96 Points -
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Arrendell Vineyard is expressive of sassafras, brambly wild berries, and toasted cedar. Full-bodied, with a lot of balance but no harsh edges, it has fresh acidity, an ultra-fine tannin structure, and a long, graceful finish, with candied roses, black raspberry liqueur, and dusty earth. A very attractive wine, it’s drinking well now and will certainly be worth enjoying over the next 15 years." - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com, July 2023
Tasting Notes
The 2021 Arrendell Vineyard Pinot Noir is a deep, ruby-colored wine with complex aromas of blackcurrants, red cherries, forest floor, and violets are interlaced with a savory grilled herb nuance. Black cherries and kirsch flavors complement silky tannins and a multi-layered mouthfeel. The lingering and nuanced finish is a hallmark of all bottlings from this amazing vineyard site.
Historic Acclaim
2021: 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2023
2019: 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, August 2022
2019: 96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2022
2019: 96 Points, Wine Enthusiast, September 2022
2019: 95 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, July 2022
2018: 96+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2021
2018: 95+ Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jan 2021
2018: 94+ Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Feb 2021
2017: 96+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, May 2020
2017: 96 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Feb 2020
2016: 97 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Oct 2018
2015: 95+ Points Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2018
2015: 94+ Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Dec 2017
2014: 96 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Oct 2016
2013: 97 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Oct 2015
2013: 92-94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jan 2015
2012: 97 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Dec 2014
2011: 92-93 Points International Wine Cellar, May 2013
2010: 92-93 Points, International Wine Cellar, May 2012
2009: 94 Points, International Wine Cellar, May 2011
2009: 92 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Dec 2011
2008: 95 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Feb 2011
2007: 95 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Feb 2010
2006: 91+ Points International Wine Cellar, May 2008
2005: 93 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Dec 2007
Vineyard & Vintage Character
Arrendell Vineyard sits in arguably the coldest spot in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA. Each year this old-vine Pinot Noir vineyard, which was planted in 1975, struggles to ripen the one-ton/acre crop of old heirloom Pinot Noir selections by Halloween. The cold meso-climate that results from cool air settling in this low-lying vineyard preserves natural acidity in the grapes and helps preserve the purity expression of the unique, terroir in this wine. Natural acidity and density of distinct flavors that result from these adverse conditions also heightens the potential for extended aging of Arrendell Vineyard Pinot Noir bottlings.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak; 33% new
Time in oak: 15 months
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: 5.9 g / L
pH: 3.58
Cases produced: 73
Unfined and unfiltered