Winemaker Notes
A deep ruby red color with a combination of dried earth and musky roses with penetrating spice aromas on the nose. Shows a refined and silken texture and remains fresh and lively across the palate with intensity of fruit. Intriguing, balanced, and complex, it is a great picture of the finesse and intensity of Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley.
Serve with duck breast with cherry mostarda or grilled salmon with chanterelle mushrooms.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley has a pale to medium ruby color and spicy notes of cinnamon, tree bark, dried cranberries, burnt orange peel and woodsmoke with a core of red and black berry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and nuanced with spicy character and a grainy, fresh frame, continuing to blossom on the long, detailed finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Delicious and exotic fruit flavors light up this elegant, concentrated wine. Rhubarb, black-cherry and spiced plum scents are followed by equally generous fruit flavors and deft touches of spicy oak that add nuances of baking spices and black tea.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Long Meadow Ranch Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is rewarding and excellent. TASTING NOTES: This wine deftly combines aromas and flavors of red fruit, blackberries, dried earth, and savory spices. Pair it with rosemary and garlic-infused roast leg of lamb. (Tasted: June 27, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Decanter
Zesty and incisive with nuanced, teasing fruit aromas and vibrant, juicy fruit on the palate.
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James Suckling
A floral pinot with rose water, fresh herbs and cranberries. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh, driven finish.
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.