2018 Westwood Pinot Noir, Annadel Gap, Sonoma Valley, Calera Clone

This dark and juicy single clone Pinot Noir explodes with intense aromas of wild strawberry and notes of cherry cola, slowly opening to spices of cinnamon and Christmas spices. The palate fills with juicy flavors of cranberry and boysenberry as dark chocolate and earthy richness hits the mid-palate. One of nine clones of Pinot Noir planted at Annadel Gap Vineyard; this bottling shows the dance between the coolness of the site and its ability to achieve precision and grace.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Red and black raspberries, mulberries, spice, rose petal, and dried herb notes emerge from the 2018 Pinot Noir Annadel Gap Vineyard Calera Clone, which offers lots of savory, classic Pinot Noir goodness on both the nose and palate. From a vineyard in the Sonoma Valley and mostly destemmed, it spent 18 months in 75% new French oak. It’s going to drink nicely for 4-6 years.

(92-94 Points) - The Wine Advocate

The 2018 Pinot Noir Calera Clone Annadel Gap Vineyard is a barrel sample expected to age in 50% new oak. Medium to deep ruby-purple color, it bursts with flamboyant black cherry compote, wild blueberries and star anise scents followed by hints of kirsch, raspberry pie, forest floor and Provence herbs plus a hint of lilacs. Medium-bodied, the palate is intense yet elegant, with very fine-grained, soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with some spices coming through.

93 Points - International Wine Report

Westwood's Calera Clone Pinot comes from the Annadel Gap Vineyard in the Sonoma Valley. It serves up a pretty bouquet with classic Pinot notes of dark cherry, cranberry, dried spices, fresh flowers, and earth. On the palate this possesses gorgeous ripe red fruits, followed by fresh berries, sweet spices and earthy flavors. This is a very elegant and flat out delicious Pinot that is drinking wonderfully on release and will age well over the next decade.