Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Attractively expansive aromas here, offering ripe red to dark cherries with a gently stony edge. Fresh pastry and forest wood, too. The palate has a very succulent core of raspberries and red cherries, nicely enveloped by the tannins. Very plush, persistent finish. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The pale to medium ruby colored 2017 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard gives up citrus peel, bergamot, rhubarb, strawberry preserves and crushed red and black cherries with notes of spiced blackberry, smoke, saline, cured meats and amaro. Light to medium-bodied, it offers layered intensity with a firm supporting frame and well-woven freshness on the very long 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.