Pinot Noir 'Scallop Shelf Estate'

Score

99

"This is an exemplary coastal Pinot Noir. Scallop Shelf is an estate cuvée selected by winemaker Vanessa Wong. The driver is Pommard clone selection (60%), which lends to blood orange and pomegranate pulp. It's the most aromatic, elegant and finesse-driven of the Peay wines"savoury notes of pine needles, briny sea air and bright evergreen bough aromatics. The palate is delicate, with freshness, depth and finesse all coming together. The texture is lush and silky; bright acids lift the blue and red fruits. Dried mountain herbs create a framework for floral and umami elements, with smoky sea salt minerality lifting the finish."

Score

97

"A medium ruby red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Scallop Shelf is fantastic and layered with notes of violets, crushed stones, black raspberries, wild herbs, and a hint of pepper spice. Medium-bodied, it offers a long, incredible texture all the way through, with a velvety sea foam feel and a clean finish. Drink over the next 15 or so years."

Score

97

"Beautifully delineated aromas of crushed cherry, earthy mushroom, dried sage and violets mingle on the nose of this elegant and complex Pinot. The palate leans into the cool climate character of the vineyard with focused flavors of dried blackberry, dark cocoa, Darjeeling and nori, while rich tannin and energetic acidity balance on a razor's edge. While lovely now, this will age beautifully for a decade or more. " Tom R. Capo"

Score

96

"The 2022 Pinot Noir Scallop Shelf offers a more linear, mineral-driven expression of the estate. Most of this fruit is Pommard clone, but that is not especially evident. Red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and slate lend brightness. This linear, focused Pinot bristles with saline energy and tension. Give it time."

Score

92

"The 2022 Estate Pinot Noir Scallop Shelf opens slowly on the nose to reveal blood orange, cranberry, brewed black tea, mushrooms, woodsmoke and charcuterie. The medium-bodied palate is pleasantly chalky and bright with concentrated, savory fruit and a long, spicy finish."

Score

99

"This is an exemplary coastal Pinot Noir. Scallop Shelf is an estate cuvée selected by winemaker Vanessa Wong. The driver is Pommard clone selection (60%), which lends to blood orange and pomegranate pulp. It's the most aromatic, elegant and finesse-driven of the Peay wines"savoury notes of pine needles, briny sea air and bright evergreen bough aromatics. The palate is delicate, with freshness, depth and finesse all coming together. The texture is lush and silky; bright acids lift the blue and red fruits. Dried mountain herbs create a framework for floral and umami elements, with smoky sea salt minerality lifting the finish."

Score

96

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Scallop Shelf offers a more linear, mineral-driven expression of the estate. Most of this fruit is Pommard clone, but that is not especially evident. Red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and slate lend brightness. This linear, focused Pinot bristles with saline energy and tension. Give it time."

Score

96

"The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir Scallop Shelf is delicate and perfumed this year. Pale ruby-purple in the glass, it has pretty scents of red licorice and raspberry, lavender and saline, with mushroom undertones. The medium-bodied palate has a frame of chalky tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity. Despite its lifted character, it's bursting with floral fruit and has a long, perfumed finish. Give it a couple of years in bottle to unwind."

Score

95

"Inviting, nuanced aromas of ripe red cherries, dried flowers, rosemary and savory herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with earthy and floral character on the palate. Silky tannins with succulent fruit. Espresso and black pepper at the finish. Rather well balanced with great length. Drink or hold."

Score

94+

Score

94

Score

93

Score

16.5+

"Some definite development on the nose and some chalky dustiness on the palate. Lots to chew on! Long but still quite youthful on the palate, in contrast to the impression given on the nose."