New Vintage of a Favorite Pinot Noir - Rated 94pts

Capiaux Pinot Noir Chimera Russian River Valley 2019

Rated 94 Points by the Wine Advocate 

A wine that is a consistent favorite of ours, and has also been highly rated, this is surely its highest rating to date! This is the entry level Pinot Noir offering from Capiaux Cellars, a winery founded in 1994 that is dedicated to producing single vineyard Pinot Noir. Traditional Burgundian techniques are complemented by a modern flair of knowledge - allowing the finished wine to express the terroir from which it comes, with minimal intervention in the modern winemaking practices. 

Chimera is the entry-level and one of the earliest wines produced by Sean Capiaux. The name is taken from Greek mythology, meaning a monster comprised of three different animals. Originally Chimera was sourced from three specific vineyards, though as Capiaux now has access to several more sources, this wine benefits from the characteristics of multiple different vineyards and their terroir. Some of the vineyards that compose the blend are very well known, such as Gary's Vineyard, Pisoni Vineyard and Widdoes Vineyard. 

The 2019 vintage of Chimera was aged in oak for 11 months in French oak barrels with 10% of these being new oak. 

Rated 94 Points by the Wine Advocate - "The 2019 Pinot Noir Chimera Vineyard, Capiaux's largest-production bottling, is delicious this vintage and a great value. Medium ruby, it's intensely scented of raspberry liqueur, blood orange, licorice, iron and earth. The full-bodied palate is plush, silky and open with generous, spicy fruits and a very long finish. It was aged 11 months in 10% new French oak. 1,500 cases produced."

From the winery - "Medium dark red to purple in color with a vibrant purple hue leads into perfumed aromas of dark berries, crème cherry and raspberry with a light vanilla oak note. Nicely integrated with red cherry fruit, pomegranate, and strawberry preserve. Chimera has a medium weight and tannins with a silky texture and a candied fruit finish."

A perfect fit for Thanksgiving dinner for those of you looking for a head start on your menu! 

Cheers!

Tracy Maxon

tracy@varmax.com