Winemaker Notes
Both soulful and cerebral, this exquisitely complex wine embodies the majesty of the Anderson Valley, offering sophisticated aromas of sage, anise, cinnamon, fennel pollen and wet stone minerality. On the palate, silky, refined tannins frame the freshness and purity of the fruit, as layers of black cherry, cranberry, blueberry and marionberry emerge over time, with notions of cedar and cardamom lingering on the long, graceful finish.
Production
After a dry winter we received a bit of welcome rainfall in early March followed by a mild warm-up that helped to push the first buds. By mid-April, all three estate vineyards had reached 100% budbreak, with healthy balanced vines throughout the valley. Summer was dry and mild, with a few hot days to help promote even ripening. We harvested Chardonnay for our sparkling wines beginning in mid-August, with our first Pinot Noir at the start of September. After a late-August heatwave, harvest began in earnest until a natural cool-down slowed the pace, and our last pick was on October 6th. Another stellar vintage in Anderson Valley, the quality of the fruit was exceptional, producing incredibly concentrated, flavorful and aromatic wines.