Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Coming from the high density plantings done by the team at Rhys (it's also a cellar selection as well), the 2014 Pinot Noir Porcupine Hill Bearwallow Vineyard is another best to date cuvee and is easily the most concentrated and lengthy of the three cuvees from this site. Black raspberries, black cherries, tons of minerality and ground herbs emerge from this young, tight and beautifully focused red that needs 3-4 years of cellaring and will drink beautifully over the following decade or more.
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.