Winemaker Notes
Located at the very deep end of the valley, Wendling sits close to Cobb's heart as it is heavily influenced by the Pacific not unlike the rest of the portfolio. Plain and simple, there isn't a vineyard in Anderson Valley closer to the coast than Wendling. This vineyard creates wines that are bold and rich, and have the power to lay down for extended aging.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard is very expressive! It has complex aromas, with red cherry, blueberry and briar fruit accented by tones of juniper, lavender, fresh tobacco leaves, fennel and conifer. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with perfumed fruit. It has a seamless frame of chalky tannins, vibrant acidity and a very long, spicy finish.
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Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard is phenomenal. Dark and pliant, with tremendous vertical intensity, the Wendling is outrageously beautiful. Succulent dark fruit, lavender, rose petal, spice, new leather, blood orange and a good deal of whole cluster savoriness from the 50% stems are some of the many notes that inform this statuesque, dazzling Pinot. What a wine.
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Decanter
The former town of Wendling, for which this 50-acre site is named, is in the deep end of the Anderson Valley. It is the westernmost Anderson Valley vineyard. Planted to a selection massale, with several Dijon clones, 667, 943, and 828. 50% whole cluster. It is very floral with rose and violets, ripe blue and tart blackberries, great white pepper, and candied blue fruits. Luscious texture, a hint of frankincense.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Showing both the coolness of the site and the coolness of the vintage, the 2021 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard is ethereal, floral, and savory, with well-defined characteristics of rhubarb, redcurrant, and lavender. Grippy and well-structured, its acidity buzzes beneath the surface, impressively extending the spicy finish of cardamom and black tea.
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.