Winemaker Notes
Deep, rich and alluringly aromatic, this wine displays both red and black fruit notes, with layers of plum, blackberry, strawberry and raspberry mingling with hints of earth, anise, spearmint and saddle leather. On the palate, the lush fruit flavors are framed by a firm texture and a dynamic, acid-driven energy that provides lovely lift and focus to a long resonant finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Red and black cherries, dry stone, black licorice and dried herbs on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied. Juicy and savory on the palate with espresso and bramble notes. Well-integrated tannins and good structure. Lovely dried-floral character on the palate. Molasses at the finish. Delicious. Drink or hold.
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The Somm Journal
features a wildly aromatic nose of briar, balsamic, and earth. Soil-drenched blackberry jumps forward on the palate, accompanied by dried leaves, cigar leaf, and anise. Dusty cocoa and mulberry envelop leather and a hint of mint on the finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Pinot Noir is an outstanding example of how wonderful the Anderson Valley can be with this finicky "Burgundy" grape variety. TASTING NOTES: This wine excels with aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, wild mushroom, and dried berries. Serve it with garlic and rosemary-infused roast leg of lamb. (Tasted: November 6, 2021, 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.