Winemaker Notes
Located at the very deep end of the valley, Wendling sits close to our 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
Fermented with 50% whole clusters, the 2022 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard bursts from the glass with layered scents of pomegranate, blackberry, hibiscus, sage and lavender. The palate is just as generous with layer after layer of floral fruit. It’s structured by chalky tannins and refreshing acidity and has a very long, detailed finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Beautiful layers of vibrant strawberry, lingonberry, cassis, dried florals, clove, and Tahitian vanilla are swimming gingerly in the air. The mouthfeel is electric with wild raspberry, cranberry, pomegranate, citrus peel, and supple acidity, creating a long, decadent finish. Decant or Drink until 2035 pair with rabbit pot pie.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from the Anderson Valley, the 2022 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard is a bright ruby hue and is a snappy and even-feeling wine. With a medium to lean frame, approachable tannins, and notes of grenadine, fresh purple flowers, and mossy forest earth, it’s a highly charming wine with a more approachable and supple feel in the range and offers a wide drinking window over the next 10-12 years.
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James Suckling
A powerful and precise wine from a distinctive single vineyard. It's fresh and almost sweet in aroma, with a profusion of red and black cherries, then nicely structured and textural on the palate as more fruit and subtle spices unfold. Moderate tannins, a medium body and good acidity give it the stuffing for further aging. Fermented with 50% whole clusters. Drink now or hold.
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Wine Spectator
This displays sparkly energy, especially for the vintage, with potpourri and savory notes dimpling its core of gently mulled raspberry and blood orange fruit. A subtle mineral twang helps extend the silky, sneakily long finish. Drink now through 2028. 300 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.