Winemaker Notes
Earthy from the start with immediate warm, damp soil on the nose followed by seedy raspberry, bright blood orange and more lovely, earth and spice notes. The baker is light on its feet, but with structure built around succulent texture and brightness of acidity. The combination makes for easy and pleasurable drinking right away. With some time open, the beautiful whole-cluster character reveals itself and lifts the aromas and flavors. At around 13% alcohol, this wine's complexity, depth and length are extraordinary, indicating the quality of the site and tiny berries we find common on the Philo Ridges heading west to Elk on the Mendocino Coast.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Pinot Noir Baker Ranch Vineyard has slowly unfurling aromas of rhubarb, juniper, cracked pepper and tea leaves. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated, layered, crunchy flavors framed by chalky tannins and juicy acidity, and it has a long finish laced with citrus and floral perfume.
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.