2018 Littorai Pinot Noir BA Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast
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S$16897
Vintage: 2018
Region: Sonoma Coast
Country: USA
About Winery
In 1992, the Lemons spent months traveling the vineyards of the west coast from Seattle to Santa Barbara looking for the best growing conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We concluded that the area which had the greatest unexplored potential for these two varieties was the true north coast of California, the coastal hills of Sonoma and Mendocino counties. As life long winemakers, Heidi and Ted Lemon brought their passion and professional knowledge but no significant financial resources. Hence, Littorai began only with purchased grapes, 150 cases of One Acre Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and 150 cases of Mays Canyon Sonoma Coast Chardonnay in 1993. We have grown slowly from there as we found vineyards of promise. Littorai was the first to vineyard designate Charles Heintz Chardonnay as well as Savoy, Roman, Cerise and Wendling Pinot Noirs and has the longest running contract with Hirsch Vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. In 2000, we began to purchase and lease properties in Anderson Valley and on the Sonoma Coast: B.A. Thieriot Vineyard, The Haven, The Pivot, One Acre and The Return. Today, our production is evenly split between estate and grower vineyards. In 2008, we completed construction of the winery at our Gold Ridge Estate.
Winemaker Notes
Like smelling a deep and dark well of water high up in the mountains. Don’t ask me what that means, it was the image that came to my mind at our last blind tasting before bottling...candied notes, blackberry, rhubarb, pomegranate, blueberry, coffee bean, Asian spices, soy, hoisin, black pepper. This is a very fresh, rich, complete and hedonistic wine with pronounced acidity and is very long and understated, like dappled sunlight on a cool, midsummer afternoon. Formidable.
97 points Jeb Dunnuck
Lovely spice sticks out on the nose, along with plums, black cherries and a subtle, citrus- yuzu note. Medium-bodied with really steady intensity and balance. Fine tannins. Juicy fruit, dried violets and wet stones, expressed with such masterful intention and grace. Delicious. Drink or hold.
94-97 points Vinous
The 2018 Pinot Noir Thieriot Vineyard Estate is a fitting conclusion to this tasting of 2018s at Littorai. All of the energy and weightless tension of this site come through, but the 2018 also has more than enough fruit density and overall structure to keep the wine from feeling austere. I can't wait to taste this next year from bottle.
96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir B.A. Thieriot Vineyard opens with very classic aromas of tree bark, licorice, cracked pepper, underbrush, potpourri and dried violets with a core of pure blood orange, cranberry and redcurrant fruit. The palate is powerfully flavored, layered and spicy with bursts of freshness and a gently grainy texture, finishing long and earthy. This is immediately enjoyable but will age well in the cellar.
