The 2019 Classic Pinot opens with notes of tart cherries, crushed strawberries, and sweet spice. The tannins are soft and the acidity is bracing. This is a blend of “cherries and berries” from our own Twin Creeks vineyards and our neighbors’ vineyard at Greengate Ranch just across the road from us. Pair it with filet mignon, grilled salmon, or dried fruits and assorted cheeses.

Appellation    Edna Valley
Vineyards   60% Estate Twin Creeks, 40% Greengate Ranch & Vineyard
Harvest Date    09/19/2019 and 9/27/2019
Aging    15% New French Oak, Aged 10 Months in Barrel
Alcohol     13.70%
Bottling Date    06/15/2020
Cases Produced       469