Winemaker Notes
Showcasing the rich diversity of the Anderson Valley, this exuberant wine displays fresh, enticing aromas of juicy raspberry, summer strawberry, and red plum, as well as hints of bramble, black tea, anise, sweet saddle leather, and a touch of salinity. On the palate, bright acidity and firm, chewy tannins converge to create a supple texture that accentuates the Bing cherry and blackberry pie flavors, with sophisticated notes of nutmeg, cardamom, and savory umami emerging on the finish to create a sumptuous and cerebral drinking experience.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is nicely packed and stays elegant through the finish. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows aromas and flavors of black fruits, earth, dust, and oak. Enjoy it with a grilled, well-seasoned roast leg of lamb. (Tasted: December 28, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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Connoisseurs' Guide
It is hard to go wrong with any of the 2019 Golden eye Pinots, and, if arguably not quite as deep as its two pricier mates, this appellation bottling from the Anderson Valley is a noteworthy wine in its own right. It keys on Pinot’s cherryish fruit, and after seemingly a little pulled back at first, it opens quite nicely with air and gathers a fair bit of richness as it goes. A congenial wine at the moment and one that is in no way demanding of age, it is nonetheless balanced to keep nicely for four or five years if carefully cellared away.
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.