Winemaker Notes
An attractive raspberry-crimson color leads to sweet black cherry, raspberry, dried rose petal, and violet blossom aromas. Fresh raspberry and bright strawberry flavors are concentrated, yet balanced, in this pretty, floral wine. The finish is smooth, with silky tannins, mineral notes, and lingering fresh fruit.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir offers excellent richness and balance. TASTING NOTES: This wine is bright with red fruits and savory spices in its aromas and flavors. Pair this with roast game birds. (Tasted: November 12, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir Two Creeks is produced from 100% estate fruit, with 77% coming from their Annahala vineyard and 23% from Apple Barn vineyard. It was fermented with a proportion of stems and native yeast, then aged 10 months in 41% new French oak. Pale ruby-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with vivacious redcurrant jelly, black raspberries and rhubarb scents plus touches of wild thyme, cloves, rose hip tea and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm structure of chewy tannins and lovely freshness defining the red berry and earthy layers, finishing with an herbal lift.
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.