Winemaker Notes
From diverse geographic locations, Handley Anderson Valley Pinot Noir embodies the spirit of Anderson Valley. An intense dark fruit blend. It has aromas of baked cherry pie, huckleberries, cola, violets, and a hint of bay on the finish. It is round and full on the palate with savory flavors of ripe plum, black cherries, caramel with hints of cardamom. It has a luxurious mouthfeel with soft tannins and balanced acidity focusing the long finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine is concentrated, with aromas of dark berries, citrus, dried herbs, potpourri and vanilla spice on the nose. The flavors on the palate are dark plum, raspberrypomegranate and orange zest, layered with dried sage, porcini mushroom and a dry, silky finish. Decant and enjoy with grilled duck breast
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James Suckling
Distinctive, charming and complex, combining fresh floral and red fruit aromas with deeper, darker flavors and great balance. Hints of cedar, cloves and cinnamon dress up the lively, direct fruit notes.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Blended from five vineyards, including several estate vineyards, the 2021 Pinot Noir shows a pronounced barnyard-like stemmy earthiness, with a dry tannin profile and substantial concentration and structure. Wet earth meets ripe raspberry and a lingering notch of baking spice
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.