2021 Morlet 'Joli Coeur' Pinot Noir Fort Ross-Seaview

Winemaker Notes: Made from the very best section, the heart, of the excellent ‘Coteaux Nobles’ vineyard located on the Sonoma Coast, this unique wine is also named after the typical seductive character of the Pinot Noir grape. Handcrafted by using classical Burgundian winemaking techniques, it is the ‘Charming Character’ or ‘Joli Cœur.’

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "With a dark magenta/ruby hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Joli Coeur is a highly compelling red with an introspective nature. It’s initially reserved on opening before revealing pure, concentrated aromas of kirsch, dark mineral earth, roses, mossy forest floor, cinnamon, and cola spices. The palate springs to life with incredible energy on the palate, with an electric personality, finely coiled tannins, refreshing acidity, and a compact, racy core with sanguine underpinnings of iron-rich earth and blood orange. A structured and noble wine, it’s going to take its time to reveal its full potential, but it will have great potential for aging over the coming 15 or more years. (AF)" (6.24)


Wine Independent - "Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Joli Coeur comes barreling out of the glass with expressive scents of wild blueberries, Morello cherries, and boysenberries plus suggestions of Sichuan pepper, underbrush, and candied violets. The medium to full-bodied palate has wonderful tension and energy, with beautifully ripe, fine-grained tannins and loads of mineral sparks in the black fruit layers, finishing on a lingering perfumed note. (LPB)"(2.24)


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Morlet's 2021 Pinot Noir Joli Coeur comes from an east-facing slope with shallower soils and smaller berries, hence it is a tighter, more tannic version of Pinot Noir that needs some time in the bottle to fully develop. But even now, it offers delicate floral notes, ripe raspberries and hints of orange zest and dried spices on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, firm on the palate, with a long, slightly reticent finish. (JC) 94+" (10.24)


Vinous - "The 2021 Pinot Noir Joli Cœur is the most reticent of the 2021 Pinots. It will clearly need a few years to come into its own. Today, the 2021 is marked by strong mineral and savory accents. Shallow top soils in this block yield small canopies and small berries. (AG) 94+ " (12.23)