91points
2020 Terraces Pinot Noir
Wine Score
91
Lively and fresh, with redcurrants and ripe cherries playing around a clean pile of dried leaves, the 2020 Pinot Noir Terraces Estate Selection also includes hints of wintergreen and cola. It's medium to full-bodied and silky textured, with just a touch of warmth on the lingering finish.
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Description
Bouchaine’s 100-acre estate vineyard lies on the southern border of Napa Valley’s Carneros district, overlooking the San Francisco bay with the financial district in the distance. Fog, wind, and the cold night time temperatures of this unique geographical area lend a distinctive regional identity to our Pinot Noir.
Growing Season
The 2020 growing season will certainly be remembered for years to come. As everyone huddled safely indoors to avoid the pandemic, our grapevines began their growing season by enjoying a dry, warm winter. The beautiful weather continued through Spring and Summer, with excellent ripening conditions allowing for an early harvest.
Vinification
The Terraces curl around the slopes overlooking the bay on the south side of the estate. They capture predominantly morning sun and enjoy some protection from the prevailing west winds. These soils are the most well drained and volcanic on the estate. Consequently, the wines are quite distinctive, showcasing the savory intensity. A generous portion of new French oak lends a sweet spice component to the layered flavors from this dry-farmed site.