Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir shows off the vineyard with best of vintage barrel selection, 22 months on oak with 50% new French and Hungarian from Francois Frere, Cadus, and Kadar. Aromas of brown sugar, black cherry, cola, and nutmeg jump from the glass. On the palate, maraschino cherries layer atop an earthy wet leaf note, with plush, lengthy tannins on the finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Pinot Noir Lichen Estate opens to beautifully perfumed aromatics of sweet berry and vanilla, imparting a structured and grippy mid-palate that evolves into a lush, lengthy finish of fruit and finesse. The lengthy finish flirts in maraschino cherry and cola spice.
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James Suckling
A full-bodied and vibrant wine that's juicy, balanced and mouthwatering. Moderate tannins weave through bright red cherry, sour cherry, spearmint and pine notes. It has a tangy mid-palate and a lingering 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.