Gambal Work, Pinot Noir Francesca, 2018

Gambal Work Pinot Noir Francesca 2018 brings together the experience of two highly respected wine professionals: Alex Gambal, known for his long career in Burgundy, and Peter Work, one of California’s most admired Pinot Noir producers. Sourced from the small Francesca Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills, this is a cool-climate Pinot Noir with a distinctly elegant, restrained style that feels more Old World than New.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it shows a refined, translucent ruby color. The nose is nuanced and expressive, with notes of forest floor, autumn leaves, red berries, spice, and a subtle earthy character that immediately recalls classic Burgundy. On the palate, the wine is light-footed yet layered, combining juicy red fruit with bright acidity, soft tannins, and a silky texture. The finish is long and precise, with a savory, slightly wild edge that keeps unfolding in the glass. This is a Pinot Noir made for thoughtful drinking rather than sheer power. It has the balance and structure to age gracefully for several years, developing more depth and tertiary complexity over time.

Production
The grapes come from the tiny 4-hectare Francesca Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills, a cool coastal area in California especially well suited to delicate varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The cool terroir helps preserve freshness, acidity, and aromatic precision, while also allowing for slow, even ripening. The result is fruit with both tension and finesse, vinified in a style that highlights purity, elegance, and site expression.

Food & Serving
Serve at around 14°C for the best expression of its freshness and aromatic detail. It pairs beautifully with roast poultry, duck breast, quail, mushroom dishes, and other earthy preparations that complement its forest-floor character. Decanting is optional, but a short aeration can help open up the wine if enjoyed young.

Producer
Gambal Work is the partnership of Alex Gambal and Peter Work, combining more than 60 years of winemaking experience. Gambal built his reputation in Burgundy over three decades, while Work has spent nearly 30 years crafting some of California’s most compelling wines. Together, they focus on single-vineyard wines from Francesca and Bentrock in Santa Rita Hills, and their work is widely appreciated for its elegance, finesse, and distinctly European sensibility.

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