Kutch Signal Ridge Pinot Noir 2017

Stylistically, this wine is the closest thing I’ve seen to Burgundy from California. It’s restrained in its youth, just hinting at what’s to come. Given time, it’ll open up grandly to blanket the palate with savoury notes, vibrant acid and an unending finish. – Ben, Mofo Wine Buyer.

Jamie Kutch is at the forefront of a new breed of California pinot noir and chardonnay producers, chasing the essence of Burgundy rather than the typical fuller, richer Cali style. This means more structure, more acid, lower alcohol, restrained use of oak and some whole bunch pressing. According to a feature about him in Decanter, ‘his success and evolution from wines of sheer power to those of finesse owes everything to his enthusiasm and willingness to work hard, question everything, experiment, and help create a movement toward more balanced, subtle wines from the coolest parts of California.’

Vinomofo imported its first round of Jamie’s wines a year ago and our customers (and staff) absolutely loved them. We’re back for round two with another curated selection. 

Signal Ridge is the highest vineyard in Sonoma at over 850 metres. The exposure at this altitude leads to restraint in the wines produced. Jamie utilises native yeast, whole bunch clusters and foot stomping before laying the wine to rest in neutral barrels for 11 months. It’s cool, elegant and woodsy with violet, jasmine and raspberry as the key components on the nose. On the palate it’s a bit more robust, expressing dark cherry, plums, sap and even mustard seed. It’s built for the long haul and will only get better with time.