Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Concentrated, exotic and almost earthy, this wine from a single vineyard in Anderson Valley has a wild edge of smoked fruit, singed rosemary and black pepper, with a core of deep black-cherry and clove flavors. It is full-bodied, mouthfilling and layered, with nuances that continue to unfold on the evolving finish. Best through 2024.
Cellar Selection. -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Aged 11 months in 42% new French oak, the 2016 Pinot Noir Jackson Estate Outland Ridge is medium ruby-purple colored and struts out of the glass with flamboyant Morello cherries, cranberry sauce and wild blueberries scents with hints of violets, oolong tea, spearmint and mossy bark. Medium-bodied, it has a solid structure of fine-grained tannins and great freshness, finishing long with a minty lift.
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Wine Spectator
Broadly textured and rich, with mocha notes accenting the dark cherry, roasted plum and wild berry flavors. Chocolate and spice details show on the creamy finish. Drink now through 2022.
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.