Winemaker Notes
2009 was the best Pinot vintage since 2004. The wines have all the structure and fruit intensity to live for many years.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Pinot Noir Savoy is a beautiful, understated wine. Sweet red cherries, flowers, spices and mint are some of the notes that flow from this juicy Pinot. The Savoy impresses for its mid-palate pliancy and accessible personality. Floral notes add freshness and lift on the finish. This is a gorgeous wine.
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Wine Spectator
Mixes firm, taut flavors with delicacy and finesse, the initial dried berry, currant, mineral and cedar providing a rich core, yet as this turns on the finish the flavors become more delicate and subtle, ending with a nice spiciness.
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.