Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The excellent 2013 Domaine Anderson Pinot Noir is a beautiful and pure expression of this grape variety. Not looking to placate the cocktail-drinking crowd, this wine is as real as it can be. This wine exhibits true red fruit flavors, notes of dried earth, and nuances from the plant. Pair this wine with the best cut of lamb you can find and accent with a white wine reduction infused with fresh herbs and you understand the real meaning of the grape from Burgundy. (Tasted: February 1, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
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Tasting Panel
Ripe cherry nose; bright and racy with cherry notes and some earthy elements; savory, balanced, and long from Roederer Estate
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.