Folie A Deux Pinot Noir

Description

Folie Deux Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2019 vintage earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, and earlier vintages have collected Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and a 92-point rating from Decanter.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Sonoma Coast AVA, California | Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir | Producer: Folie Deux Winery

Production & Heritage

Folie Deux Winery whose name translates from French as “a madness shared by two” sources its Pinot Noir fruit from vineyards planted above the fog line on the ridges of the Sonoma Coast AVA. These elevated sites capture consistent sun exposure for even ripening, while overnight temperature drops preserve the natural acidity that gives the wine its backbone. After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before aging for nine months in primarily French oak barrels, 32% of which are new. This balance of neutral and new oak contributes texture and spice without overwhelming the varietal character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with sweet dried fruit and dark plum, layered with roasted coffee and soft leather. Underneath, earthy undertones of undergrowth and black tea add dimension.

Taste: The entry is rich and fruit-forward, delivering ripe strawberry, cherry, and rhubarb across a medium-bodied, silky palate. At mid-palate, flavors of mocha, cedar, and salted minerality emerge alongside savory notes of black olive and Italian herbs. Succulent tannins provide structure without astringency, and judicious acidity keeps the fruit lifted.

Finish: The finish is moderate to long, with lingering toffee, tobacco leaf, and coffee bean. A subtle truffle quality rounds out the final impression, leaving earthy depth behind.

How to Drink Folie Deux Pinot

Serve slightly below room temperature around 6065F in a large-bowled Burgundy glass to let the aromatics open fully. This wine is expressive enough to stand on its own but versatile in lighter cocktail and spritz applications. A Pinot Noir Sangria with dark stone fruit and cinnamon works well given the wine’s plum and spice profile. A New York Sour benefits from the wine’s natural acidity and berry character when floated over bourbon. For warm-weather drinking, a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) plays off the cherry cola notes already present in the glass.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want Sonoma Coast quality without opening a reserve bottle
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates California Pinot Noir with critical acclaim
• Hosting a blind tasting comparing Sonoma Coast Pinots at different price tiers
• Pairing-focused dinner parties featuring roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, or charcuterie

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Folie Deux Pinot Noir taste like? It leads with ripe strawberry, dark plum, and cherry, supported by mocha, cedar, and savory herbs on a silky, medium-bodied palate. The finish layers toffee, tobacco, and coffee bean with an earthy truffle quality.

How does Folie Deux Pinot Noir compare to Meiomi Pinot Noir? Meiomi blends fruit from multiple California appellations (Monterey, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara) and tends toward a richer, sweeter profile, while Folie Deux draws exclusively from the Sonoma Coast AVA and shows more acidity, earthiness, and savory complexity. Folie Deux also carries a higher Wine Enthusiast score of 93 points for its 2019 vintage.

Is Folie Deux Pinot Noir good for sipping neat? Yes its balanced acidity, silky tannins, and layered aromatics make it a rewarding glass on its own, especially when served at 6065F in a proper Burgundy glass.

Where is Folie Deux Pinot Noir made? It is produced by Folie Deux Winery using grapes sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA in Northern California, specifically from elevated vineyard sites above the fog line that benefit from cool maritime influence.

What foods pair well with Folie Deux Pinot Noir? Roasted duck breast complements the wine’s dark fruit and earthy depth. Wild mushroom risotto mirrors its truffle and undergrowth character. Grilled salmon works with the acidity and red berry notes. Aged Gruyre picks up on the toasty oak and savory herbs. Charcuterie boards with cured meats and cornichons match the wine’s salted minerality.

What sizes does Folie Deux Pinot Noir come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Folie Deux Pinot Noir worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and the combination of 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, Gold medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and nine months of French oak aging represents strong value relative to comparable single-appellation California Pinots.

Why Folie Deux Pinot Noir?

What separates this wine from the crowded California Pinot Noir field is its focused Sonoma Coast sourcing from high-elevation vineyard sites, where the interplay of sun exposure and cool maritime air produces fruit with genuine tension between ripeness and acidity. A 93-point score from Wine Enthusiast and repeat Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition confirm that the quality is consistent across vintages, not a one-off result. The nine-month aging program in predominantly French oak with a restrained 32% new wood adds spice and texture without burying the Pinot Noir varietal character. For drinkers seeking a Sonoma Coast Pinot that balances approachability with real complexity, this bottle delivers.