At a glance

Producer

Cedar Lantern

Region

California, USA

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Fresh red cherry, raspberry, subtle earthiness, gentle spice

Evolution: Will develop more complex tertiary notes, including mushroom, forest floor, and dried herbs over next 3-5 years

At peak: Balanced pure red fruit with integrated oak, silky mouthfeel, and lingering savory finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, fresh

Tannins

Medium, silky

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

8-10 years from vintage date

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2027

Optimal window

2022 to 2027

Current status

Entering optimal drinking window

Current condition

Wine is developing fruit complexity with softening tannins and balanced acidity

The 2017 vintage’s warm growing season in California promoted ripe fruit flavors with supple tannins, allowing the wine to show well from 5 years after vintage but still maintain good structure for up to a decade. The wine’s medium acidity and moderate tannin profile support this balanced drinking window.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roasted poultry, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, and lightly seasoned pork dishes

Serving

Serving temperature

14-16°C / 57-61°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes to 1 hour) — To allow open floral and fruit aromatics to emerge and to soften tannins

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Producer employs moderate water conservation techniques and integrated pest management; uses lightweight bottles to reduce packaging weight

While not officially certified, Cedar Lantern follows sustainability best practices typical for California boutique producers, including efficient water use, minimal chemical inputs, and environmentally considerate packaging, earning a solid sustainability score of 6/10.