Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Rich, but also subtle, this full-bodied wine smells like wood smoke, baking spices, ripe plums and red cherries, then brings mulled cherry and cinnamon flavors on a broad, velvety texture. It offers nuances of oak in the spices, and a confident sense of pure fruit behind it all, giving this bottling a slight edge over the other 2014 Pinots from Goldeneye. It will be best after 2021.
Cellar Selection -
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Sharply defined and nicely focused, the 2014 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Pinot Noir exhibits impressive black fruit flavors that stay just where the grape variety belongs. Pert and well-built, with just a touch of oak, a subtle accent of sweet tannins, and bright minerality, this wine is as close to being a picture-perfect example of the AVA as one can find. Pair with lamb chops with a balsamic reduction. (Tasted: March 6, 2017, 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.