CHEV Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2021
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [JD 94] [DM 94] [JS 94] [VM 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: 100% Stainless steel open tops

Time in Barrel: 15 months | 45% new French oak | 30% once used French oak |25% several times used French oak | 3% wood tank

Clones: Pisoni, 23, 667

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Inviting aromas of deep cherry and raspberry, accented with savory and warm spice characters of nutmeg and clove, layered with soft gardenia and hints of lavender.

Mouth:  Juicy red fruits envelop the palate with a velvety texture, layered with citrus and candied orange peel, contoured by a balanced minerality and earthy notes leading to a notably commanding 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 an hour.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A deeper ruby color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands has a much riper profile but is equally pure, offering notes of black raspberry liqueur, violets, and darker minerals. It’s pure and ripe (but not overly ripe), with a good degree of intensity, and it’s silky in texture, with mixed berries and a wild character. It also has a great floral finish. Drink 2025-2035." – Audrey Frick (Jun 2024)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"CHEV co-founder Michael Browne is no stranger to fruit from esteemed growers Mark Pisoni and Gary Francione in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and this wine offers an intriguing nose with aromas of plums and strawberry fruits laced with vanilla and dark chocolate notes. Medium to full-bodied, it has a nice spine of acidity, complemented by warm, juicy berry spices, a salty mineral presence, and a hint of stone fruit pit on the mid-palate that extends the finish. Enjoy this now and for the next 5-7 years. The wine underwent fermentation in 100% stainless steel open tops and was aged 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)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Exuberant fruit aromas and rich, layered flavors make this a big, full and juicy wine with loads of personality. Sourced from the Garys’ Vineyard and the Rosella’s and Sierra Mar vineyards, the wine has all the robust fruit and bright acidity of this elevated appellation. Drink or hold." (Jul 2024)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is packed with succulent red/purplish berry fruit, spice, orange peel and mint. Soft, curvy and medium in body, the SLH Pinot is a charmer. There's terrific mid-palate pliancy here, in the more mid-weight style that runs through all these wines." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)