When people talk about Pinot Noir in the United States, the conversation is generally focused on Oregon or Northern California, not Washington State.

With Golden West, winemaker Charles Smith is changing that. He previously recognized that Washington’s growing conditions and environment are strikingly similar to France’s legendary Burgundy region, within 1º Fahrenheit during the growing season, and sharing very close soil and drainage conditions. In fact, the 47ºN parallel runs right through both Pommard and the Golden West vineyard.

This realization is what inspired SIXTO’s classic Chardonnays, and if they could make such incredible Chardonnay, why not Pinot Noir? The two grapes are often found growing next to each other and thrive in the same environments.

Now, there’s no shortage of excellent Pinot Noir on the market. What Golden West brings is, alongside Charles Old World wine-making sensibilities and Washingtonian sense of place, a new high-end option at an affordable price.

“Complex layers of aroma and flavor. Black raspberry, forest floor, Allspice and velvet theater drapes from the nose. Wild mushroom, limestone, suede and earth engulfs the palate that is full, elegant and precise as a rare Swiss timepiece.” –Charles

You can sense Charles’ passion and excitement in his tasting notes. While he may be a little biased, the critics back him up, and then some.

“This is a toned and phenolic pinot with dried strawberry, chocolate and tile character. Earthy. Full bodied, yet bright and vivid. Punchy and refined at the same time. Plenty going on at the finish.”
-93 Points, James Suckling

“Classic Pinot Noir notes of black cherries, forest floor, autumn leaves, and spice all flow to a beautifully textured, medium-bodied, seamless wine that has present tannins, outstanding balance, and a great finish. It’s easily the best Pinot Noir I’ve tasted from Washington State. Talk about value.”
-91 Points, Jeb Dunnuck