Winemaker Notes
Savoy Vineyard in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County is one of California’s most highly regarded, classic Pinot Noir vineyards and for good reason. The wines are seductive and have concentration and depth while speaking loudly of their specific place. Though Savoy wines can be brooding and dark, the Peay Savoy always has a little floral lift due to the block of old vine Calera they blend with the Pommard and 115. The 2019 Savoy has an abundance of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum aromas and remains light on its feet due to good acidity. The “Mendocino spice” folks talk about in Anderson Valley Pinot noir has a turned earth and brown spice components that counter-balance the fruit expression of Savoy. I think Vanessa’s ability to keep the wine upbeat and unencumbered by extraction and heavy-handed winemaking allows the essence of the Savoy Vineyard to shine in the wine.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lots of savory red fruit and berries on the nose with notes of rose petals and suede. Medium-to full-bodied with persistent acidity. Fine, well-integrated tannins. There is a dark, brooding quality to the finish. Melted dark chocolate. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard features scents of rhubarb, red cherries and cranberries with nuances of dried earth, orange peel, forest floor and autumn leaves. The medium-bodied palate boasts loads of powdery tannins, seamless acidity, generous spicy layers and a very long, spicy finish.
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Wine Spectator
Well-structured, bright and juicy, with exuberant cherry, plum and raspberry flavors with fresh-ground spice accents. Leafy and loamy notes on the crisp finish. Drink now through 2026.
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.