Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Nuanced and elegant, this medium-bodied wine is almost delicate in its delivery of subtle cherry, tea and underbrush aromas backed by complex black-cherry, cinnamon and allspice flavors. Aging in 30% new barrels helps give it that spicy note.
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Wine & Spirits
Grown at a cool, late-ripening site in the northern reaches of the Anderson Valley, this pinot noir is made by Shalini Sekhar at an urban winery in San Francisco. It’s more savory than fruity, with light notes of orange pith and celery root, an earthy red that’s tight and closed, feeling younger than many 2017s. Rose notes come up with air. For an earthy braise.
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.