Description
Disclosure
This bottle was provided to me as a complimentary sample to taste for Vinocritic.com. As always, the producer had no input into the review, and all opinions are my own.
2024 Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir (100% Pinot Noir) — Review
If you’re looking for a Pinot Noir that leans delicate and quietly complex rather than loud and jammy, this one hits the mark. The style is light on its feet, but it doesn’t feel simple—there’s a layered, savory thread that keeps you coming back for another sip.
In The Glass
On the nose, I picked up bright red-fruit perfume—cherry and ripe raspberry—with an herbal accent that reads like sage, plus a gentle earthiness that adds depth.
On the palate, it stays true to that lifted profile: medium-bodied, finely textured, and driven by balanced acidity that keeps the fruit fresh rather than sweet. The finish is smooth and lingering, with the earthy/herbal notes echoing after the red fruit fades.
Structure & Winemaking Notes
This is 100% Pinot Noir, aged 10 months in French and American oak, and bottled at 13.5% ABV—all consistent with the restrained, elegant feel in the glass. With a pH of 3.68 and TA of 0.58 (g/100mL), the brightness and freshness make sense: it’s built to be refreshing and food-friendly rather than heavy. The suggested aging window is 5–7 years, and I can see this gaining additional earthy nuance with a bit of time.
Site & Character
This Pinot comes from Arroyo Seco (“Dry Creek”), a sub-appellation of the Monterey AVA, known for a cool climate and an extended growing season—factors that help preserve acidity while allowing flavor development. The estate vineyards are inland from Big Sur with deep, gravelly soils, which helps produce smaller berries and more concentrated flavors.
Pairing Ideas
This is exactly the kind of Pinot I want with lighter, savory dishes: roast chicken with root vegetables, mushroom risotto, or smoked salmon.
Bottom line: A graceful, nuanced Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir that drinks effortlessly while still offering real complexity—ideal for weeknight “serious sipping” and even better at the table.
I rate this a 93 and it paired very well with smoked salmon I made for the family.
