{"title":"Thomas Fogarty","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"thomas-fogarty-pinot-noir-2017","title":"Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThomas Fogarty Pinot Noir 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Pinot Noir from California's Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, bottled at 12.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This appellation blend draws fruit from four distinct vineyard sites across the mountain range, each vinified separately before blending, and relies on native yeast fermentation and natural malolactic conversion to maximize site expression. It earned 86 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and carries an average of 88.3 points across community reviews on CellarTracker.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 12.9%  |  Origin: Santa Cruz Mountains, California  |  Vintage: 2017  |  Winery: Thomas Fogarty\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThomas Fogarty Winery is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, one of California's most distinctive and elevation-driven appellations for cool-climate Pinot Noir. For this 2017 bottling, fruit was sourced from four separate vineyard sites within the AVA, with each lot fermented independently to preserve its individual character before final blending. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention: naturally occurring yeast and bacteria drive both primary and secondary fermentation — a deliberate choice aimed at channeling terroir rather than winemaker imprint. Whole cluster fermentation techniques are also explored across various lots, adding structural complexity to the finished wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with roasted cranberry, Bing cherry, and cherry cordial, layering into dried rose, hibiscus, and rhubarb. Deeper sniffs reveal cinnamon-roll sweetness, turned earth, and garrigue — a savory herbal quality that grounds the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light to medium-bodied on entry, the palate leads with fresh pomegranate and dark cherry before shifting to leathery dried plum at mid-palate. An amaro-like bitterness with orange-peel undertones emerges, while a firm zip of acidity lifts the darker fruit tones. The texture is lightly chalky with tannins that feel sticky but well-integrated, and mineral and tea accents add dimension throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is spiced and moderately long, carrying echoes of dried herbs and subtle floral notes. That underlying chalky grip lingers, keeping the wine structured and clean through the final moments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Pinot Noir shows best slightly below room temperature, around 58–62°F, served in a Burgundy glass that allows its aromatic complexity to develop fully. Neat sipping is the primary recommendation — the wine's delicate structure and layered aromatics reward patient attention. For cocktail-adjacent applications: try it in a classic \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with fresh stone fruit and a cinnamon stick to echo its spice notes; a \u003cstrong\u003eBurgundy-style Kir\u003c\/strong\u003e with a touch of crème de cassis to amplify the cherry and dark fruit core; or a light \u003cstrong\u003ered wine spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and an orange peel garnish to play off the wine's amaro-like bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Santa Cruz Mountains terroir alongside other California cool-climate Pinot Noirs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a fall or winter dinner featuring roasted poultry or mushroom dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a Burgundy enthusiast curious about California mountain-grown Pinot Noir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a cellar-worthy 2017 vintage to a maturing wine collection — drinking well now through 2024–2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers cranberry, cherry, and dried plum fruit layered with dried herbs, leather, tea, and subtle mineral notes, all framed by chalky tannins and bright acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir compare to Burgundy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple tasters have drawn direct parallels to Burgundy, citing its restrained body, earthy aromatics, and emphasis on terroir over fruit power. The native yeast fermentation and cool mountain-grown fruit give it a structural delicacy more commonly associated with Côte de Beaune villages than with typical California Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its light-to-medium body, layered aromatics, and firm acidity make it an engaging wine to drink on its own, especially at a slightly cool serving temperature that highlights its floral and spice complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Thomas Fogarty Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA of California, using fruit sourced from four distinct vineyard sites across the appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted duck breast complements its cherry and earth tones. Wild mushroom risotto mirrors its savory, terroir-driven character. Grilled salmon with herb butter matches the wine's delicate body. Aged Gruyère or Comté echo its chalky texture and spice. A charcuterie board with cured meats and dried fruit bridges the leathery, dried plum notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-range Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir, offering genuine appellation character, native yeast winemaking, and multi-vineyard complexity that punches above many wines at a similar tier — particularly for drinkers who value Old World restraint in a California bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this 2017 apart is its commitment to non-interventionist winemaking in a region that genuinely rewards it. Native yeast fermentation and natural malolactic conversion are not marketing gestures here — they are central to the wine's personality, yielding a Pinot Noir with more garrigue, earth, and mineral complexity than most California peers at this level. The four-vineyard blend provides breadth without losing focus, and the 12.9% ABV signals a wine picked for balance rather than ripeness. For anyone seeking a Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir that speaks to place rather than process, this is a compelling and honest bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thomas Fogarty","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837801099433,"sku":"29534","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Thomas-Fogarty-Pinot-Noir__30666.jpg?v=1730494902"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/thomas-fogarty.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}