Winemaker Notes
The wine shows its cool-climate origins in bright acidity, accenting the rich flavors of wild strawberries, black cherries and plum. Firm minerality grounds the wine. The tannins are firm, yet with silkiness on the finish, while oak barrel aging brings a smoky, sandalwood note. Beautiful to drink now on release, this Pinot will age well over the next six-plus years easily.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A nearly opaque ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Jackson Estate Anderson Valley takes on layers of ripe black cherries, pine sap, and purple flowers. Generous and mouth-filling, it’s fruit-forward on the palate, with fresh notes of ripe berries, tea leaf, and fresh forest floor, but its meaty structure comes through, and it has a good finish with ripe tannins and warming spice. Drink over the next 5-7 years.
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.