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Connoisseurs' Guide
Favoring ripeness a bit more than fruit and tipping the Pinot Noir scales to the weighty, full-bodied side of things, this sizeable effort smacks of dried cherries and berries with a wisp of dark chocolate off to the side. Its glyceriny entry announces a softer wine than it turns out to be, and its dense, decidedly gutsy flavors are underlain by plenty of firm, structural tannins. This is a Pinot that wants time in which to evolve, and excepting those with a particular love of tannin, most will find it more to their liking in four or five years.
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.