Winemaker Notes
The nose is generous and pleasing with dark savory red fruit, coastal umami, black truffle and petrichor. The palate leads with dark red plums, trumpet mushrooms and fir tips. The acidity preserves the tautness and ensures a long persistent finish from the front to the back of the palate. A gorgeous vintage of this special cuvee.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine is lively, with aromas of bright red berries, citrus blossoms, dried florals and bay leaf on the nose. The flavors on the palate are black cherry, mulled spices and orange sherbet that glide into cranberry-pomegranate, mineral, supple tannins and a long finish.
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James Suckling
Made from 90% Clow Ridge Vineyard fruit and 10% Valenti fruit, this elegant, charming, light- to medium-bodied wine offers pretty cherries and raspberries with light, savory redwood accents. Brilliant acidity and light tannins keep it poised.
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.