Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A wonderful wine from one of the best vineyards in Anderson Valley. It's a bit acidic and tannic now, the result of this cool vintage, but time in the bottle should soften and resolve the tartness and astringency. The wine itself is very dry, with flavors of cherries, cola, balsam, Asian spices and oak. Cellar Selection.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Its very obvious youth notwithstanding, this gregarious Pinot shows real complexity even now with layered aromas of red cherries, sweet oak and dried flowers and like-minded flavors that are charged by taut fruity acidity.
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.