*93 pts. Wine Enthusiast
Dark boysenberry jam and lavender aromas meet with an earthy tension of mushroom and game on the nose of this bottling. The palate shows even more forest floor and savory elements that give much depth to the plum and berry flavors, as baking spices and light mushroom dust touches hit the finish. — Matt Kettmann
Since the early ’90s, our Runestone Pinot Noir has been a “barrel select” wine, showcasing the very best barrels in our cellar. The intriguing label honors Clay’s former career as a Professor of Ancient Norse Languages and Specialist on the Runic Inscriptions of Viking Scandinavia. This 2023 vintage blends intense aromas of dark ripe cherries, tart raspberry, currants, violets, and warm spice with subtle oak nuances. On the palate, rich flavors of spiced chutney, ripe cherries, cranberry, and hints of sweet tobacco and chocolate unfold with a smooth, velvety texture and a long, elegant finish. Pinot Noir is one of the most food-friendly of red wines, and this wine shines alongside roast duck, beef tenderloin, juicy pork chops (see featured recipe), or a platter of bold cheeses. Complex yet refined, it promises to age beautifully over the next six to ten years.
