Dearden Wines
2012 Argus Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros
Pinot Noir
California: Napa Valley: Carneros
Mission Briefing
Bay Dreaming
We adore this delicious Pinot Noir and we are thrilled to offer it to you with our boldest recommendation. There is very little of this wine left in the marketplace and we were able to get our hands on a goodly number of bottles. That said, though, it is selling very quickly…
“With notes of bing cherry, raspberry, stewed tomato, tomato paste, fresh fava bean, root beer, and sarsaparilla, this Pinot Noir is varietally spot-on. It is also totally unique and deliciously different as it has a smoldering, meaty quality as well as an earthiness found more often in the French versions, from Burgundy. I love the fine-grained tannins which do ramp a bit towards the finish. This is a great wine to aerate first, either by splashing it into a carafe, or better yet swirling it softly in a big bowl-shaped glass. It is ideal for serving with dishes like duck breast, pork roast, or a starter of wild mushroom and Burrata bruschetta.” - 94 points - Catherine Fallis, Master Sommelier, Planet Grape
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Dark crimson. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Unmistakable Pinot Noir aromas. Cherries, raspberries, mocha, baking spices, forest floor, mushroom, orange rind, stones. |
| Taste: | Deep and full of fruit. Dominated by cherries and spice. This is a big Pinot Noir that’s layered with an array of cherries, berries, cinnamon, cocoa, and the lovely more savory elements of great Pinot Noir. |
| Finish: | Palate coating. Ripe and long lasting flavors that linger. Toasty. Exotic. Smooth. |
| Pairing: | Bring on the bird. Chinese duck or a simple roasted chicken are a fabulous combination. Perfection. Shhh, it’s fun to pair with chocolate or a cherry cobbler too! Built to last. Drink now through 2020. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Chris Dearden
- Grape Varietal
- 100% Pinot Noir (Clones 115, 777, Calera & Pommard)
- AVA
- Carneros, Napa Valley
- Oak
- 100% new French oak for 12 months
- Alcohol
- 14.8%
- Accolades
- 94 points, Catherine Fallis