Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine is vibrant, with aromas of ripe plum, Bing cherry, cardamom, fresh flowers and fresh bay laurel on the nose. The flavors on the palate are youthful black plum, black currant coulis, black tea and pink grapefruit peel, gliding into bittersweet chocolate, earth and a long, supple finish
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James Suckling
A gorgeous, sun-drenched, full-bodied wine that's easy on the palate and saturated with warm fruit flavors. Strawberry, red cherry, raspberry jam and spearmint flavors are cradled in rather soft tannins and subtle acidity.
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Wine Spectator
Shows juicy energy as an expressive mix of mulberry, cherry and raspberry fruit swirls around, liberally flecked with rose hip, hibiscus and singed apple wood. Drink now through 2030. 475 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.