Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Carpe Diem Pinot Noir reveals aromas of blackberry, currant, and fresh forest floor undertones. It has a harmonious balance with a medium body, a velvet texture, and is expansive and broad on the palate. The finish is savory with a refreshing acidity and lasting impression.
For food pairings, it goes beautifully with roasted beef tenderloin, wild mushroom risotto, and semi-hard cheeses such as Asiago and Manchego.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
An elegant, straightforward, unfussy Pinot Noir with fantastic savoury herb, earth, black truffle and sandalwood notes, satiny soft tannins, and sweet baking spices on the medium-bodied finish. Juicy and a tremendous value from Maisons Marques & Domaines and the Roederer winemaker team.
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine is deep, opulent with aromas of baked plum, strawberry, dried herbs, potpourri and earth on the nose. The flavors on the palate suggest ripe strawberry, pomegranate, clove, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla with a dry, long lingering finish. Pair with Roasted Whole Chicken.
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Wine Spectator
Offers up-front appeal, with a mix of raspberry and cherry fruit laced with light dried anise and apple wood accents. Drink now through 2024. 1,150 cases made.
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.