Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains 2023 (750ml) *
Product price
$52.99
Description
High-elevation viticulture in the Santa Cruz Mountains gives Pinot Noir a cool-climate cut, and this 2023 appellation cuvée from Thomas Fogarty is built to capture the region as a whole. It draws mostly from contracted sites on the ocean-facing western slopes, rounded out with declassified estate fruit farmed organically, a range that lets the alpine character of the appellation come through. Fermentation was native with a portion of whole clusters, followed by aging in French oak (a small share of it new), yielding a medium-bodied, approachable style.
The nose leans red-fruited and floral, with lavender and a lift of alpine herbs. On the palate it turns bright and lightly spiced: cranberry, blood orange, candied raspberry, a dusting of white pepper. It stays seamless and polished, more old-school than showy, with a saline undertone and a piney thread that carries the finish. Enjoyable now, with room to develop.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Producer | Thomas Fogarty |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
The 2023 Pinot Noir Estate is intended as a showcase for the appellation, made from mostly purchased grapes across the region (including La Vida Bella, Mindego Ridge, as well as some estate), and fermented partially whole-cluster before aging 16 months in 20% new French oak, standard across most of the producer’s Pinots. From a cool vintage where the tannins were given ample hangtime to mature, this is a medium-bodied, approachable wine lightly spiced and full of red berry flavor. Drink now through 2033. (Jeb Dunnuck, March 2026)
The appellation cuvée is a blend of mostly contracted sites, including La Vita Bella and Mindego Ridge on the western oceanside, as well as unclassified estate fruit, representing a full slate of organic sites. A delightful Pinot Noir, red fruited and floral on the nose with popping candied red fruit on the palate. Aged 12 months in 20% new French oak barrels, with punchdowns during native fermentation, followed by light crossflow filtration on the appellation wines. There’s a light, spicy character with bright notes of cranberries, blood orange, and candied raspberries. The estate features California heritage clones and organic farming, allowing the high alpine viticulture of the region to shine through. The appellation cuvee sees about 30% whole cluster. (Decanter, August 2025)
The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains) is a blend from sites in Corralitos with some declassified estate fruit. Incredibly polished and seamless, it opens with tart raspberry, white pepper, alpine herbs and lavender, with a decidedly medium-bodied, old-school bent. Salty undertones and lifted piney notes linger on the finish. This super-complex appellation-level wine is a great representation of what Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir is all about. (Vinous, June 2026)