Winemaker Notes
Another incredible vintage from our estate Gowan Creek Vineyard, this stunning
Pinot Noir offers an aromatic blend of sage alongside a vibrant medley of ripe dark
red berries and underscored by hints of tobacco leaf. On the palate, it presents
a bold and structured profile that showcases juicy blackberry and black plum
flavors. Refined tannins and refreshing acidity ensure a balanced finish, leaving a
memorable impression of elegance and depth.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A lush and fruit-forward wine with some vanilla and chocolate. Fresh black cherries and plums on the nose, with a mouth-filling and luscious flavor profile where bitter chocolate meets sour cherries. The finish has a pleasant toasty oak feel.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a classic producer long known for its rich, robust expressions of Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley. The aromatics are dark cherry, black raspberry, coriander, and citrus zest, mingled with toasty vanilla, florals, black pepper, salinity, and mouth-watering silky tannins. Decant or Cellar until 2032.
Cellar Selection -
Wine Spectator
Juicy, ripe and focused, with mulberry, cherry paste and red licorice notes laced with an iris accent. The gently toasted finish lets the fruit play out lengthily.
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Jeb Dunnuck
One of the most powerfully structured of the producer's vintage offerings, the 2022 Pinot Noir Gowan Creek Vineyard is seamless and well-balanced despite its inherent power. Concentrated layers of cranberry, blood orange, and red cherry provide a contrasting lightness to the bold tannins and depth of earthiness, a mix of sage, tobacco leaf, and black tea.
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.