2018 THE SOLOIST CARNEROS PINOT NOIR
WINE NOTES
NAME:
The Soloist
VARIETAL:
Pinot Noir
APPELLATION:
Carneros
VINTAGE:
2018
Pinot Noirs are our most difficult wines to find. Geeking out with you for a moment, there are two major characteristics they possess. Either they are great… or they’re not very good at all. It’s that simple. And, we wish the balance was 50-50, but sadly it is more like 5% good, 95% not very good. Pinot Noirs express everything they have, the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s understandable, as they are a single varietal wine most of the time, so you get it all unwrapped and in full frontal view.
This very great wine was born and raised in the Los Carneros region, the only region to reach across both southern Sonoma and Napa. It’s like a chef using both surf and turf; you get the best of both worlds in one glass. This fairly windy region makes it tough on our little grapes at times, and these vineyards stay dry (no mold issues) and cool (we’re talking about San Francisco air), adding the acidity and fruit brightness. It is this struggle to survive that gives us the density, complexity and subtle nuances that are hard to find in simpler Pinot Noirs.
From the unripe dark cherry and earthy nose that carry through directly to the taste, the fruit / earthiness balance is exemplary. Once you’ve been captured by the first song in this solo performance, be patient, as later on in the set there is an amazing layer of Americana coffee (espresso with cream) adding to an already special wine. This is a stand-out feature performance we know you will happily drink in.
Cheers - Eric
ARTWORK & DESIGN
Label Design By Mindi Abair
I spend much of my time performing with others, as I love the raw collective energy a great band can bring to a performance. The sound flows through me and I feed off the energy that is markedly bigger than any one of us. As a solo artist, though, there are many moments I stand in front of the mic on my own. There is a beautiful power to that. Sometimes it’s all on me… every word, every note, every nuance.
I remember the first time I stood on a stage staring out to the faces staring back at me. It can be daunting for sure, but I found my strength and pulled from the 10,000 hours of practice, and it all seemed to fall into place. Instinct kicks in as the spotlight shines, and a true soloist will step up and seize the moment. This Pinot Noir did just that. It’s a star.
That’s why I love the artwork on this label so much. This label is hand painted using the back of a paint brush and dotting it onto a highly textured paper stock to give each dot a unique individuality. The red dot depicts that single voice that seizes the moment and rises above the rest. This wine is worthy of its moment in the sun. It is a pop star stand-out.
This playlist features songs that are soloist driven. Sometimes a song becomes a vehicle for one artist or soloist to shine. There are great recordings that feature amazing bands and groups of musicians. But the recordings on this playlist highlight a single performer. The spotlight is singular, and you will recognize the incredible talent of each soloist on this playlist, as you will taste this stunning one-varietal rock star of a Pinot Noir.
Mindi
MUSIC
There is no doubt with each of these songs that every soloist takes center stage and captures the moment with intent and passion. It’s so beautiful to hear an incredible soloist rise above an orchestra and song. It’s so inspiring to me, whether it’s a cellist, a coloratura soprano like my grandmother, or a lone trumpet player. Sit back, sip this beautiful wine that stands above the others, and be inspired.
CLICK BELOW TO LAUNCH SPOTIFY AND HEAR PLAYLIST