As I said previously, I know Ron from purchasing fruit from his vineyard and have always been a huge fan of the wines that Megan Baccitich (Paul Hobbs former Director of Winemaking) makes for him. Megan is incredibly talented, always nailing the right balance of richness, structure, depth and complexity.
The Ron Noble 2018 Petaluma Gap "Estate" Pinot Noir is all of that and more. I have it open here in front of me and it features gorgeously pure and succulent aromatics and a finesse-driven richness that will make you come back for glass after glass. Huge, sexy yum factor here but its well supported by a fantastic structure (you know I am all about structure).
With well over a year in bottle now, this wine has settled in nicely and drinking great. The partial stem inclusion and native yeast fermentation have completely integrated with about 40-50% new French oak. World-class, hugely appealing Pinot!
I've peeled off a little less than two pallets of this wine (100 cases) and am basically just marking it up a touch off of Ron's ex-cellars price to give you access. Sure, its a bit pricier than your average dN offering but I assure you its worth it. Drink now and over the next 4-5 years.
It was rated 92-Points by Wine Advocate and The Wine Enthusiast but I think the review from the Connoiseur's Guide makes the pitch best: [versus the Reserve Estate wine] it shares the same very deep, near-pulpy fruit and is a fleshy, full-bodied effort of explicit, Pinot Noir character. There is nothing delicate about it, yet it earns high marks for its unwavering richness, and, if just tannic enough to notice and having the fruity stamina to age very comfortably for several years, it is invitingly juicy and downright delicious right now.
Boom.
92-Points Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Estate has pretty aromas of black cherries, charcuterie, woodsmoke, blood orange and loads of spicy accents. The medium-bodied palate offers a lovely blend of fruit and earth, nuanced, bright and fresh with a ripe frame and long, layered finish. 356 cases produced.
92-Points Stemmy and earthy, this intriguing estate wine is lifted in red fruit, with persistent accents of mixed dried herbs. From a relatively cool site, it offers structure, lushness and length, with bright acidity helping to keep it balanced and poised.
91-Points -Connoiseur's Guide When measured against its maker’s Estate Reserve, this wine is not quite as layered or compellingly complex, but it shares the same very deep, near-pulpy fruit and is a fleshy, full-bodied effort of explicit, Pinot Noir character. There is nothing delicate about it, yet it earns high marks for its unwavering richness, and, if just tannic enough to notice and having the fruity stamina to age very comfortably for several years, it is invitingly juicy and downright delicious right now.
