Domaine Carneros Avant-Garde Pinot Noir features  fresh pomegranate followed by sweet cherries, red raspberry, warm oak, and cinnamon. It was created to be the vanguard of the vintage, heralding the distinctive bright berry qualities of the Carneros Region. The fruit for this wine is sourced from all five Domaine Carneros vineyards in the rolling hills of Carneros.

We grow eleven different clones of Pinot Noir and each one contributes its unique flavor profile and personality to make this compelling blend which is truly a mosaic of our Carneros terroir. The 2016 edition of our Estate Pinot Noir packs a full range of red and darker berry flavors. 

The Lawler Ranch vineyard is located on Ramal Road just east of our Tula Vista vineyard. The eastern facing slopes were originally planted in 1990, and then grafted to Dijon Clones in 2004. The defining feature of this wine is its savory character. Leaping from the glass are notes of sassafras, rose petal, and boysenberry. 

We call it “Le Ciel Serein” and it just might be the most picturesque ranch in Carneros. This site was selected for its rolling hills, diverse exposure, and exceptional soils. This edition offers notes of ripe plum, wild berries, delicate cigar spice, and carob nibs.

Each year we put the spotlight on one of the twelve different Pinot Noir clones grown at Domaine Carneros by bottling it separately. We first bottled the Pommard clone (aka UCD 5) separately in 2009, and since then we have kept our eye on this consistent performer. This wine has a fascinating appearance, it presents brilliant clarity despite the fact that it never underwent any racking, fining or filtration.

Each year we put the spotlight on one of the twelve different Pinot Noir clones grown at Domaine Carneros by bottling it separately. We first bottled the Pommard clone (aka UCD 5) separately in 2009, and since then we have kept our eye on this consistent performer.This wine has a fascinating appearance, it presents brilliant clarity despite the fact that it never underwent any racking, fining or filtration.

The “Famous Gate” pays homage to our deep commitment to Pinot Noir. In 1992 we made our first two barrels and since then have carefully cultivated three small blocks of the Swan selection, each located at a different vineyard. This notoriously shy bearing clone forms the basis of Famous Gate, the highest expression of our Estate grown Carneros terroir.