Michaud Pinot Noir 2004 is from the prized Chalone appellation in Monterey, California. This award wining Pinot Noir has a good concentration and depth of flavor, with balanced acidity and tannin. Complex flavors suggest ripe blackberry, currant and cherry, with subtle hints of herbs and spices. The vivid fruit flavors and aromas have made this the most demanded Pinot Noir made by boutique wine maker Michael Michaud. This is a very special collectible wine so it is recommended that you decant or open 30 minutes prior to service. It is drinking very nicely and develops and changes in the glass. Drink now through 2016. Less than 1100 cases produced.

For nearly 30 years, winemaker Michael Michaud has been making wine from grapes grown in the Chalone Appellation, giving him more experience in this appellation than any other winemaker. Michael's admiration and respect for the intense conditions of Monterey County's Chalone Appellation high in the Gabilan Range began when he became assistant winemaker to the legendary Richard Graff at Chalone Vineyard in 1979. In 1983 he took the reins as winemaker and was responsible for the subsequent 15 vintages at Chalone. Reknown wine critic Robert Parker has written favorably of his wines, particularly those made since 1990, calling Chalone "the Montrachet of California."

Produced in very small quantities, Michaud wines are made in a style that reflects both the mineral characters of the soil and the dynamic climate. The Chardonnay expresses ripe fruit characters of apricot, nectarine and peach while the Pinot Blanc has aromas and flavors of tangerine, honey and crème brulee. The Pinot Noir suggests black cherry, blackberry and black currant. The Sangiovese is reminiscent of cranberries and pomegranates. The Syrah has flavors and aromas similar to black cherries, blueberries, black raspberries and a bit of black pepper. The fruit flavors are complemented by subtle spiciness and nuances of oak from the 3-year air-dried French oak barrels in which the wines are fermented and aged. Above all, the wines retain a balance with refreshing acidity, a satisfying weight and texture in the mouth, multiple layers of flavor and a long elegant finish.

RATINGS: Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Silver Medal - Finger Lakes International Wine Competition

9.4 Points out of 10 - Pinot Days Event California

Highly Recommended - Wine Spies
"Michael Michaud delivers an incredible Pinot Noir in this perfect example from his vineyards in the Chalone Appellation. This is a superior wine with an array of wonderful flavors and deep aromatics. Its acidity and crisp sweet-tartness lend it to drinking on its own, but also make it infinitely “pairable” with everything from subtle and mild dishes to more robust choices such as prime rib or roast lamb or pork. I recommend decanting this wine for maximum enjoyment. This ready to drink Pinot seems just right for enjoying now, but the winemaker also suggests you cellar a few bottles, where the wine will ‘acquire additional development over time’. Me? I love it now!" - Wine Spies