Winemaker Notes
Savoy Vineyard in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County is one of California's most highly-regarded, classic Pinot Noir vineyards, and for good reason. The wines are compelling and have concentration and depth while speaking loudly of their specific place. The 2023 Savoy is darker colored than the West Sonoma Coast with robust cherry notes undergirded by spice notes and framed by floral highlights. This is such a seductive wine, it is definitely the easiest Pinot Noir we make to just flat out like. It is yummy. The flavors are persistent on the palate with some teak notes on the finish and a freshness that encourages you to keep on taking sips.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard opens dramatically on the nose: wild berry fruit gives way to pennyroyal, forest floor, blood orange and potpourri, and it offers additional nuance with each return to the glass. The medium-bodied palate is just as compelling, featuring complex, spicy flavors structured by dusty tannins and vibrant acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish. This expressive Savoy Pinot should be long lived in the cellar.
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Vinous
The 2023 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard is a classy, polished wine. It offers gorgeous fruit presence, silky tannins and fine balance. The Savoy Pinot is usually more exuberant. In 2023, all of its signatures are present, just dialed down a touch. It's a style I like quite a bit, as it aligns more closely with the rest of the Peay range.
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.