Winemaker Notes
Aromas of redwood, pine and lavender immediately give this wine away as Anderson Valley, with cranberry, raspberry, plum and cherry joining in to round out the nose. The palate begins with incredibly intense and focused red-fruit flavors, hemmed in by fine-grained tannin and a surprising freshness that carries through to the finish, where baking spice and a core of mouth-watering red fruit lingers for several minutes.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a delicious, rich and exotic wine that shows an earthy slant to its generous, complex fruit flavors. Black cherry, raspberry and fig aromas grace the nose, while just-ripe notes of red cherry and rhubarb touch the palate. It is full bodied, smooth and mouthfilling, but counterpointed nicely by moderate tannins and acidity.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced entirely from the Angel Camp vineyard and aged in 80% new French oak, the medium ruby-purple colored 2016 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley reveals redcurrants, raspberries and wild strawberries with wafts of fallen leaves and tilled soil. The palate is medium-bodied with a good amount of red cherry layers and a chewy texture, finishing with lovely vibrancy.
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.