Allen Meadows
We are pleased to share the latest batch of reviews from Allen Meadows. Meadows’ is the leading Burgundy wine critic in the world, and authors the lauded Burghound publication that has a devoted readership in over 60 countries.
Meadows’ rates primarily red and white Burgundy, Chablis, Champagne, and California and Oregon Pinot Noir. His database includes over 117,000 reviews, and only two other California wineries have been rated higher in the publications 20+ year history than our 2020 Niclaire Pinot Noir and 2020 Rosemary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir that were featured in this latest report.
This latest batch of reviews made our 90+ score count reach 1,600!
2020 Niclaire Pinot Noir
California AVA
“Touches of menthol and various spice elements, especially anise, add interest to the layered, fresh and ripe aromas of red and dark cherry. Once again there is a gorgeous texture to the beautifully detailed medium weight flavors that possess a really lovely sense of underlying tension that also suffuses the firm, complex and sneaky long finish. First-rate development potential here.”
Ageing potential: 2030+
Score: 94 / Outstanding
2020 Rosemary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
Arroyo Grande Valley AVA
“A picture-perfect pinot nose freely offers up ultra-pure and pretty aromas of various red berries, anise, spiced tea and a whiff of sandalwood. The sophisticated mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is positively gorgeous thanks to the excellent mid-palate density, all of which is complemented by a strikingly long, precise, complex and harmonious finale. This classy effort is quite simply terrific.”
Ageing potential: 2028+
Score: 94 / Outstanding
2020 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Rita Hills AVA
“A wonderfully spicy nose is comprised by exceptionally pretty red and blue pinot fruit that is laced with subtle floral nuances, and in particular, violet and rose petal. The succulent, round, generously proportioned and highly seductive middleweight flavors aren’t quite as precise but do offer outstanding persistence on the dusty, moderately and youthfully austere finale. This is also very impressive.”
Ageing potential: 2028+
Score: 93 / Outstanding
2020 Rancho La Viña Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Rita Hills AVA
“A pure and elegant nose speaks of essence of red berries, anise and exotic tea. The utterly delicious, seductive and suave medium-bodied flavors exude a refreshing salinity on the vibrant, complex and sneaky long finale. This is lovely and a wine that should repay another 4 to 7 years of keeping.”
Ageing potential: 2026+
Score: 92 / Outstanding
