Argot, 'Kanzler Vineyard' Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
'Argot' refers to a shared language, borne from, and reinforcing the intimacy associated with tight-knit groups, whom are brought together by their common interests and shared histories:

"Each significant relationship in life gives rise to an 'argot' among the members who define it. The deeper the bond, and longer its history, this argot’s vocabulary becomes more personal, allowing it to strengthen and enhance the dynamic. When opening a bottle of wine, so too is opened the flow of conversation and ability to connect. Throughout human history wine has been used for worship, celebration, mourning and, more simply, sharing life. The wine brand Argot honors the beautiful symmetry and complementary nature that wine and communication hold. Round up a friend, pull a cork, splash a glass, and enjoy."

Argot was created by winemaker Justin Harmon in 2007. Justin fell in love with wine as a consumer, and his education in chemical engineering drew him into the winemaking process. He began experimenting in his parent's Chicago basement, using a kit and then flash-frozen grapes brought in by rail car from Napa, then moved to California for his first harvest work in 2005. After harvest internships in 2006 & 2007, Justin bought his first ton of grapes & began the Argot project.

Argot is dedicated to crafting small lots from Sonoma County at the highest quality level. Annual production is small at 2,500 9-liter cases.

Sustainably farmed. Sourced from both high-elevation and valley floor vineyards, located in the cool climate AVAs of Sonoma Mountain, Bennett Valley and Petaluma Gap.

Winemaker: Justin Harmon

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Inheriting an unbroken string of success, the “Bastard Tongue” arrives fully-formed and A nose of significant aromatic swagger—unctuous black fruits lay a foundation over which blue fruits, cherry skin and damp conifer forest sparkle and dance. Pillowy soft textures introduce the palate to vibrant red fruits lifting layers, upon layers of dark earth and pie spice. Tannins assert themselves through the mid-palate, providing delightful freshness to the abundance of fruit unspooling down the palate, as milk chocolate and roasted coffee beans echo deep into the finish.  A wine of undeniable charm, poise and nuance, that can not help but to display its pedigree.

96 Points - Purely Domestic Wine Report
The nose is crushed strawberry and red cherry with underlying black tea. The palate entry is concentrated and velvety leading to a core of beautifully expressive, polished black stone fruits, finishing with vibrant spiced cherry. Drink 2024 - 2033.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard is deep ruby-purple in color. It explodes with bombastic scents of juicy blackberries, black raspberries, and tar with nuances of cracked black pepper, espresso, and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit preserves flavors and savory nuances, framed by fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and spicy.

Product size: 750ml