The vines for this wine were planted in 2006, and this is the first vintage. Obviously, the grapes are young but, fortunately, you wouldn’t guess that just by tasting.
This is a lovely Pinot Noir – worth seeking out. When I tried it, it needed some time to open up. In the glass it showed beautiful dark berry flavors, the kind of earthy/dirt-like funk that I adore in my Pinot Noirs (similar to fallen leaves). There’s also some cocoa, black tea and nutmeg on the nose. The wine is firm on the palate with silky tannins, a great blueberry lift on the midpalate, and a long, enjoyable finish.
This wine is from a single vineyard in the Anderson Valley. It is situated above Boonville at an elevation of between 1,300 – 2,000 feet. It covers about 85 acres, and is planted into 34 blocks. There are seven different Pinot Noir clones planted and blended to make the wine.
Eric Johannsen, the winemaker, prefers a philosophy of minimal intervention as he strives to create balanced – not over ripe – wines. He ages the wine for nine months in French oak barrels, of which 30% are new. This helps the wine develop without overtaking it with oak nuance.
It is available at the Wine & Spirits Discount Warehouse in New Rochelle for $31.49.
Wine & Spirits Discount Warehouse, 8 Joyce Road; 800 474 2575
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