Winemaker Notes
The Ferrington Vineyards property, located approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco and 17 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, is in a fertile pocket of land found at the edge of the northeastern foothills of Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley. Between 360 and 440 feet above sea level, the vines utilize over six feet of Boontling and Pinole loam soil, sustainable farming practices, and deficit irrigation to produce approximately 2.5 tons per acre of bright, complex fruit with great balance. Cool, foggy nights and steadily warming days provide a long, even growing season which delivers mature fruit depth with a vibrant, acidic backbone.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This fuller-bodied Pinot Noir opens with red and black cherry, boysenberry, chocolate soil, vanilla, nutmeg and anise. Textural, corduroy-like tannins gently coat the palate, balanced by acidity and roundness from alcohol.
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.