My wife and I visited the Michel-Schlumberger Estate on our honeymoon in Healdsburg, California. Michel-Schlumberger was founded in 1979 in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, and they perfectly blend their European winemaking roots with the California terroir. What really stood out to me was the estate’s distinctive Spanish-Mission architecture and the lush gardens of the property. We were even given the opportunity to meet the winemaker.
The 2009 Michel-Schlumberger Le Fou (The Fool) Pinot Noir leans toward red fruit and earthy notes on the finish. I caught notes of cherry and raspberry layered with subtle spice at the end. The fruit still shows nicely, but there’s an added softness and complexity that comes with age. It feels balanced and settled rather than bold, with a finish that lingers gently instead of pushing for attention.
Final Impression
A great Pinot Noir that captures the character of the variety well. It has enough structure to age for a few years, but it’s best enjoyed without trying to push it too far down the road.
