Sonoma-Cutrer 2024 Winemaker’s Release

California producer Sonoma-Cutrer has announced the release of Les Plus Haut Pinot Noir, the latest in the company’s annual Winemaker’s Release series.

Les Plus Haut translates to “the most elevated,” as fruit from the highest blocks from both estate-owned Owsley Ranch and Vine Hill Vineyard were selected for this wine.

To create this wine, grapes were picked and sorted by hand before destemming, the winery reports. During the four-day cold soak and the eight- to twelve-day fermentation, the wine was punched down by hand in small, open-top fermenters. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was basket-pressed and gravity-racked into the barrels.

Les Plus Haut aged in a mix of new, one-year and two-year old French oak barrels. After resting for 14 months, the final blend was assembled and left to rest and evolve in the bottle for six additional months.

The result is aromas of blackberry, black cherry and dark chocolate, according to the winery, with hints of vanilla and spicy cardamom. Scents of rose complement earthy notes of forest floor and truffle with black tea accents. With a juicy mid-palate, the flavors include dried herbs, baking spices, cola, dark chocolate and blackberry. The finish includes fine-grained tannins.

This pinot noir is built for longevity, the winery says: Cellaring for another 2-4 years will continue to build complexity while softening the tannins.

Sonoma-Cutrer Winemaker’s Release 2021 Les Plus Haut Pinot Noir is 14.47% ABV. It’s available for a suggested retail price of $70 per 750-ml. bottle. The wine is available to purchase directly from the winery at sonomacutrer.com.

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