Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
A warm vintage on the warmer, inland side of Anderson Valley accounts for this wine’s lush, dark berry flavor. Yet that sense of unbridled exuberance quickly runs into compact, stony tannins, the fruit emerging in the end in a more lifted scent of rose petals. With air, that mineral foundation expands through the fruit, pointing up the wine’s cool fragrance. It feels powerful, firm and detailed, and should do well with five years or more in the cellar.
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.