King Richard's Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14’ This could possibly be the best thing they make . Could make an argument for the Chardonnay. 

This was my contribution for a New World v Old World Pinot tasting, with all 14 wines tasted blind.

I enjoyed my visit here earlier in the year, and thought the 2016 was great with a lot of life ahead. This 2013 is entering its prime drink window, in my opinion.

The only Fantesca wine not made by winemaker Heidi Barrett, but by assistant winemaker Tony Arcudi. A good balance of classical Cali Pinot with some old world flair. Fruit here is slightly underripe and a mix of red and black berries. A definite herbal influence with underbrush. Lots of layers here...rhubarb tart and candied black cherries up front before evolving to show herbs de Provence, cedar, crunchy cranberry and tobacco leaves. I called this my wine.

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

The Fantesca property on Spring Mtn is gorgeous, and their tasting room at the winery is stunning. Really enjoyed getting to try more of their wines.

Give it time and this will be a point or two better easily. The only Fantesca wine not made by winemaker Heidi Barrett, but by assistant winemaker Tony Arcudi. A good balance of classical Cali Pinot with some old world flair. Fruit here is slightly underripe and a mix of red and black berries. A definite herbal influence with underbrush. Lots of layers here...rhubarb tart and candied black cherries up front before evolving to show herbs de Provence, cedar, crunchy cranberry and tobacco leaves. Complex. Delicious.

Big and extravagant. Not delicate or elegant, but undeniably layered and rich.

As I’m pouring it into the decanter, I can smell it from 2 feet away. The best thing they make? They need some bottle age!Tremendous Pinot Noir.

Complements of @David L, thank you. First time experiencing this PN. Bold and assertive wine that has a since of place. Core of raspberry and roses. Supple, graceful and deep on the mid palate. Balanced, with a long rich full bodied aftertaste. Thanks DL!

Cola and cinnamon on the nose. Palette is soft and round. Tannins are lost in the sauce at this point. Acidity is flat. In essence, its frame has begun to collapse. For a reserve from a well respected producer, this was disappointing.

Proof that, indeed, there is truth in wine.

While Heidi Barrett makes her only Chardonnay and Spring Mountain Cabernet for Fantesca, my understanding is she will not make Pinot Noir. That responsibility falls on Fantesca’s Associate Winemaker Tony Arcudi, who also makes wine under his eponymous label in addition to consulting for Kapcsandy.

Fantesca’s 2014 King Richard’s Reserve is sourced from a selection of prime vineyards in Russian River Valley including Bacigalupi, Ulises Valdez, and Martinelli. Reminiscent of my experiences with Williams Selyem Pinot Noir. A rich, yet beautiful expression of Pinot Noir that juxtaposes lush raspberry and black cherry against a backdrop of herbs, flowers, and forest floor. The balance between opulence and restraint is where the beauty lies.

@Shawn R Awesome Pinot bud!! Badass in a glass. My 1st time trying it. I have 1 left, Lentine gave it to me. You guys s are my wolf pack....”We’re the three best friends that anyone could have, anyone could have.....”
😘😂😂😘

Best wine ever. Juicy and delicious!