"A work that needed to be written. The new classic."
—Winemaker, Charles Smith
Golden West is rooted in completing the story of Washington State and embodies the fruition of winemaker Charles Smith’s long-standing vision for the Pinot Noir varietal. He has successfully shown that Washington, like France, can produce great Rhone, Bordeaux, and aromatic white varietals. They began our story of Burgundy with SIXTO; Golden West came from the idea that where Chardonnay lives, so does Pinot Noir. It’s a story that continues to evolve, with each bottle of Golden West Pinot Noir.
Charles’s profound dedication to Pinot Noir has spanned more than 15 years, marking the genesis of his journey in vinification. Today, Golden West is a testament to the prime terroir of Washington State, a region that is quintessential for the cultivation of premium Pinot Noir. The 2021 Golden West Pinot Noir originates from the Old Ponies Block within the Golden West Vineyard, nestled in the acclaimed Royal Slope AVA. This parcel was planted in 2016 with the renowned Pinot Noir clones 777 and 115. Our winemaking team employs the utmost dedication to quality, as demonstrated by an extensive aging period of 20 months within select French Oak barrels.