Winemaker Notes
Try with roasted pheasant with bright, tangerine roasted root vegetables, or any dish highlighting grilled chicken and herbs.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Lighter, leaner flavors like cranberry, rhubarb and tart cherry light up this wine from the first sniff through the tangy finish. Balanced on the fresher, crisper side of the spectrum, it has firm tannins, an appetizing dry texture and medium body. The focused fruit flavors and light spicy accents make it distinctive. Editors' Choice
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
A wine of the earth, the elegant and stylish 2013 Carpe Diem Pinot Noir is a real example of what the Anderson Valley does well—produce well-balanced Pinot Noirs. This wine's red fruit flavors and crisp finish pair it well with rosemary-accented roast chicken. Drinks well now. (Tasted: September 9, 2016, San Francisco, CA)
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.