Winemaker Notes
Aromas of fresh raspberries and delicate floral notes on the nose. On the palate, it is a medium-bodied wine offering delightful flavors of strawberries and black cherries. Hints of spice and sweet toasty oak enhance the bright berry finish. Its balanced acidity integrates smoothly with silky tannins, leaving a lingering, rounded sensation in the mouth.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Bright and lifted aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, wet bark and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity and finely integrated tannins, giving flavors of raspberries, blueberries, baking spices and cedar. There is lovely freshness and purity.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.