Winemaker Notes
This is the third vintage from Wendling and it continues to increase in quality. Located at the very deep end of the valley, Wendling gets a ton of coastal influence from its westerly position. This wine has power and a richness that is held up by lots of tension on the palate. There is an feral quality to the non-fruit aromatics that is inherently Anderson Valley. If you love the Diane Cobb bottling, Wendling is for you.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard offers pure cranberry, red cherry, pomegranate and rhubarb fruit, with accents of forest floor, conifer and Angostura bitters. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and spicy, with loads of silty tannins, a deep core of spicy fruit and a very long, nuanced finish. It has more to give with an additional 2-3 years in bottle.
Rating: 96+
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.