Winemaker Notes
Warm and inviting aromas of pie crust, cherries, cream, resinous pine, and damp redwood forest floor. Flavors of ripe cherries, huckleberry, cola, caramel, and mushroom broth, finishing with hints of nutmeg. This medium bodied wine is round on the palate with well-integrated bright acidity and fine cocoa tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This deep-garnet-hued wine offers aromatics of dried black plum, red currant confiture, strawberry-apricot jam and dried florals. The midpalate has rich, concentrated black cherry and strawberry-rhubarb jam intertwined with baked berry pie, brown sugar, sedimentary rock and a dry finish. Pair with lamb chops.
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.