Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Rustic and red rock sort of character with tile. Dried cherry. Medium body, fine tannins that are velvety at the same time. Lovely length and beauty. Intellectual wine.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2014 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard has a lovely earth-dominated nose with notes of tar, black soil, underbrush and fungi over a core of mulberries, black berries and black cherries plus a hint of anise. Light to medium-bodied, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and uplifting acidity supporting the muscular, earthy flavors, finishing chewy
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.