Winemaker Notes
Bright and deep ruby in color, this wine opens up with a powerful nose full of red fruit accented with violet. Medium to full-bodied, it shows complex notes of spices, wild berries, orange rind, and plums. With structured tannins and a tangy acidity creating a long, mouthwatering finish, it’s reminiscent of some Vosne Romanee Premier Crus. Will age for over a decade and also deliver right off the bat.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Sweet and savory spices with grilled herbs and peppercorns on the nose. Red fruit and iron with rose petals, dried oranges and cloves. At six years, this medium-bodied wine is showing lovely integration with both delicacy and power.
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.