2011 Kutch Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir 1x750ml

Vinous 91

Kutch’s 2011 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard is direct, focused and pointed in the glass. Dark raspberries, flowers and sweet spices all meld together in the glass. Vinification with 100% whole clusters gives the 2011 plenty of lift. The Savoy seems to be maturing pretty quickly, though, as some of the fruit is already dropping out. Today, it looks like the 2011 is best enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. This was much more impressive last year. [Antonio Galloni, 01/01/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2016

Robert Parker 93

The 2011 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard is gorgeous, resonant and pure. Savory herbs, licorice, mint and leather rise from the glass. A deeply expressive wine, the 2011 Savoy is simply compelling from start to finish. The use of 80% whole clusters means the 2011 will require some patience to fully come together, but it is hugely attractive, even now. This is one of the softest, most impeccably crafted wines I have ever tasted from Jamie Kutch. Sadly, 2011 is Kutch’s last from this site in Anderson Valley. The 2011 vintage was especially challenging in Anderson Valley, but Jamie Kutch found a way to get the very best possible from the year. This is a fabulous 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. Jamie Kutch is one of the most thoughtful and introspective of California’s generation of young, emerging producers. Those qualities are serving him very well as the wines continue to move in the right direction. Overall, I find the 2011 Pinots a notch above the 2010s. In 2011 Kutch opted to use a higher percentage of whole clusters, an approach that has paid off in spades. Kutch also decided to bottle his 2011s a little earlier than normal, after 10 months in oak versus 18 for the 2010s, a move that seems to have preserved a measure of focus that has at times been missing in the wines. Sadly, 2011 is the last vintage for Kutch’s Savoy Pinot, but that site has been replaced by two new additions: Hirsch beginning in 2012 and Alder Springs in 2013. It will be fascinating to see where Jamie Kutch goes next. One thing is clear — the road is wide open. Tel. (917) 270-8180 [25/04/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021