Kutch Sonoma Coast McDougall Ranch Pinot Noir 2023

One of Jamie Kutch's most consistently acclaimed Pinot Noirs, this wine is crafted entirely from fruit sourced from the McDougall Ranch Vineyard, a cool-climate site at 400m of elevation just 5.5km from the coast. Powerful yet finessed, this is a lovely wine with loads of floral and smoky notes alongside beauteous touches of red fruit. 

95/100 - McDougall Ranch is usually the first pick for Kutch each year, even with being so close to the ocean at just 2.5 miles. But sitting high above the fog at 1,010 feet, it bathes in intense sunshine while catching strong sea breezes. The rocky, sandstone soils also contribute to the character of this wine. You can feel that coastal energy in the glass: lavender, sun-kissed blue and blackberries, a cool freshness, and a salty ocean breeze. On the palate, it carries a bit more power and plushness than other Kutch Pinots, with a deeper core of fruit, a slightly savoury character, and a touch more grip from its tannins. - Ana Carolina Quintela, Decanter

93/100 - The 2023 Pinot Noir McDougall Ranch presents the darkest and most fruit-driven profile of the Kutch vineyard designates, leading with black cherry, pomegranate and anise aromas. The palate strikes a beautiful midpoint between supple and slender, releasing into an effortless finish grounded by a sappy, slow-moving core of succulent fruits. As primary as this is today, it wears the energy and clarity of the vintage on its sleeve and should develop beautifully in the cellar. - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate

93+/100 - The 2023 Pinot Noir McDougall is a potent, tightly wound wine. Dark-toned fruit, lavender, licorice, spice, menthol and dried herbs add to an impression of somber gravitas. The McDougall is especially closed and muscular today. I will be curious to see if it opens with some time in bottle. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

17/20 - Limpid garnet. Very edgy-but-rich raspberry fruit. Hugely appealing already. Chock-full of fruit and charm. Sonoma Coast rather than Burgundy and none the worse for it. A jewel of a wine hiding its light tannins under all that fruit. - Jancis Robinson MW