The Scarlet Pimpernel

Scarlet Pimpernel was an elusive 18th century character of English folklore who wore many disguises in his gallant attempt to rescue French noblemen from the guillotine during the French Revolution. So it is with Pinot Noir, that ever elusive grape which is one thing one moment and quite something else the next.

CRICHTON HALL single vineyard Pinot Noir is produced from two hillside sites in the acclaimed Truchard Vineyard in Carneros. A spicy, delicate, heirloom clone and the more robust Pommard clone, together produce a superb, very Burgundian Pinot Noir. Beguiling and luscious in their youth, our Pinot Noirs become exotic with Italian truffles and a slight gaminess with age.

The beautiful Pope's robe hue leads to spicy, red fruits on the nose and palate with rich, supple well-balanced flavors and textures. The fruit and acids harmonize beautifully with the tannin and sweet oak from fourteen months of barrel aging. Bright, firm, ripe fruit leads to exotic spice and earth elements. The signature mineral gout de terre quality comes through in the finish.

The wonderful, mercurial quality of this wine lends itself to many food pairings, including sweetbreads, salmon, breast of duck and spicy Asian dishes.

spice, smoke, light red meats, duck confit and white French beans / salmon, ahi grilled to perfection; flavors of Asia rolled into Spring / little lambkins dressed in dried cherries, wild rice pine nuts adorned / poach a bosc pear, reduce it to heaven, the nectar will send you aloft / can ever a wine be more perfect than the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel ?

Critical Acclaim

CONNOISSEURS' GUIDE
"Wonderfully well-filled...loads of deep fruit, first rate oak... supple, palate-coating texture displayed by none but the best Pinots."

WINE SPECTATOR
"Supple and elegant, appealing for its complex earth, cherry and mineral flavors."

DECANTER
ONE OF THE TOP WINES OF THE YEAR
"The best and most Burgundian, like the Crichton Hall, come from the cooler region of Carneros."

WINE ENTHUSIAST
"Red fruits, sandalwood, vanilla...creamy in the mouth, endowed with layered fruit and fine balance." Highly Recommended. Cellar Selection.

LARRY WALKER
WINES THAT FUSE WITH FUSION FOOD
"...this one has the verve, the presence, to go where few wines have gone before...lovely, ripe, wraparound flavors with a deep black cherry center..."