Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This lively, beautifully balanced wine pairs delicious fresh cherry and persimmon flavors with vibrant acidity and moderate tannins for a rather taut mouthfeel that signals excellent aging potential. Best through 2026.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Drew Fog-Eater Pinot Noir is one of the Anderson Valley's top wines. TASTING NOTES: This wine is fresh, bright, and zingy. Its aromas and flavors of buoyant red fruits resonate from start to finish. Pair it with grilled lamb chops. (Tasted: September 26, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.