Flanagan Pinot Noir 2020
Dry red wine, specifically a medium-bodied, elegant New World Pinot Noir · Flanagan Wines, a boutique, family-owned winery founded by Eric Flanagan in Sonoma County. Known for producing high-end, site-specific Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon with a strong focus on precision, balance, and expression of terroir.
Vintage: 2020, a challenging vintage in Northern California marked by warm temperatures and regional wildfires, requiring meticulous sorting and careful picking decisions by producers
Type
Dry red wine, specifically a medium-bodied, elegant New World Pinot Noir
Producer
Flanagan Wines, a boutique, family-owned winery founded by Eric Flanagan in Sonoma County. Known for producing high-end, site-specific Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon with a strong focus on precision, balance, and expression of terroir.
Country
United States, representing the New World wine movement known for innovation, technical precision, and fruit-forward yet balanced expressions
Vintage
2020, a challenging vintage in Northern California marked by warm temperatures and regional wildfires, requiring meticulous sorting and careful picking decisions by producers
Region & Appellation
Sonoma County, California (often sourcing from prestigious sub-AVAs like Russian River Valley or Sonoma Coast)
Grape Varieties
100% Pinot Noir, known for thin skins, bright acidity, red fruit profiles, and sensitivity to terroir
Color & Appearance
Translucent ruby-garnet core with a pale ruby rim, medium-minus intensity, showing moderate viscosity and delicate legs
Aroma Profile
Expressive primary aromas of ripe red cherry, wild raspberry, and cranberry, complemented by subtle secondary baking spices and tertiary undertones of forest floor and damp earth
Tasting Notes
An approachable and silky entry on the palate, evolving into a mid-palate rich with red berry fruit and fine mineral undertones, finishing with a lingering, graceful, and clean conclusion
Flavor Profile
Dominated by fresh tart cherry, red plum, and subtle hints of pomegranate, layered with savory notes of dried herbs, cola, and delicate French oak toast
Body & Texture
Medium body with a silky, velvety texture, polished tannins, and a supple, seamless mouthfeel that carries the vibrant fruit profile effortlessly
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity that provides freshness and lift, balanced by fine-grained, velvety tannins characteristic of cool-climate or carefully managed California Pinot Noir
Sweetness Level
Bone dry with zero residual sugar, balanced by ripe fruit impressions
Alcohol Content
Approximately 13.5% to 14.2% ABV, typical for premium Sonoma Coast or Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, providing warmth without heaviness
Aging & Oak
Aged in French oak barrels (a moderate percentage of new oak), adding delicate notes of vanilla, spice, and toast without overpowering the delicate fruit of the Pinot Noir grape
Food Pairings
Ideal with pan-roasted duck breast, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, roasted pork tenderloin, and soft, earthy cheeses like Brie or Camembert
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 55-60°F in a wide-bowl Burgundy glass. Minimal decanting is necessary, just 15-30 minutes to let the aromatics open up. Best enjoyed in its youth or within 5-7 years of vintage
Price Range
$50 to $90 USD, positioning it as a premium, boutique offering
Quality Assessment
Estimated score of 91-93 points, representing a premium, highly crafted artisanal wine with great balance, fine elegance, and reliable consistency
Production Methods
Hand-harvested grapes, meticulous sorting, destemmed with a portion of whole clusters potentially used for added complexity, fermented with native or cultured yeasts in small vessels, and aged in French oak barrels with minimal intervention
Terroir
Sourced from cool-climate Sonoma vineyards featuring well-drained soils (such as Goldridge sandy loam or volcanic soils), benefiting from morning fog and afternoon Pacific breezes that preserve natural acidity
History & Heritage
Established by Eric Flanagan with a vision to craft world-class wines from exceptional vineyard sites in Sonoma County, emphasizing a hands-on, artisanal approach to winemaking
Interesting Facts
Flanagan Wines is well-regarded for its meticulous vineyard sourcing and commitment to sustainable farming practices across multiple distinct microclimates in Sonoma County
Cellaring Potential
Drinking exceptionally well now through 2026-2028, offering immediate pleasure while retaining enough structure for short-term cellaring
Similar Wines
Kistler Pinot Noir, Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Rochioli Pinot Noir, and Domaine Serene Pinot Noir