Vinous Media 90
"The 2016 Pinot Noir Chimera is laced with essence of sweet red cherry, underbrush, dried herbs, orange zest and exotic floral notes. Plump and juicy, yet also very much medium in body and gracious, with terrific freshness, the 2016 has much to offer. I would prefer to drink it over the next 7-10 years. A rush of dark red cherry, plum, mocha and licorice infuse the supple, inviting finish. Best of all, the Chimera is a terrific value. -- Antonio Galloni"

The Wine
Chimera is one of my earliest wines, the name taken from Greek mythology... "a monster comprised of three different animals" as is depicted on the label. Originally blended from three vineyards back in 2001, I now have access to several excellent Russian River vineyard sources that boost its quality.

Entwined aromas of ripe cherry, pomegranate and cranberry on the nose, followed by baking spices and wonderful blackberry component. A bright ruby/purple color intensity with a big and bold mouthful of flavors like plum, cola, strawberry preserves are held together with velvety tannins and bright acidity.

They say “fences make good neighbors” but I argue that Chimera seals a better deal!

About Capiaux
Pinot Noir has always been recognized as one of the noblest red wines, and also one of the most difficult varieties to produce. It has many faces and expressions, from light and fruity to dark and earthy. It is these nuances and qualities that excite us to continually pursue the “Holy Grail” of Pinot Noir. Sean Capiaux founded Capiaux Cellars in 1994, Capiaux cellars is dedicated to producing single vineyard bottlings of Pinot Noir. The philosophy is to produce wines that express the unique location from which they came, a sense of place or distinctive quality that sets them apart. Therefore, only high quality, low yielding, select clonal grapes are used, from unique viticultural areas.

The winemaking style is a blend of classic and contemporary, utilizing cutting edge fermentation equipment paired with natural hands on winemaking, our emphasis is on balance All the wines are naturally fermented and unfined and unfiltered to preserve their innate flavors and aromas. Minimal amounts of new oak are used, usually 33%.

Capiaux Cellars specializes in small lots of vineyard designated Pinot Noir from California.