Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Pinot Noir; Cooperage: 100% French oak Burgundy-style barrels (228 liters) 65% New Oak, 35% Neutral; Medium plus toast: Allier, Vosges and Tronçais Forests
Winemaker Notes
Once again, Gowan Creek yielded a phenomenally rich and voluptuous wine with flowing layers of blueberry and homemade plum pie. On the palate, good acidity and firm tannins add grip and structure to the abundant fruit, with notes of lavender and vanilla spice contributing nuance and complexity to the finish.
Production
At Goldeneye, we had the earliest start to harvest ever (August 13th), and our earliest finish (September 14th). In the Anderson Valley, early harvests are welcomed, as it can get very cold and wet by mid-October. After three vintages in a row of big crops, yields returned to near average levels, with the grapes showing phenomenal quality and purity. Because of the crop size and the early harvest, we had the luxury of picking all of our grapes at ideal physiological ripeness. As a result, the wines show all of the hallmarks of great Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, with equal parts lushness and beauty, mixed with savory notes, and a touch of wildness.