30% of the fruit for the Mendocino County Pinot Noir came from Iron Oak Vineyard in Potter Valley, an inland valley that characteristically produces Pinot Noir with mid-palate texture, soft tannins and red fruit flavors. The remaining 70% was sourced from various Anderson Valley vineyards. Handley Estate, Helluva, Pratt, and Day Ranch are all situated in different areas of Anderson Valley. Those located near Philo are just further enough west and north that they can be as much as 10-15 degrees cooler than vineyards closer to Boonville and the one in Potter Valley. For this reason, there is more than a month’s difference in optimum time of ripening between the “Deep End” and the other locations. Throughout the 2007 growing season, the weather was near perfect, creating a vintage that allowed Handley to bring in fruit with excellent texture and flavor from all locations.
Destemming and gently crushing the fruit left about 40% whole berries in the fermenter. After crushing, the must was cold-soaked for three days before adding yeast to start fermentation. Handley used six different yeasts to promote complexity in this blend. When fermentation was complete, the must was pressed. After three days’ settling, the wine was racked to French oak barrels (35% new) to finish malolactic fermentation. The wine aged in oak for nine months before bottling.
The Mendocino Pinot Noir is a fruit-forward wine that is multi-layered. It shows aromas of blackberry and dark plum in addition to nuances of dried cherry, blueberry, cinnamon & vanilla. Cherry flavors continue with hints of raspberry and a suggestion of toast.
A smooth texture carries the flavor into a long finish. This wine is versatile for food pairing. It has a special affinity for caramelized flavors: crisp herb-roasted potatoes & root vegetables; roast leg of lamb with rosemary& garlic; grilled teriyaki beef or chicken; and Bolognese style lasagna.
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyards: 30% Iron Oak, 20% Handley Estate, 17% Helluva, 10% Pratt, 8% Day Ranch, 15% Other
Appellation: Mendocino County
Harvest Dates: Aug. 30 - Oct. 8
Brix at Harvest: 23.8º Brix
Fermentation & Aging: Stainless steel open top tanks9 months in French Oak (35%New)
Bottling Date: August 12, 2008
Titratable Acid: 0.55 g/100 ml
pH: 3.55
Alcohol: 14.2%
Residual Sugar: 0.04% (Dry)
Cases Produced: 1496
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
95 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
