CHEV Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2020
(Santa Rita Hills, California) - [DM 94] [JD 93] [JS 93]

At CHEV, we work hard to make delicious wines so you can slow down and savor life without distractions. Those magic moments when you gather ‘round the table or by the fire with great friends and family to eat, drink, and spark real connections. Just like we did in the good ‘ol days. And enhancing those good times is what drives and inspires us. Our flagship wines for CHEV are our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which reign from the notable Russian River Valley, or “the Garden of Eden,” as our master craftsman Michael Browne calls it - where everything grows well. However, CHEV was born to reach regions beyond our own backyard.  With each season, our winemaker, Cabell Coursey and Michael seek new regions to craft delicious wines that embody the place and the unique terroir of the area.  

Fermentation: 76% Stainless steel open tops | 14% concrete open tops | 10% wood open top tank 

Time in Barrel: 15 months | 40% new French oak | 29% once used French oak |31% several times used French oak

Tasting Notes:

Nose:Inviting aromas of pomegranate, fresh tangerine juice and cranberry, entwined with black cardamom spice, violets, birch bark, and raw honeycomb.

Mouth: Lush flavors of red raspberry and rhubarb give way to an alluring, velvety mouthfeel. Ripe plum and dark cherry are seamlessly layered with faint notes of black tea, wrapped around soft, pillowy tannins. Vibrant, with pure concentration culminating in a memorable, lingering finish.

Recommended Drinking Age: Three to five years after release although will age gracefully over the next 10 years when properly cellared. Should you wish to enjoy sooner, we recommend decanting for two to three hours.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Sourced from Spear Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, this wine exemplifies the classic Sta. Rita candied red cherry fruit, warming brown spices, star anise, and a hint of orange peel essence. Medium-bodied plum and apple skin tannins lay a solid foundation, while flinty minerals, coriander cream, and underbrush layer in nuance through the long finish. The wine is tension-filled and framed by juicy acidity. Fermentation in 100% stainless steel open tops and ageing for 15 months in 45% new French oak, 30% once-used French oak, and 25% several-times-used French oak. CHEV is a project from Kosta Browne co-founder Michael Browne and his wife, Sarah Browne. The label was introduced in 2013, after they established CIRQ, focusing on Pinot Noir from their stunning 6-hectare estate and winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. In 2024, Cabell Coursey joined the team to further elevate their craft. – Jonathan Cristaldi (Aug 2024)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Sourced from a single vineyard and pouring a pure ruby hue, the 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is spicy with a perfume of wild herbs, cinnamon, and ripe red cherry. Medium to full-bodied, with ultra-fine tannins, a silky texture, and notes of ripe wild raspberry, red plum, and a bit of iron-rich earth, it’s charming and elegant. Drink 2023-2030. – Audrey Frick (Jul 2023) 

93 Points - James Suckling:
"An especially vibrant, tangy and elegant wine with pretty aromatics and great balance. Rose-petal, potpourri, clove and cedar aromas, together with red cherries, tart cherries and peppery cinnamon on the palate. Electric in texture, but full-bodied enough to be balanced. Drink or hold. (Jul 2024)