Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
From the team at Domaine Anderson, this is a blend of fruit from nine estate vineyards. After tasting it with our panel, I later tasted it with Darrin Low and Arnaud Weyrich, who worked together on the blend, and who described it as a “New World style; a richer, riper pleasure wine,” comparing it to the “Old World, more transparent style” of the 2015 Domaine Anderson (also recommended here). In fact, I find this to be the more delicate and transparent of the two, open and racy, with a lacy fragrance of red apples and apple blossoms. Perhaps it is more varietal: It just tastes so much like pinot noir in its light wild-strawberry flavors and tight, slightly stemmy tannins. It’s completely appetite inducing, especially with King salmon roasted with chanterelles.
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.