Birichino 2022 "Saint Georges" Pinot Noir

Birichino is one of the few California producers that masterfully captures the elegance, complexity, and alluring charm of Burgundy—the same qualities that have made French Pinot Noir renowned worldwide. It’s no wonder that founders and winemakers Alex Krause and John Locke consistently achieve this feat, having honed their craft under the mentorship of Randall Graham, California’s original Francophile and Rhone Ranger at Bonny Doon.

The pristine Saint Georges fruit, mostly from three blocks tended by George Besson on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains, provides the backbone of this wine. This unique pocket of the Santa Clara Valley is known for producing red wines with aromas of botanical extracts, mountain herbs, and cherry liqueur. True to form, the St Georges Pinot is fermented with wild yeast and aged in cement tanks and well-seasoned barriques, before being bottled without fining or filtration. The interplay of black cherries and rose petals sets the stage for a perfect balance between rich and dark elements, and light, elegant tones. On the mid-palate, a lively acidity shifts the dark fruit to notes of strawberries and raspberries, while a subtle bramble adds texture, keeping the wine fresh and balanced.92pts Wine Enthusiast
A distinct chaparral and wild herb character define the nose of this appellation blend, complemented by dark cranberry and baked pastry aromas. The palate brings in a savory, gamy quality that adds depth to flavors of dark plum and cranberry.