Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
This has a very complete, settled impression on the nose with a little fresh orange zest, as well as a swathe of spiced red cherries and sweet, forest-wood notes. The palate has such impressively fleshy fruit, swathed in fine, compact tannins. There’s a lot of weight and volume here, as well as tautness, and a resolved finish. Long, juicy cherry flavors here. Drink or hold.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir One Acre is youthfully shy on the nose, opening to pipe tobacco, peppercorn, rosewater, autumn leaves, blackberries, black cherries, warm dusty earth and spicy touches in the undercurrent plus red berry sparks. Light to medium-bodied, it's rounded and silky in the mouth with nuanced fruit, grainy tannins and integrated freshness, finishing very long and layered.
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.