Domaine Anderson Estate Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley, California, United States
Vintage:2019 (Current)
2017 (Past) | 2018 (Past) | 2020 (Current)
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Reviews
Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
“Vivacious from the go, with pronounced aromas of black cherry and plum, bittersweet cacao, blackberry bush, bramble and mushroomy forest floor. The palate follows through, adding additional layering of black tea and violet potpourri. Let the fine-grained tannins tickle your tongue, the vibrant acidity give you that prickle of energy and that long, lengthy finish convince you of another sip.”
Vinous Media 92 Points
The 2019 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard is a very pretty, fragrant wine redolent of crushed red berry fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and orange peel. I admire its energy, class and transparent expression of Anderson Valley. This airy, weightless Pinot is a total charmer.
Decanter 93 Points
The 2019 release marks the first vintage this wine was produced with a label that boasts of the organic grapes that produced this brooding and muscular Pinot Noir, which is all power and drive. Heady dark berry fruit and cedar spices segue into a rich mid-palate infused with red cherry, pomegranate, flamed orange peel and Indian spices. Talk about a standing-ovation finish: notes of clove emerge, followed by tangerine peel, crushed cocoa nibs, scented with blue fruit and dried flowers, all framed by silky tannins, and lifted acidity, freshness and balance. Small batches of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Gris grapes were allowed to spontaneously ferment with indigenous yeast. A combination of punch-downs, foot treading, and gentle pump-overs was used during a roughly eight-day skin contact maceration prior to pressing in a small basket press—slow and cool indigenous malo-lactic fermentation in 60-gallon French oak barrique.
Wine & Spirits 92 Points
“Two-thirds of this wine grows at Dach, the biodynamic vineyard surrounding Roederer Estate’s winery in Philo. Much of the rest comes from Walraven in Boonville, certified organic. Panelist Lisa Granik, MW, found the wine to be dynamic and alive, while Tina Vaughn pointed to its layers of flavor. This is quiet up front, with a pop of pomegranate fruit contrasting the wine’s warm elements with cooler tension”
Wine Spectator 90 Points
“Bright and racy, with a savory streak amid pomegranate and damson plum notes, while a tangy blood orange accent zips up the finish. Drink now through 2023.”
JamesSuckling.com 93 Points
“Aromas of bright red fruit and berries, dried herbs and a hint of mushroom, as well as hibiscus, watermelon and dried strawberry. Medium-bodied with soft tannins. Pleasantly spiced. A bit of tobacco, too. Salinity at the end. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink now.”
Overview
Domaine Anderson is nestled in the breathtaking, fog-cooled hillside and mountain terrain of Northern California’s Anderson Valley. The cooling marine layer that is characteristic of this region provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Winemaker Darrin Low crafts wines with precision and care to express the uniqueness of our Anderson Valley terroir.
The Estate pinot noir is sourced from three vineyard sites spanning the Anderson Valley from the warmer Boonville climes to cooler locations in the Deep End near the Pacific Ocean. Light, sandy-clay and loams characterize the soils, with roughly 300 feet elevation, south and south west facing slopes for optimum morning sun exposure and cooling influences from the Pacific.
Winemaking
2019 is our first certified organic vintage for the Domaine Anderson Estate pinot noir. A blend of 60% Dach vineyard, our Demeter biodynamic and CCOF organic certified 20-acre home ranch, and 40% Walraven vineyard, our warmest inland site near the village of Boonville and CCOF organic certified in 2019.
We handpicked grapes during the cool summer nights from late August to mid-September. Small fermentation batches were allowed to spontaneous ferment with indigenous yeast. A combination of punchdown, foot tread and gentle pumpover were used during an average 8-day skin contact maceration before pressing in our small basket press. Slow and cool indigenous malolactic fermentation in 60-gallon French oak barrique, including a modest 5% new barrel to allow for pure expression of fruit without too much new barrel impact lasted through the spring months. The wine was racked and blended just before bottling in the winter of the following year.
Tasting Notes
Translucent pale red berry color. Aromas of rose petal, red cherry with a hint of smoke and incense reveal elegant and silky texture on the palate. Savory flavors of crushed raspberry, fresh mushroom and red bramble.
Harvest Notes
2019 vintage is characterized by late spring rains and moderately cool temperatures, permitting longer than usual hang time on the vines and producing plump, flavorful berries during steady and slow ripening.
Food Pairing
Pairs with braised meats, dishes such as gorgonzola with mushroom risotto, and a variety of cheeses.
Technical Information
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Wine Alcohol: 12.6%
New Oak: 5% new oak
Aging: 15 months in Burgundian barrels