Tasting Notes

This alluring and hedonistic wine has amazing extract and purity of fruit focus. Vibrant fruit aromas of black cherry, blueberry, and sassafras haromonize with lilac and cinnamon stick notes. The captivating aromas lead into equally vibrant flavors of allspice and mocha. Explosively rich and sensuously elegant, this charismatic wine drinks beautifully upon release but will continue to improve for 3 to 5 years.

Historic Acclaim

2007: 94 points, Steve Heimoff, The Wine Enthusiast, July 2009
2007: 92 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May 2009
2007: 92 points, Robert Parker, Jr., Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2010
2006: 92 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2008
2005: 92 Points, Robert Parker, Jr., Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2007
2005: 91 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2007
2002: 93 Points, Robert Parker, Jr., Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2005
2000: 91 Points, The Wine Enthusiast, August 2003

Vineyard Character

In the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County, the local residents speak an obscure dialect of English known as Boontling, developed in the late 1800s. The "Velvet Sisters" are local historical figures who, in Boontling lore, became known for wearing plush velvet dresses that they had purchased on a trip to British Columbia. We call this wine "Velvet Sisters" in tribute to the Anderson Valley history and the wine's plush, velvety texture. The 2009 Velvet Sisters Pinot is sourced from a block within Falk Vineyard, an estate owned vineyard located in the hills above Anderson Valley. Falk is planted with Pommard selections along with Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777. The character of this carefully harvested Pinot Noir includes lively fruit aromas and a silky texture, exemplary of the best of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

Wine Details

Oak: 100% French oak; 50% new
Time in oak: 15 months
Yeast: Native
Alcohol: 14.8%
TA: 5.3g/L
pH: 3.71
Cases produced: 350
Unfiltered

Wine Information Sheet PDF