Our Wines

2021 The Famous Gate Pinot Noir

Through this wine, one can trace the history of Pinot Noir at Domaine Carneros. In 1992, we made our first two barrels and called it The Famous Gate in honor of the antique iron gate which stands at the entrance to Domaine Carneros, a gift from the Taittinger family. For the past thirty years, we have carefully cultivated three old-vine blocks of the historic Swan selection of Pinot Noir. Each small block is located at a different vineyard; two are in Napa, and one on the western Sonoma side of Carneros. In this wine, Swan takes center stage, with two supporting characters – “Hanzell” selection and “Dijon 115” to create the highest expression of our estate-grown Carneros terroir.
$95.00

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Famous Gate Pinot Noir opens with enticing aromas of rose petal, hot brick, and pomegranate. On the palate, there is sweet cranberry with a hint of tea leaves and saddle leather, and a creamy texture leading to the long, smooth finish. This wine sees extended aging of 16 months, which lends soft tannins and warm savory spice. While poised and delicious to drink now, the impeccable balance, bright acidity, and persistence of the palate provide evidence for graceful aging.

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Food Pairings

We recommend pairing this exquisite wine with equally interesting dishes such as Moroccan lamb tagine with orange and ras el hanout, beef bourguignon, or fig and prosciutto pizza with caramelized onions.

Varietal Composition

Vintage: 2021
Appellation: Carneros
Varietal: 100% Estate Grown Pinot Noir
16 Months Barrel Aged in French oak, 45% new
Clones: 80% Swan, 16% Hanzell, 4% Dijon 115
pH: 3.60
Acid: 0.59g/100ml
Alcohol %: 14.5

95 Points
James Suckling
February 2024
94 + Points
Robert Parker
January 2024
A sparkling wine party

Daily Toast

Wine is sunlight, held together by water!
—Galileo Galilei

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