95-Point Vintage
345 Wines Blind Tasted
225 Wines Rated 90+ Points
PLUS A First Look at 2020
Ever since consumer passion was ignited for California Pinot Noir by the movie Sideways nearly two decades ago, the category has seen a rapid upward trajectory. Prominent wineries have worked to define the state’s established American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), while pioneering vintners have helped to carve out new ones. A younger generation of quality-oriented winemakers have also entered the picture, driving a proliferation of single-vineyard bottlings that highlight the state’s varying terroirs. Producers’ focus on top clones ideally suited for these areas has fueled new plantings, yet they’ve maintained a healthy respect for older vines as well. This has led to greater diversity among Pinot bottlings, with a wide range of styles on display, from ripe and lush to savory and racy. All told, California Pinot Noir couldn’t be on a more promising path.
Only one thing has been missing: a true benchmark vintage. There have been some outstanding years in which a handful of producers excelled or some AVAs peaked, including most recently 2018, 2016, and 2014. But an actual benchmark, with a consistent level of quality across all the major AVAs and a critical mass of producers hitting the mark, had yet to occur. That was until the 2019 harvest came along.
This story is from the September 30, 2022 edition of Wine Spectator.
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This story is from the September 30, 2022 edition of Wine Spectator.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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Before Food Network, Top Chef or Yelp ... before the term “foodie\" ... before tomatoes were heirloom and sushi was fast food... back when fancy restaurants were always French... Michael Batterberry and his wife, Ariane, were working to celebrate and elevate the status of American chefs and international cuisine. Julie Mautner, Food Arts' former executive editor, looks at the life and legacy of her late mentor, affectionately known as The Bat.
