Nichols Pinot Noir 2016 | Bursting with red cherry & raspberry
Nichols Pinot Noir 2016 is deep ruby in the glass. Bursting with red cherry, raspberry, and black tea notes, hinting at clove. While remarkably round and silky on entry, flooding the palate with mouthwatering candied cherry, raspberry compote. And tinged with vanilla, smoke, and cocoa nib notes. Supple tea-tannin and notes of bramble and spice linger on a vibrant finish. Finally buttressed by the juicy acidity of cool-climate Carneros. Another gem from Winemaker Britt Nichols.
While the richly textured, red-fruited, broad-shouldered Pinot Noirs coming out of cool-climate Carneros are in hot demand. Hence, ratings climb into the high 90s from exceptional producers like Patz & Hall, Paul Hobbs, Hyde and Donum. Consequently, all who have put the cool-climate AVA on the map and landed wines on coveted lists at gastronomic palaces from San Francisco to New York City. This Nichols Pinot Noir 2016 is no exception
Family first to the benefit of all
Winemaker Britt Nichols, who lives in Carneros, knows the windswept Napa region as well as anyone. That’s how she was able to lock in 12 barrels of exceptional Pinot Noir. Britt — a Jordan Winery alum, and protege of Nicolas Morlet and 100-point winemaker Philippe Melka — took after her mentors, turning out a beautifully balanced, dense Pinot Noir.
But when Britt chose to focus on caring for her new baby Dash, rather than crisscross the country to sell the wine, we worked out a win-win clearance deal for Wine Access clients. While Britt values this Pinot at $45, we are fortunate enough to offer our clients a shot at another 600 bottles for just $18 each. A quick Google search will remind you that Carneros Pinot this good, at this price, is a bonafide steal.
Winemaker Britt Nichols and Carneros
“Carneros is on average a full 10 degrees cooler than the rest of Napa,” Britt told us. “Diurnal temperature swings are dramatic so grapes cool down at night, maintaining freshness. Then, in the morning, the sun burns off the fog and bathes the grapes in sun. Perfect for Pinot.”
While in 2016, the growing season was perfect and bountiful, yielding thoroughly ripened fruit. Most of all, at $18, this Nichols Pinot Noir 2016 is one to drink early and often, while those $70+ bottles slumber in the cellar.