Winemaker Notes
Translucent pale red berry color. Aromas of rose petal, red cherry with a hint of smoke and incense reveal elegant and silky texture on the palate. Savory flavors of crushed raspberry, fresh mushroom and red bramble. Pairs with braised meats, dishes such as gorgonzola with mushroom risotto, and a variety of cheeses.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of bright red fruit and berries, dried herbs and a hint of mushroom, as well as hibiscus, watermelon and dried strawberry. Medium-bodied with soft tannins. Pleasantly spiced. A bit of tobacco, too. Salinity at the end. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.
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Wine Enthusiast
Vivacious from the go, with pronounced aromas of black cherry and plum, bittersweet cacao, blackberry bush, bramble and mushroomy forest floor. The palate follows through, adding additional layering of black tea and violet potpourri. Let the fine-grained tannins tickle your tongue, the vibrant acidity give you that prickle of energy and that long, lengthy finish convince you of another sip.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Estate features Bing cherries, cranberries, wood smoke and dried herbs on the nose, with nuances of licorice and bitters. The light-bodied palate is soft, bright and juicy, with understated yet layered fruits and a satisfying, spicy finish.
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Wine & Spirits
Two-thirds of this wine grows at Dach, the biodynamic vineyard surrounding Roederer Estate’s winery in Philo. Much of the rest comes from Walraven in Boonville, certified organic. Panelist Lisa Granik, MW, found the wine to be dynamic and alive, while Tina Vaughn pointed to its layers of flavor. This is quiet up front, with a pop of pomegranate fruit contrasting the wine’s warm elements with cooler tension.
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Wine Spectator
Bright and racy, with a savory streak amid pomegranate and damson plum notes, while a tangy blood orange accent zips up the finish.
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.