Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Incredibly consistent year to year, this is a cherry- and raspberry-fruited Pinot Noir with nuances of pine forest and elegant cedarwood. Medium-bodied on the palate, a core of crunchy red fruits is lifted by apple-skin tannins and bright acidity, which gradually softens to reveal a creamier mid-palate beneath a canopy of vanilla-scented rose petals. A lovely and fragrant vintage for this wine. Aged in 24% new French oak barrels with 4% whole cluster during ferments. Total time in barrel was 10 months.
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James Suckling
Aromas of warm vanilla, mocha, toasty spices and Amarena cherries. These follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with moderate acidity and flavors of kirsch, black raspberries and allspice. Drink or hold.
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.