Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This red-garnet-hued wine offers aromas of bramble raspberry, black cherry, vanilla spice, potpourri and cinnamon on the nose. The flavors on the palate are black strawberry, Bing cherry soda, cola and dried bay leaf layered with maple, orange marmalade and a dry, long and supple finish. Decant and pair with grilled lamb chops.
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James Suckling
A generous, creamy and broad-textured red that still has enough freshness and acidity for good balance. Red and black fruit, good ripeness and subtle baking spice and chocolate accents. It has a medium body and medium tannins.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Fermented in 500-liter puncheons for the first time this vintage, the 2021 Pinot Noir Lichen Estate Moonglow offers a bold tannin profile with a lengthy mid-palate of fresh berry and a hint of allspice. Fleshy and medium-bodied, it finishes with an enduring richness of dark chocolate cherry.
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.