Winemaker Notes
This elegant wine has rich notes of wild strawberries, cherries and plums, with bright acidity, smooth silky tannins and a hint of smoke from the oak barrel aging.
Vegan
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Grand Reserve, aged nine months in 25% new French oak, opens with cinnamon stick, dried red cherries, black raspberries, pomegranate and autumn leaves with notes of cola and sweet spice. Light to medium-bodied, it's silky with perfumed fruits, a soft frame and great freshness to lift the finish. 3,707 cases produced.
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Wine Spectator
Ripe, featuring dark plum, blackberry tart and dark currant flavors, framed by concentrated Asian spice notes. Dark chocolate and mocha details emerge on the 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.