American Vintage Pinot Noir 2021

The 2021 American Vintage Central Coast Pinot Noir is a vibrant, fruit-forward red that captures the freshness and charm of California's coastal vineyards. In the glass, it opens with an expressive bouquet of red cherry, raspberry, and subtle rose petal, underscored by soft hints of sandalwood and baking spice. On the palate, this wine delivers a smooth, medium-bodied experience that's both approachable and layered. Juicy notes of cranberry and red plum take the lead, complemented by light touches of earth and dried herbs that add a savory edge without overpowering the fruit. The structure is elegant, with bright acidity and fine, silky tannins that provide balance and lift. A gentle oak influence lends a whisper of vanilla and spice, enriching the mid-palate while keeping the overall style fresh and easy-drinking. The finish is clean and smooth, with lingering flavors of red berries and a trace of spice that invite another sip. This is the kind of Pinot Noir that's as enjoyable on its own as it is paired with food, showcasing the varietal's classic character without veering into heaviness. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or serving it at a casual dinner with friends, the American Vintage Central Coast Pinot Noir 2021 offers an effortlessly drinkable yet impressively polished profile. It's a stellar choice for those who enjoy red wines with finesse, flavor, and a distinctly California soul. For optimal enjoyment, we suggest 5-10 minutes of aeration before serving it cool (55°–60° F). Anticipated maturity: 2025-2030.

The 2021 American Vintage Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, thanks to its bright acidity, soft tannins, and red fruit-driven profile. For classic pairings, try herb-roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto—each complements the wine's cherry and cranberry notes while highlighting its earthy undertones. It's also an excellent match for pork tenderloin with a cherry glaze, duck breast, or even a gourmet burger with caramelized onions and goat cheese. Vegetarian pairings like lentil stew, roasted root vegetables, or a beet and arugula salad with feta will also shine alongside this Pinot. The wine's freshness and moderate body make it especially food-friendly, capable of elevating both everyday meals and more elevated fare.

The 2021 American Vintage Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, thanks to its bright acidity, soft tannins, and red fruit-driven profile. For classic pairings, try herb-roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto—each complements the wine's cherry and cranberry notes while highlighting its earthy undertones. It's also an excellent match for pork tenderloin with a cherry glaze, duck breast, or even a gourmet burger with caramelized onions and goat cheese. Vegetarian pairings like lentil stew, roasted root vegetables, or a beet and arugula salad with feta will also shine alongside this Pinot. The wine's freshness and moderate body make it especially food-friendly, capable of elevating both everyday meals and more elevated fare.

American Vintage Wines is a spirited California wine label weaving together the state's Coastal heritage with a vision for accessible, expressive wines. The project is shepherded by director of winemaking Brian Maloney, a UC Davis Viticulture & Enology graduate whose passion was ignited by family stories of his grandmother's father growing grapes in Calistoga before, during, and after Prohibition.

His journey through internships across Sonoma, Marin, and the Sierra Foothills, and a key role at DeLoach Vineyard—elevating its Pinot Noir reputation and spearheading a biodynamic estate vineyard—further sharpened his philosophy of letting site and vine shine through.

The brand draws fruit from three broad regions: Sonoma County, California's Central Coast, and Paso Robles, each selected for its unique micro-climate and soil profiles. The Central Coast features some of the oldest vineyards planted in the state—many established in the late 1700s—and delivers expressive wines balanced by coastal fog and cooling ocean influence. Sonoma's 18 distinct appellations offer dramatic diversity—sunlit slopes, fog-shrouded valleys, and varied soils that shape wines of depth and nuance. Paso Robles, with its dramatic diurnal shifts and diverse soils, specializes in rich Cabernet Sauvignons and bold blends.

The ethos of American Vintage is rooted in celebrating the American Dream, with wines meant for everyday enjoyment—whether a sunny beach afternoon or a cozy evening by the fire. They strike an appealing balance of freshness, fruit-forward character, and approachability underpinned by solid vineyard provenance.

Maloney's winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention, letting terroir speak through each varietal—from lively, cool-climate Pinot Noir to voluptuous Old-Vine Zinfandel. His wines have garnered critical acclaim, including multiple 90+ scores for the 2009 vintage from both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast—his debut as head winemaker.

American Vintage is built around Brian Maloney's vision of terroir-driven wines harvested from iconic California coastal regions. The brand offers reliable quality, coastal brightness, and varietal personality without pretense, making it a go-to for wine lovers who value provenance, freshness, and a taste of California's wild and wonderful wine landscape.