The 2019 Ram's Gate Winery Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir is a distinguished offering from the Sonoma Coast appellation in California. Produced by Ram's Gate, this wine exemplifies the quality and character expected from a top-tier Pinot Noir. With a 14.1% alcohol content and sealed with a traditional cork closure, this red wine has garnered significant attention from wine critics.
Jeb Dunnuck, a respected name in wine criticism, awarded this Pinot Noir an impressive score of 96 points. Dunnuck describes it as "a brilliant wine" with a "smoky, complex, medium-bodied, and perfectly balanced style." He notes its pure black raspberry and redcurrant fruits, complemented by hints of autumn forest floor, spice, and sweet earth. Dunnuck praises the wine's "supple tannins" and "gorgeous purity of fruit," emphasizing its classic and seamless nature. He confidently states that this wine will age well for over a decade but sees no need to delay enjoyment.
James Suckling, another esteemed reviewer, gave this wine a score of 93 points. He highlights the "crushed berries in the nose with pine-needle and conifer highlights," and describes it as full-bodied with a "lovely density of fruit and a long, flavorful finish." Suckling detects a "sweet-and-sour undertone" that adds to its complexity, and he suggests that while it is "delicious now," it will improve with age, recommending to enjoy it best after 2023.
Wine Enthusiast, with Virginie Boone reviewing, rated the wine at 92 points. Boone notes the wine's "floral and earthy" entry, strong tannins, and "savory persistence." She identifies flavors of forest floor, black tea, and crushed rock elements, with nuanced oak that helps to structure and frame the wine.
Overall, the 2019 Ram's Gate Winery Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir is a well-regarded wine that showcases balanced complexity, depth of flavor, and aging potential. It stands out as a quintessential example of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, earning high praise from multiple respected wine critics.