2015 TOP 100 WINES | Rank #37
This amazing Pinot Noir from Banshee is sourced from the Coastlands Vineyard, which was first planted in 1989 and contains some of the oldest pinot noir vines on the Sonoma Coast. Coastlands is one of the coolest vineyards for Pinot Noir in all of California and the difficult conditions in this vineyard only allow for extremely low-yields. Banshee was able to produce 3 barrels from this vineyard in 2012 and it is absolutely stunning, instantly bursting open with seductive aromas ripe strawberries and cherries, layered with smoke, sweet spices, floral, forest floor, white truffle, cured meats and a just a touch of vanilla. This continues to impress with its beautiful seamless texture and wonderful finesse as it heads into the tangy, mouthwatering finish. Even at this early stage, this is extremely appealing and showing tons of character. Year after year, the quality of wines from Banshee seems to be constantly improving, but they have clearly reached the next level with this 2012 Coastlands Pinot, which deserves to be mentioned amongst the upper echelon of Pinot Noir coming from California. (20% whole cluster fermentation, followed by 20 months in French Oak, 20% new, including two once-used Rousseau. puncheons, Cavin, and François Frères barrels. 3 barrels made) (Best 2015-2025) - March, 2015 (JD)
95 POINTS
Wine Specifications
Report Date: March, 2015
Producer: Banshee
Vintage: 2012
Drinking Window: 2015-2025
Suggested Value: $70
Country: United States
Region: California
Appellation: Sonoma County
Importer: NA