2019 Cattleya Belly of the Whale Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
97 points Jebdunnuck.com
Coming from the Sonoma Coast, the 2019 Pinot Noir Belly Of
The Whale is a more reserved, inward, and focused wine offering a beautiful
blend of spiced red and black fruits intermixed with bouquet garni, crushed
stone, and exotic spice-like aromas and flavors. More medium-bodied on the
palate, it has a wonderful mid-palate, building yet perfectly ripe tannins, no
hard edges, and a great, great finish. This is another remarkable wine from
Bibiana González Rave. It will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise
for 10-15 years in cool cellars. Bravo! July
2021
95 points Wine Enthusiast
Ample aromas of roasted raspberry, white pepper, lemon
pepper and rose petals make for a very inviting nose on this bottling. There's
approachable richness on the palate, with poached strawberry, and then waves of
chai spice leading into a warm, vanilla-laced finish. Fresh acidity pumps through
the entire experience. MATT KETTMANN September
2021
“The perfect combination of two distinct clones (50/50 of
777 and 667) has produced a Pinot Noir of unparalleled purity and depth of
flavor. Enticing aromas of black cherry, baking spice and fig fill the air, as
strawberry compote, plum, and Asian spice envelop the palate. In its infancy,
this wine’s complex structure and bright acidity ensure a long life ahead.” -
Bibiana Gonzalez Rave