Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
From Anderson Valley, the 2023 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard boasts a bright ruby color and is lifted with a spicy and floral perfume, offering notes of fresh wildflowers, wild raspberries, fresh herbs, and fresh spices. It’s medium-bodied, with a chalky texture and well-defined, fine tannins, finishing clean. Drink 2025-2035.
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Vinous
The 2023 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is very strong this year. Deeply aromatic but also tightly wound, the 2023 is far more reticent than most editions of this wine. For that reason, I would give this a year or two in bottle. Nervy tannins wrap around red cherry fruit, orange peel, white pepper, mint and dried herbs.
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Wine Spectator
Delivers a lovely, creamy flow of mulberry and cherry compote flavors threaded with hints of licorice and hibiscus through the polished, sapid finish. Drink now through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
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.