Winemaker Notes
The Savoy vineyard within Anderson valley proves year after year to be an enticing bottling. Located just north of the town of Philo at the base of the hills, this is the cooler part of Anderson Valley. The vines were planted between 1991-1993 on beds of Pinole and Boont loams over Franciscan shale. Four different fermenters were blended to produce this wine, including a 100% whole cluster fermenter. Every lot had a significant depth of concentration, color, and complexity. The wine then ages for roughly 16 months in French oak, 20-25% new.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Framboise, cherry, dried herbs, and floral notes define the 2016 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard, which comes from a site in the Anderson Valley. With medium-bodied depth and richness, ultra-fine tannin, fabulous complexity, and a great finish, it’s a sensational Pinot Noir from this estate that’s going to have a long life.
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James Suckling
The nose has red plums and boysenberries with a fine array of bracken and some light spices. The texture is supple, smooth, fleshy and approachable. Round but fresh. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2016 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard is laced with dark fruit, menthol, dried herbs and spice. This bold, muscular Pinot is so expressive today. More than anything, I am surprised by how much weight it has gained over time. This is a rare Savoy Pinot from both the alluvial and sandstone sections of the vineyard.
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.