Winemaker Notes
Floral with ripe strawberry aromas. Beautiful and subtle. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a polished, inviting finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Vibrant, offering concentrated cherry flavors that feature rich pastry notes, backed by firm tannins and powerful acidity. Mineral and spice details show on the restrained, pure-tasting finish. Drink now through 2025.
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Wine & Spirits
Kosta Browne purchased Cerise in 2016, the steep, west-facing vineyard 16 miles from the Pacific. The vines rise from 600 to 1,600 feet, the variations in altitude spreading the 2017 harvest out over five weeks, those varied lots contributing to the wine’s earthy complexities. The bright red- cherry flavors are rich and substantially oaked, while marked tension and cool fresh-ness sustains the wine’s youthful feel. Com-forting to drink now, this will age well over the next several years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard aged 19 months in 47% new French oak. It has a medium ruby color and nose of pomegranate, spiced cranberry sauce, crushed blackberries and lavender with black tea, earth and dried leaves plus graphite nuances. The palate is medium to full-bodied, intense, earthy and firmly framed, with just enough freshness on the long finish. 2,000 cases produced.
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.