Blue Rock 2023 "Baby Blue" Pinot Noir

Many of you are already familiar with Blue Rock's amazing wines as we've carried their Cabernet, Baby Blue Red and Sauvignon Blanc for years, but this is the first time we've tried and carried their Pinot Noir. Blue Rock Vineyards is a boutique, 100-acre estate situated in Alexander Valley, California, dedicated to European-inspired winemaking and sustainable, small-lot farming. Originally planted in the late 19th century, the property is anchored by its historic stone winery and pristine, blue limestone soils, which inspired the estate's name and lend a distinct mineral character to their portfolio. While the estate itself is famous for crafting top-tier Bordeaux varieties, Blue Rock reaches into cool-climate, maritime-influenced sub-regions for their "Baby Blue" series. Sourcing fruit for this Pinot Noir from the Gapstone Vineyard within the windy, coastal Petaluma Gap AVA, the winery focuses on showcasing classic coastal purity, delicate balance, and bright natural energy.

In the glass, the 2023 "Baby Blue" Pinot Noir opens with a vibrant ruby color and an inviting nose of dusty red cherry, wild cranberry, and fresh strawberry alongside subtle floral notes of rose petal and lavender. The palate delivers a supple, seamless texture centered around a bright core of ripe raspberry and plum skin, seamlessly layered with hints of black tea, cinnamon, and subtle forest floor earthiness. True to its Petaluma Gap origins, lively coastal acidity cuts through the wine's rich fruit weight, maintaining excellent precision and drive. Well-integrated oak frames the experience nicely, leading to a long, polished finish anchored by fine-grained tannins and a lingering whisper of baking spice.

90 Points from James Suckling
Renowned critic James Suckling awarded the vintage a 90-point score, praising it as a bold, full-bodied, and mouth-filling selection that showcases a beautifully polished profile filled with ripe dark plums, blueberries, and rich dark cherries balanced by moderate tannins.

750ml