Winemaker Notes
From the far reaches of Mendocino, this powerful wine is laden with varietally correct black cherry aromas and flavors. Ruby red color with aromas of lavender, wild berry, woodsmoke, damp soil, and the aforementioned black cherry. A soft, juicy entry delivers intense berry patch flavors, with caramel and forest floor hints. Sappy and savory whole cluster-derived notes, with medium acidity. Fine-grained tannins join spice notes on the creamy, beautifully layered mid-palate. This balanced Pinot Noir has a great core of red fruit, stellar focus, just enough grip, and a complex finish.
Professional Ratings
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The Somm Journal
Woodsy aromas are accented by cranberry and cinnamon. Joining ripe, vivid black raspberry and high-toned acidity, deeper, darker notes of tobacco, leather, crushed rock, and orange peel integrate seamlessly into a wine of elegance and finesse. A zing of spice on the finish adds to the textural complexity that identifies this cool-climate Pinot Noir
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Wine Spectator
Svelte, offering juicy dark currant, raspberry and cherry tart flavors, with notes of freshly ground cooking spices. Forest floor details show on the finish. Drink now through 2024.
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Wine Enthusiast
Smooth and enticing, this medium-bodied wine starts with aromas of butter, toasted baguette and red cherry. These tones follow through to the palate, with vanilla and other baking spices riding over a red fruit core. It's soft and mouthfilling in texture.
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.