Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A sweet-seeming oakiness fills the aroma of this full-bodied, ripe-tasting wine from a Pinot Noir specialist. It smells like vanilla, cinnamon, and maple and tastes generous and rich, with layers of cherry and cola flavors. The texture is soft and full, keeping the ripe fruit lingering on the finish. Cellar Selection
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Wine Spectator
Rich and full-bodied, with a solid core of extracted dark berry and touches of sage, herb, plum and raspberry. The flavors are persistent on the finish, adding complexity and dimension, all supported by fine-grained tannins. Best from 2018 through 2023.
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.