A cool project of Cole Thomas - wine maker at Madson wines- working with an obscure vineyard deep in the Santa Cruz mountains.
I was expecting the 'fruit and forest' that is becoming a trademark of regional Pinots but this one is... well what is the opposite of fruity?? Let's say austere for now.... Or maybe It's like Clint Eastwoods face - ruggedly handsome- like these grapes grew in a hard environment, high altitude, dry farmed but they came out undeniably handsome and with a lot of character- it's ultra dry, tannic, has a rural country vibe of sandstone earthiness and you have a sense that the grapes and the wine itself was treated with respect and sensitivity. Maybe it's the Edward Abbey of Pinot Noir??
A cool project of Cole Thomas - wine maker at Madson wines- working with an obscure vineyard deep in the Santa Cruz mountains.
I was expecting the 'fruit and forest' that is becoming a trademark of regional Pinots but this one is... well what is the opposite of fruity?? Let's say austere for now.... Or maybe It's like Clint Eastwoods face - ruggedly handsome- like these grapes grew in a hard environment, high altitude, dry farmed but they came out undeniably handsome and with a lot of character- it's ultra dry, tannic, has a rural country vibe of sandstone earthiness and you have a sense that the grapes and the wine itself was treated with respect and sensitivity. Maybe it's the Edward Abbey of Pinot Noir??
Jun 20th, 2026
California, USA
