2018 CIRQ, Bootleggers Hill Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, California, USA

Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.

Russian River Valley, California, is renowned for cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Its proximity to the ocean and diverse soils create vibrant wines with balanced acidity. Winemakers prioritise sustainability, crafting exceptional wines that reflect the region's unique terroir.