Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from the Anderson Valley, the 2018 Pinot Noir Velvet Sisters has textbook savory, herbal, mineral style as well as wonderful darker cherry and exotic blueberry fruits, medium to full body, loads of floral and violet nuances, no hard edges, and a great finish. It's up-front and fruit-forward, yet it has plenty of tannins as well as remarkable purity and freshness. Drink this singular Pinot Noir over the coming 7-8 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Pinot Noir Velvet Sisters was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 28% new. Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, it gives up the most gorgeous perfume of red roses, Ceylon tea, cinnamon stick and garrigue with a core of kirsch, black raspberries and pomegranate plus a touch of Provence herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate is super intense with a seriously lively backbone and gorgeous plush texture, finishing long and layered.
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.