Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Exceptionally supple and infused with black fruit, this full-bodied wine goes deep in flavor and broad in texture. Blueberries, creme de cassis, vanilla bean, coconut flakes and cinnamon mingle on the palate, leading to a lingering finish. Full but soft tannins give a gentle feel despite the wine's power.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Pinot Noir Ten Degrees is lush, opulent, and fruit-forward, with underlying savory components that never overwhelm, complementing instead. Black cherry, baking spice, and hint of vanilla form the core of its full-bodied profile, with toasted oak playing around the edges. The wine is sourced from several estate sites, Confluence, Gowan Creek, and The Narrows, each single-vineyard designates of their own.
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Wine Spectator
A ripe and direct crowd-pleaser, with a burst of mulberry and loganberry paste flavors backed by red licorice and sweet toast on the finish. Offers enough energy to carry off its toast. Drink now through 2027. 750 cases made.
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.