WINE TASTING: An Outstanding Pinot Noir from Adobe Road Winery

by Andrew Chalk

A lot of good pinot noir is coming out of California but this one is exceptional.

2023 Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Vineyards Roberts Road ($74)

Notes from the producer:

Vineyard & Winemaking:The Sangiacomo family has been a trusted partner for years, farming their Roberts Road Vineyard in the windswept Petaluma Gap with incredible precision. The region’s persistent wind thickens grape skins, bringing extra color and flavor intensity to Pinot Noir. We co-fermented three clones—115, 777, and Pommard—to build complexity from the start. Aging in light and medium toasted French oak barrels brings structure and aromatic lift without overshadowing the fruit.

Vintage:The 2023 vintage in Sonoma County followed an unusually cold, wet winter and spring—over 50″ of rain, rare snowfall, and lingering cool conditions delayed budbreak and bloom. Flowering and veraison were slow, pushing harvest into October or even early November. The extended hang time yielded high tonnage with bright acidity, balanced sugars, and elegant fruit quality.

TASTING NOTES

NAME:	Adobe Road 2023 Pinot Noir Petaluma Gap, Sangiacomo Vineyards, Sonoma Co., CA ($74)
	COMMENTS
APPEARANCE
Clarity	clear
Intensity	medium
Color	ruby
NOSE
Condition	clean
Intensity	medium plus
Aroma Characteristics	Cherry, herbaciousness, sage, thyme, leather;
PALATE
Sweetness	dry
Acidity	Medium
Tannin	medium, smooth
Alcohol	medium
Body	medium
Flavor intensity	pronounced
Flavor characterstics	Smooth tannins. Very intense flavors that are effusive on the palate. Cherries, herbaciousness, dark chocolate. Beautiful balance.
Other observations
Finish	long
Quality Assessment	Very good.
Bottle aging	Outstanding.

Sample.