Winemaker Notes
Displaying mesmerizing aromas of cassis, black plum, blueberry and pennyroyal, as well as French oak-inspired hints of cedar and clove, this smooth and sultry wine beckons a first sip. On the plush, juicy palate, robust tannins and a streak of enlivening acidity frame the luxurious black cherry and blackberry jam flavors, with notes of sweet holiday spices emerging on the long, rich finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Bright, fresh and vibrant, this wine has a fine-grained tannic texture. It bursts with beautifully nuanced notes of cranberry juice, boysenberry jam, cherry compote, strawberry preserve, chocolate, vanilla, nutmeg, toast and black tea, all leading toward a lingering finish.
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Wine Spectator
Expressive, with a lovely wave of pure mulberry fruit cruising through, laced with violet and hibiscus notes and backed by a well-integrated black licorice edge on the finish. Reveals a subtle tug of earth at the tail end, too, to keep things grounded.
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Decanter
The Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir was made in small lots owing to the problematic conditions of the 2020 vintage. The Gowan Creek Vineyard has a southwest-facing orientation producing dark-fruited ripe Pinot Noirs. Aromatically ripe and rich with notes of mocha powder, clove and rich blueberry compote components. The palate is soft and velveteen, with ripe fruit flavours, black cherries and chocolate, rich blueberry pie notes and cinnamon rounding out this rich, ripe wine.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2020 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir is generous, delicious, and lasting. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows aromas and flavors of candied cherries, oaky notes, and black fruits. Pair it with a grilled rack of lamb. (Tasted: June 15, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
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.