Anderson Valley in the heart of Mendocino County has long been a favorite location of ours for Pinot Noir. Since 2001 we’ve sourced fruit from some of the most sought after vineyards in the area. The Hein Vineyard, Savoy and Day Ranch, just to name a few. In 2020 we sourced the fruit for Black Bird Pinot from two separate locations. The wine displays the complexity the valley is known for with a core of dark concentrated fruit, complemented by the nuanced aromatics that are reminiscent of a more “old world” style Pinot Noir. It yields a wine that is elegant and complex, brimming with floral aromas of violets, dried rose petals and gamey scents of wet earth.
The wine opens gracefully on the palate with lavish mouth filling black cherry, red licorice and spice notes. Black tea essence, piquant dried raspberries and a hint of cedar emerge in the lengthy finish which is broadened by the moderate tannins of the wine. While it pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, we find it especially intoxicating with smoked meats and anything “gamey” off the grill.
The wine is drinking wonderful at release, but Anderson Valley has always produced wines that age beautifully for 5-8 years in the bottle. This wine will be no exception.