Gamay Noir "El Dorado"
2019
Duncan Arnot Meyers grew up around wine. His father's best friend was Bernard Portet of Clos du Val, and much of Duncan's youth was spent in Napa Valley. He was mentored by John Kongsgaard and worked side by side with Pax Malhe, Northern California's cult syrah specialist, until June 2008. The "Roberts" in Arnot-Roberts, is Nathan Lee Roberts, second generation master cooper, whose grandmother is Margot Biever Mondavi; Nathan's mother Annie Roberts was executive chef at Robert Mondavi Winery....
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A blend of two high-elevation sites in the Sierra Foothills: Barsotti Vineyard (795m) and Witters Vineyard (1,005m). Wild, rustic nose of red plums, pepper and dried flowers then svelte palate that is broad and subtly tannic on the finish. These mountainous sites bring a sturdy, brambly quality to what is an often underrated variety. Singular and delicious.
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The 2019 Gamay Noir El Dorado is another hugely appealing wine in this lineup. Sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal and spice give the 2019 striking inner sweetness and perfume. In this vintage, the El Dorado is a bit lighter in feel than it has been in the past. I imagine that is partly a reflection of the year and also the result of a reduction in carbonic maceration in the winemaking.
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The 2017 Gamay Noir El Dorado is gorgeous. Bright red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, mint and blood orange are all woven together in a mid-weight, refreshing red that has so much to offer. Exquisite in its beauty and nuance, the El Dorado is striking today...
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The 2018 Gamay Noir El Dorado is bold, punchy and super-delicious. Sweet red cherry fruit, dried herbs tobacco, licorice and cedar convey boisterous energy to this wonderfully fleshy, inviting wine. This is such a gorgeous wine.
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