92 Points - Decanter
A pleasure to drink now. Will further reward with 5-6 years in your cellar.
You'll want to grab as much of this gem as you possibly can!
Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley's Pinot Noir is considered great due to the region's unique cool climate, influenced by coastal fog and ocean breezes, which is ideal for growing this delicate grape. This climate produces wines with vibrant red fruit flavors, high natural acidity, and complex aromatics, balancing richness with restraint and a distinctive sense of place. The valley's specific terroir, the quality of its winemaking community, and the focus on sustainable and organic farming practices further contribute to its exceptional reputation.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage began auspiciously with historical average rainfall and modest temperatures at the start of bud break. Ample sunshine and early heat resulted in even growth of the canopies, creating uniformity and balance as the vines entered the flowering cycle. The weather was perfect in June and July, with a few heat spikes that kept the plants healthy and sustained. With the cooler start to the vintage and the normal fog pattern of August, the ripening cycle slowed, and the crop achieved ideal hang time for tannin development at modest sugars. Across the board, harvest exhibited terrific character.
Analysis
Appellation: Anderson Valley
Varietal Composition: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.8%
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
