Obsidian Estate Pinot Noir
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Obsidian Wine Company, located at the confluence of Carneros Creek and the Napa River, was originally planted in 1973 by the Molnar Family to the Burgundian varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- The maritime environment of the Carneros grape-growing season delivers cool, foggy mornings followed by warm days that slowly nurture ripening.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: Though painstaking, they harvest the three blocks of the hillside (top, skirt, bottom) separately, picking across the three Dijon clones: 115, 667, and 777. The fermentation temperatures are kept low to retain the fruit’s liveliness. As soon as the fermentations were complete, the wines were pressed gently into 100% Kádár Tokaj oak (9 Months in 25% New, Medium Toast Plus barrels), adding a signature spiciness to the blend that complements the fruit character. Racked only once before bottling, the result is a very pure, fruit-filled expression of Pinot Noir.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of cherry and cola with hints of fruit, leather and undertones of plum. The wine is silky in texture. Focused black cherry flavors dance on the palate, and an elegant dash of vanilla sweetens the wine for a long, inviting finish. When young, this wine is best appreciated when decanted prior to serving.
PRESS
2016 – 92 (Editor’s Choice) Wine Enthusiast
2019 – 90 James Suckling
2020 – 93 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Obsidian Wine Company was founded in 1973 on land once used for grazing in Napa Carneros. This area was thought to be too cool for wine grapes at the time. The winery sits at the meeting point of Carneros Creek and the Napa River. Here, Pacific winds and fog help balance the California sun. The soil is clay and gravel, providing excellent drainage. They use barrels made from Tokaj oak by Kádár Hungary. This oak species, Quercus Petraea, is valued for its aromas. Over the years, Obsidian Ridge has crafted unique California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.