Winemaker Notes
The Wendling Vineyard is located 335-500 feet elevation on a south-facing slope just nine miles from the Pacific Ocean near the hamlet of the Navarro within the Anderson Valley. This is the most northwesterly vineyard in the AVA and is farmed using organic and biodynamic methods, though it is not certified. The soils are red and well-drained, shallow sandy loam, sandstones, and shales.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2016 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard Block E is heady and explosive, as this wine so often is. The Wendling is typically one of my favorites at Littorai. The 2016 certainly makes a statement in this tasting. Layered and sumptuous with superb persistence, the 2016 offers up copious dark fruit intermingled with mocha, new leather and tobacco. I especially admire how this fleshes out over time. Wendling is an unusual site in that it was unplanted when Ted and Heidi Lemon began to work with it. The Littorai Pinot is sourced exclusively from the biodynamically farmed section.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The newest site Ted works with, and located not far from the Pacific Ocean, the 2016 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard Block E offers a fresh, floral, medium-bodied style in its strawberry and blueberry fruits, violets, and blood orange aromatics. It has fine tannin, a vibrant, fresh style, and a great finish.
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James Suckling
Some forest-wood and plenty of bright, red-fruit aromas. Lots of blue-fruit flavor on the palate with cedary oak, crisp tannins and good depth. Try from 2020.
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.