2008 Abiouness, Pinot Noir “Pommard Clone” Stanly Ranch, Carneros.
Nicole Abiouness is a name to write down and or tuck away in your memory, her wines are very intriguing and she looks set to be a star, especially with her Pinot Noir, like this totally seductive 2008 Stanly Ranch Pinot. This wine is delicately detailed and beautiful with vigor, texture and sublime balance showing the very best in Carneros terroir and highlights her talented touch. This Pommard Clone selection gives wonderful spicy red fruit character, rose petal perfume, pretty ruby color and a sexy sweet and savory quality with bing cherry, briery raspberry, poached plum and tangy herb/spice notes. The wood is subtle and frames this lighter medium weighted wine perfectly and there is plenty of soft acidity to keep things driving and alive. The finish is lengthy, but fresh with a hint of saline and truffle adding to the lingering fruit. This Pinot is a serious and impressive effort from a young winemaker on the rise, and with her experience working the cellar for John Kongsgaard behind her, she looks set to produce even better wines in the future, definitely a label to watch.
($42 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
