Lichen
Lichen produces Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris from California's North Coast, a region defined by cool maritime influence and the precision it brings to thin-skinned varieties. The winery's Grand Cuvée, a Pinot Noir, represents the upper range of its portfolio, while a straightforward Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris round out the core offerings. Both Wine Enthusiast and Decanter have rated these wines, reflecting their engagement with the winery's output. The North Coast's variable microclimates—from coastal fog to inland warmth—suit Pinot Noir's demand for balance between ripeness and acidity, a tension the region handles with particular finesse. Pinot Gris, lighter and more delicate, thrives in the same conditions. Lichen's focus on these two varieties suggests a deliberate commitment to the grapes that define the region's character.
Critics
Wine Enthusiast, Decanter