Winemaker Notes
This mountain-grown wine expresses ripe fruits of the warm days and the acid balance from the cool nights. Vibrant fruit aromas of blueberry, raspberry and plum are the hallmarks of the aromatics along with a subtle cedar/cigar box note. These aromatics lead into intense flavors of berries and spice in this structured yet lively Pinot Noir.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Muldune Trail is medium to deep ruby-purple colored and charges boldly from the glass with intense scents of raspberries, black cherries, pomegranate and redcurrants with touches of fungi, bay leaves and rose hip tea. Medium to full-bodied with a firm, fine-grained foundation and oodles of freshness, it delivers powerful black and red berry layers and a long fruity finish.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Another Anderson Valley release, the 2016 Pinot Noir Muldune Trail comes from a warmer, higher elevation vineyard located on a ridge at 2,000 feet above sea level. This puts the vineyard above the fog line, so it sees higher day temperatures and cooler nighttime temperatures. Aged 17 months in 32% new French oak, it has a classic, savory Anderson Valley bouquet of black and blue fruits, dried spice, loamy soil, cured meats, and forest floor. It’s rich and medium to full-bodied, with a mouthfilling texture and a great finish.
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.