Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Pinot Noir Savoy pours a ripe ruby and delivers notes of bright cherry, peppery spice, and roses. Medium-bodied, it has fine-grained tannins and a fresh spine of acidity, with notes of more pure red fruit, crunchy earth, and cinnamon. It is the only wine in this lineup that’s not made from estate fruit. Drink 2025-2045.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard has deep aromas of raspberry and redcurrant, aniseed, mushroom, earth and lavender. The medium-bodied palate echoes the generosity and layering of the nose, offering concentrated flavor layers and loads of earthy accents. It has a chalky frame, seamless acidity and a very long, layered finish. It's drinking beautifully straight from the bottle.
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.