Pinot Noir, an unpredictable and demanding grape, is considered to be the hardest to grow yet it carries the title, the ‘Nobel Grape’. Pinot Noir is a main focus of Sean Capiaux, one of California’s thriving Pinot producers. The Capiaux Cellars label was created in 1994 by Sean with the intention of producing single vineyard wines in a natural fashion, which he has accomplished.
Sean’s technique is one he calls “neo-classic”. He uses modern instruments for the fermentation process and a hands-on approach for everything else. The goal each season is to create truly beautiful wines that show drinkers the terroir from which their wine came.
2012 was an excellent growing season in Sonoma County, especially for Pinot Noir. Ideal temperatures in 2012 set the stage for growers and provided a plentiful amount of juice after their harvest. Capiaux Russian River Valley Widdoes Vineyard produced 386 cases of the 2012 vintage.
One bottle from their production was enjoyed over the Labor Day weekend paired with a nice country dinner consisting of pan seared T-bone steak, cowboy beans, cheddar garlic biscuits, topped off with a sweet kale salad. The Capiaux displayed earthy notes of mushroom that complemented the dark red fruits and delightful balance. Priced at $39.99, I would absolutely agree with Galloni, “Capiaux Nailed 2012”.
“Dark cherry, plum, cola, spices and new leather flesh out in the 2012 Pinot Noir Widdoes Vineyard. A classic Russian River Pinot in its overt fruit and rich, resonant texture, the 2012 Widdoes is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty...this is a beautiful Pinot. The 2012 should drink well for at least another handful of years.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media