Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
I have not been impressed by this bottling in past vintages, but the '05 establishes a new benchmark. Just exactly why is hard to say. Yields were exceptionally low in this long, cool vintage, and lots of new French oak frames dramatically rich, ripe flavors of mashed cherries and raspberries, sprinkled with cinnamon, a drop of creme de cassis, and a pinch of white pepper. The depth and length are beautiful.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Absolutely brilliant, the 2005 Pinot Noir Toulouse Vineyard boasts a dark ruby color, a gorgeous perfume of forest floor, spring flowers, sweet currants, and cherries, medium body, sweet tannin, and beautiful structure, depth, and ripeness.
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Wine Spectator
A bold, rich style. The firm tannins are mixed with layers of dried cherry, earthen floor and cola flavors that fan out and coat the palate, ending with a rich, complex 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.