Bouchaine is one of those rare premium wineries in Napa Valley that has produced consistently high-quality wines, especially Pinot and Chardonnay, since the late 1970s without all the drama of ownership changes or dramatic shifts in style as one winemaker takes over for the old one. But consistency doesn’t have to be boring. Cris Kijani has here produced a very enjoyable, medium body Pinot with plump cherry flavors, some creaminess in flavor and texture, a few notes of pencil lead and good finishing acidity without being crisp or lean.
Bouchaine, Carneros – Napa Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2021
By Roger Morris