Winemaker Notes
Alluringly rich red and black cherry fruit aromas are accented by dried wild herbs and lavender with a hint of baking spice. Rich berry fruit notes are complemented by zesty blood-orange acidity. Seamlessly integrated tannins glide to a long finish accompanied by dried rosemary.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard pours a rich ruby hue and reveals aromas of anise, red cherry, and pine. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and ripe notes of cranberry cocktail, clove, and orange peel.
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James Suckling
The aromas are juicy and minerally with an umami, seaweed, and iron character. Medium-bodied and it opens up on the palate with firm and chewy tannins, yet they are fine at the end. Lots of minerality in the finish. Chewy now but will soften beautifully. Better after 2026.
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Wine Enthusiast
This smooth, mellow wine is inviting and ripe tasting while staying well balanced and appetizing. The dark plums, cassis and black cherries are shaded with light earthy, peaty tones and bass notes of balsam that linger on the finish.
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Wine Spectator
Juicy and nicely defined, with a mix of raspberry and blood orange notes that sparkle with energy, as forest floor, red tea and sagebrush hints fill in on the structured 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.