Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Moonglow Pinot Noir, from Lichen Estate’s South Southeast-facing vineyard, is an elegant, fruit-driven Anderson Valley classic. Fermented in 500L neutral puncheons using native yeasts, it achieves lush roundness. This blend of Martini, Pommard-4, 2A, and 667 clones reveals raspberry, pomegranate, cherry cordial, cocoa, pencil shavings, and black tea aromas. It offers brown sugar-dusted cherries, strawberry pastry, and Indian spices, with a fleshy texture. Meter-by-meter vine density echoes Burgundy’s Grand Cru vineyards. Organic and no-till practices foster vibrant biodiversity.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This tense wine has verve, striking a compelling balance between high-toned red fruit and deeper, brooding characteristics like forest floor and wild berries. Medium- to full-bodied. Really mouthwatering with citrus-like acidity and minerality weaving into long, fine tannins. Drink after 2027.
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.