Winemaker Notes
The small lot of estate fruit produced a wine with lifted floral and dried pine needle notes to the dark red fruit aromas. Expansive on the palate with a minerally edge to the red fruit flavors that finishes with bright acidity and talc like tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Subtle yet structured, this medium- bodied wine comes from the second vintage of Wells Guthrie's new winery DuPuis in Anderson Valley. It seems restrained and mineral-ish at first sniff, then opens up on the palate to offer captivating plum, raspberry and black-tea flavors wrapped in moderate fine-grained tannins. Light oak notes of ginger and toast accent the creamy, fruity center.
Editors' Choice
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.