Winemaker Notes
Elegant and reserved aromas are pretty with freshly crushed cherry, mushroom and wet earth tones. Generous flavors of plum, blackberry and leather are uplifted with a great texture, silky tannin and crisp acidity.
Pairs beautifully with roasted beef tenderloin, creamy Parmesan chicken, and semi-hard cheeses such as asiago and manchego.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Carpe Diem Pinot Noir shows why this property is one of the best in the state when it comes to this finicky grape variety. TASTING NOTES: This wine is stylish, flavorful, and lasting. Enjoy its beautiful aromas and flavors of red and black fruit, hints of minerality, and polished leather with a juicy, spit-roasted leg of lamb. (Tasted: December 17, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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Decanter
Carpe Diem is the second label of Domaine Anderson, an estate bought by Champagne house Louis Roederer in 2011. This vintage, from 90% estate-owned fruit, sees 10 months' ageing in French oak barrels, 23% new, providing supple tannins and well-integrated toasty spice. Gently perfumed cherry and floral notes lead to a lean, quite savoury palate with more red cherry-berry fruit and hints of smoke. Softly textured with bright acidity and a decent length.
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Wine Enthusiast
Earthy, toasty, herbal aromas and solid black-cherry flavors give this well-balanced and attractive medium-bodied wine plenty of personality. Good tangy acidity brightens the mouthfeel.
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.