Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
This wine’s scent is tied to the ocean and the woods, saline and earthy in its bright red-berry flavors. It feels fully mature, and yet it only improves with air, with layers of flavor and a clean red glow to the fruit.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Long Meadow Ranch Estate Grown Pinot Noir is firm on the palate with a slight elevation. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of black fruit and chalk. Try it with lamb kebabs. (Tasted: December 20, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.