Carmel Road Monterey Pinot Noir 2019

Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 8 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving.

Situated slightly inland from Monterey County’s wild coast, Carmel Road has brought a range of top-class Burgundy varietals to Californian consumers for over two decades. The winery was founded in 1999 when Monterey County was still a new face on the Californian wine scene. Nowadays, it is in the expert hands of wine-maker Kris Kato, who traded a career in beer brewing for delicate, yet delicious, French grapes.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive in this coastal region, experiencing a perfect combination of long, hot days and cool, misty nights. The relatively cool climate gives Monterey wines a delightfully crisp profile, and this Pinot Noir is a perfect example of that.

The nose wafts with complex layers of red fruit - vibrant cherry, raspberry and strawberry, with some savoury hints of scorched earth and black tea. Herbs and sweet red fruits combine in the mouth, giving a perception of cola, while earthy and slightly meaty flavours hover in the background. It is a distinctly refreshing wine, with subtle, well-structured tannins, hints of oak and a smooth feel on the palate. Try pairing this with some classic Pinot Noir companions, such as a roast turkey, mushroom pie, or smoked salmon with cream cheese.