Everyone who knows me knows Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is my favorite weekend of the year. Around 50 wineries pour Anderson Valley pinot noir or anything derived from Anderson Valley pinot noir (think Roederer Brut or Long Meadow Ranch rosé of Pinot Noir). I am a kid in a candy store all weekend, typically overwhelmed by all of the amazing wine. This year, it poured and we all had to trudge through the mud to go from winery booth to winery booth. You would think this would have put a damper on the event and attendance, but it was incredible to see everyone put on their boots and rain jackets and brave the rain for the entire four hours the event went on. This was a testament to how great the wine was. I had promised I would write a top 10 list and, let me tell you, it was REALLY hard. My best attempt at a top 10 is (which is cheating because I put 11) can be found here:
- Williams Selyem, Burt Williams’ Morning Dew Ranch Pinot, 2016 $85: This wine blew my entire family away. My mom and sister do not usually drink red wine (yes even at a Pinot Noir Festival) and they both admitted that this was an all-around favorite. Many of the pinots we had were too harsh to drink now, but this one is ready to go. The vineyard was actually sold off, so this is the last vintage that will be produced of this wine and I recommend tracking one down.
- Littorai, One Acre, $79: Littorai is the winery that showed me what pinot noir could be. Owner Ted Lemon has really planted a flag in the Anderson Valley and makes five different pinot noirs from the region. During the event, the One Acre, which is the softest pinot noir they make and number 5/5 during the flight, stood out to me as a favorite (and you know it was good if it was the fifth one and still stood out that much ;))
- Baxter, Langley Vineyard, $48: Phil Baxter makes some of the most beautiful expressions of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. While I love all of them, the Langley vineyard pinot noir is particularly special. This vineyard is only 4 acres and the pinot clone is actually brought to the US from France by Louis Roederer. When you think about that journey and how unique it makes this pinot, this is truly a steal for the price.
- Smith Story and Waits Mast Nash Mill Pinot, $58 Smith Story and $45 Waits Mast: This vineyard is special for Eric & Ali, the owners of Smith Story. While working at K&L, Eric used to actually cultivate the vineyard. They’ve gone full circle and now make wine from it! Nash Mill has both floral and savory notes, very different from the fruit forward Helluva Vineyard pinot they also produce. Given that I love this one from Smith Story, it was so cool to see Waits Mast makes one as well. I tried their take and fell in love all over again!
- Copain, Kiser En Haut, 2015, $75: Copain makes two different Kiser pinot noirs: “En Bas” from the lower block of the vineyard and “En Haut,” which sits 600 feet above sea level. This pinot is elegant with cranberry and orange peel notes. I am a huge Copain fan and, having just visited and done some library tasting, can say confidently this wine will only get better with time.
- Drew Fogeater, 2017 $45: The Fogeater is one of the two appelation blend pinot noirs that Drew produces. Like the name suggests, the Fogeater is a testament to the cool climate of Mendocino County and showcases the character of Anderson Valley pinots. With aromas of rose and a little mint, this one is tasting well now but will be even better in years to come.
- Handley RSM, 2016 $52: Handley makes three single vineyard pinot noirs: Helluva Vineyard (which Smith Story makes too and is from the ttown of Boonville), Estate Vineyard and then this one – which sits at 700-1000 ft above sea level. I think of Helluva vineyard pinot as white wine lovers’ pinot: it’s fruit forward and easy to drink when young. This one is not that at all. This pinot is richer, riper and has more earthy notes – you’ll get some cedar on the nose and cherry cola on the finish.
- Long Meadow Ranch, Tank Bark Mill Perrygulch, 2016, $80: This one is made from steeper terrain than their other Tank Bark Mill pinot, It has a lot of berry notes – mainly blueberry and raspberry. This wine is still a classic Anderson Valley pinot in that it has minerality you don’t find in Sonoma Coast or other California AVAs. You can only buy this at the winery or as a member, so be sure to stop by their tasting room in either Napa or Anderson Valley to purchase!
- Toulouse, Hungarian Oak, 2015 $55: I’m sure you’ve heard of American Oak or French Oak, but have you heard of Hungarian Oak? Try it, you won’t be disappointed.This wine is made from taking their estate fruit and aging in Hungarian Oak barrels. These barrels give the wine a bit more of a woody flavor, but the overall experience is still incredibly well balanced. This one is a steal for the quality!
- Black Kite, Stony Terrace, $60: I love Black Kite wine and I have driven on a dirt road in a prius just to try it (more on that at another time.) From the middle block of their estate vineyard, these grapes see a lot of sun. 100% Pommard Clone, this is the boldest Pinot produced by Black Kite, with a lot of rich black fruit flavors. Case production on this one never exceeds 200 cases, so grab some while you still can! With a tasting room in Windsor, there is no excuse not to at this point 😉
I am already going through withdrawals and missing Anderson Valley. I cannot wait to go back later this year or for Pinot fest next year at the absolute latest! Who wants to come with?
