Winemaker Notes
This wine delivers a diverse aromatic profile which ranges from plum, Morello cherry and Asian spices to leather to fresh herbs. Hints of lavender and fennel seed add to the vast array of aromatics. Silken in the mouth, the tannins completely envelope the tongue and provide a generous texture that is overlaid on a core of Morello cherry and cherry pit flavors. Hints of allspice give way to Asian tea notes on the elegant finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Lots of spicy oak aromas and vivid, ripe, concentrated fruit animate this medium- to full-bodied wine that nevertheless has great acidity and firm tannins to support all that showy flavor. It smells like cinnamon and cherry tart, and tastes full of black cherry, sour cherry and cranberry. Best after 2021.
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.