Robert Stemmler Carneros Pinot Noir 2013
After making wine in his native Germany, Robert arrived in Napa Valley in 1961, working with the Mondavi brothers at Charles Krug Winery, then becoming winemaker at Sonoma County’s historic Simi Winery. In 1976, he opened his eponymous winery, and in 1982 released his first Pinot Noir to critical acclaim. Meanwhile, in 1981, Anne Moller-Racke arrived from Germany to work at the family’s Buena Vista Winery. They soon became friends. After promoting Pinot Noir nationwide, Robert retired in 1989, and the Racke family purchased his label. When Anne launched an “ultimate Pinot Noir project” at The Donum Estate in 2001, Stemmler wines became Donum’s sister brand, sharing estate grown fruit and an uncompromising commitment to quality. I met Robert Stemmler in the 80’s and tasted some of his early Pinot’s which were fabulous, he was ahead of his time!
The artwork on our label, originally chosen by Robert Stemmler, portrays a portion of the famous Les Vendanges tapestry, a depiction of the grape harvest woven in Flanders in the late 15th century, which now hangs in the Cluny Museum in Paris.
Visiting my daughter in California recently, we had dinner in a restaurant and I saw a Robert Stemmler Pinot on the list, and could not resist ordering a bottle since you can’t find these back East! Ruby with a rich nose of red and black berries, oak and herb spice. On the palate blackberry and strawberry flavors, complex oak and cinnamon spice. Very soft texture, lighter body than expected, medium length ending with earthiness and mineral tones. Good to drink now!
Cheers!