Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A well-aged yet still muscular and lively wine. Lively acidity and moderate tannins lift savory and black-fruit flavors, such as baked cherries, together with sour cherries, bay leaves and green peppercorns on the palate. Full-bodied, mouth-filling and almost smoky in its autumnal flavors.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2012 was an especially warm, ripe vintage, similar to 2009. “I wanted to show 2009 next to 2012, the riper vintages,” Ted Lemon explains, noting that the 2009 One Acre Pinot Noir shows more richness and opulence. Nonetheless, this 2012 Pinot Noir Roman Vineyard is drinking beautifully, striking a fine balance between primary fruit and tertiary maturity. It offers scents of dried red and black berries and plums, mushroom powder, iron and earth. The medium- to full-bodied palate is powerfully styled with concentrated, layered flavors, gently rustic tannins and good freshness. Enjoy it over the next decade.
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Vinous
The 2012 Pinot Noir Roman Vineyard is potent and brooding, with all of its energy very much directed inwards. A blast of macerated dark cherry, spice, new leather, menthol, spice and cedar makes a strong opening statement. I suspect the 2012 is always going to be something of a brute.
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.