Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard comes from the Anderson Valley, a region that sees cold winters and hotter summers, all resulting in a slightly compressed growing season. I love this wine, which displays a medium ruby color followed by a great bouquet of kirsch, dried cherries, loamy earth and spice. It’s surprisingly elegant and silky on the palate, with moderate tannins and a great finish. This is a beautiful, complex, elegant Anderson Valley Pinot Noir to drink over the coming 7-8 years or more.
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.