A dusty, savory, herbaceous Pinot Noir.

Connoisseur’s notes: A stone’s throw from Baxter Winery, the Valenti Vineyard has stunning views of the Anderson Valley below. It sits high upon a ridge-top in the ‘Mendocino Ridge’ appellation, five miles from the Pacific Ocean. Due to its location above the fog line the appellation has gained the nickname ‘Islands in the Clouds’. The ridge-top vineyards appear like islands peeking out above the maritime fog, which rolls into the valley below at night and lingers there throughout the mornings. Because the elevated vineyard mostly escapes the fog, its vines are bathed in long days of sunshine, providing ample temperatures to ripen the grapes, despite its proximity to the Ocean. Due to the cooler microclimate the fruit benefits from slow, steady ripening developing a multi-faceted and particularly elegant wine. Five different Pinot Noir clones (667, 115, Pommard, 828 and Rochioli) add to the complexity of this wine.

Fermented 30% whole cluster this wine is reminiscent of the old-world in it’s flavor profile as well as it’s production methods. Harvest by hand, then fermented as 30% whole-cluster in small open-top tanks using native yeast. After a period of careful hand punch-downs, the wine is then pressed off using a gentle basket press. The wine is given an extra long aging (22 months) in neutral French oak barrels to allow it to slowly build it’s complex structure.

This texturally complex wine retains an elegance and leanness indicative of it’s unique cool climate appellation. A beautiful, almost heady perfume introduces this savory and herbaceous Pinot Noir. On the palate strawberries and lush summer fruits combine with sanguine notes, as well as delicate over-tones of tea-rose, mushroom and Earl Grey. Bright minerality, dusty tannins, cherry cola and rose petal linger on the palate to provide a fresh yet multi-faceted finish to this partial whole-cluster Pinot.

Fox Hill Vineyard Nebbiolo

Connoisseur’s notes: One of the best-kept secrets in Mendocino County is the many vineyards of older- vine Italian varieties. The Fox Hill vineyard has been in the same Italian-heritage family for generations, with the 40 year old Nebbiolo vines made up of two stock clones and one suitcase clone brought over to the US by the owner’s grandfather. This inland Mendocino County vineyard benefits from a warm but elongated growing season: the heat is tempered just slightly by the cooling wisps of marine fog that manage to slink into the inland valleys and crevices at night. This special microclimate allows for a slower ripening leading to well-balanced flavors and complexity in the finished wine.

With notes reminiscent of a classic Barbaresco this old-vine Mendocino Nebbiolo is derived of 3 clones resulting in intriguing complexity. Delicate in color, on the nose it displays dusty rose petal scents along with strawberry and undertones of sandalwood. The palate’s fine dry tannins and grippy texture is layered with dried roses, fennel, graphite and subtle sanguine tones. With a linear cherry fruit focus and intricately layered, this wine benefits from decanting and will age ten to fifteen years.