2018 Pinot Noir Bentrock

The 2018s from Alma Rosa unfortunately miss the mark. Over the years, Alma Rosa has been through some ups and downs. At their best, these can be compelling wines, but the 2018s are disappointing. I found the wines all very light and lacking in vineyard character, something that is absolutely essential for vineyard-designate bottlings. Samra Morris is the new winemaker here starting with the 2019 vintage. Her resume includes stints at Michael Mondavi Family Estate and time with Thomas Rivers Brown. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see what the next chapter holds.

Note: As a postscript to my notes on the 2018s in this article and the commentary above, I recently had a chance to taste the 2019s from tank, just as some of the wines were about to be bottled. What a difference. The style of the 2019s is similar to the 2018s, in that these are mid-weight, gracious wines that emphasize finesse more than anything else. However, new winemaker Samra Morris has brought a big improvement in execution. The 2019s have everything the 2018s lack; namely depth, complexity and plenty of site character. They are gorgeous wines. Consultant Tony Biagi, who is best known for his Napa Valley wines Plumpjack, Hourglass and his own Patria label, among others, also has a talent for mentoring young winemakers and putting them in a position to be successful on their own. He did it Plumpjack, Sinegal and Clos du Val, and he is doing it here. Alma Rosa is an estate to watch.