Winemaker Notes
This is a wine crafted with notes of wild berry, spicy, and mineral driven produced by the older vines.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Always one of the lighter colored wines in the lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard comes from an estate vineyard in the Anderson Valley. Classic notes of dried cherries, cranberries, loamy earth, and savory herbs all give way to a bright, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir that has a solid sense of minerality, present tannins, and a good finish. I never find the same level of class or elegance from this cuvée compared to the Santa Cruz Mountain releases, yet it's a character-filled, satisfying Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming decade.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is progressing nicely past its initial phase, with potpourri, cocoa powder, dried clove and strawberry leaf aromas. The palate is silky and elegant with slightly softened acidity and tannins that, while still very much present, show early signs of integration. Considering the immense structure and slow-moving nature of the Santa Cruz Mountains wines, this is relatively wide open should readers wish to dip a toe into this fantastic vintage from Rhys.
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.