95 Points -
"Matured for 15 months in 25% new French oak, the 2023 Pinot Noir Velvet Sisters is intensely perfumed! Intoxicating raspberry and red cherry preserve, rose petal, pennyroyal and grilled orange aromas pour from the glass. The full-bodied palate features highly concentrated, complex flavors framed by velvety tannins and refreshing acidity, and it has a long, expressive finish. It changes dynamically as it airs in the glass and should be long lived in the cellar." - Erin Brooks, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Oct 2025
Tasting Notes
This alluring and hedonistic wine has amazing extract and purity of fruit focus. Vibrant fruit aromas of black cherry, blueberry, anise and violets harmonize with subtle cinnamon stick notes. The captivating aromas lead into equally vibrant flavors of berries and allspice in this sensuously elegant Pinot Noir.
Historic Acclaim
2022: 96 Points, L.P-B The Wine Independent, April 2024
2022: 96 Points, Wine Enthusiast, November 2024
2021: 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2023
2019: 94 Points, L.G., Wine Enthusiast, November 2021
2018: 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2021
2018: 94 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, February 2021
2017: 95+Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, May 2020
2016: 94 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, October 2018
2015: 96 Points, Jebdunnuck.com, June 2018
2014: 92 Points, CA Grapevine
2013: 92-94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2015
2013: 96 points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, October 2015
Vineyard & Vintage 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 2023 Velvet Sisters Pinot is sourced from blocks within the Falk vineyard, an estate-owned vineyard located in the hills above Anderson Valley. Falk vineyard is planted to Dijon clones 115, 667, 777, and Pommard selections. 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, 25% new
Time in oak: 15 months
Yeast: Native
Alcohol: 13.8%
TA: 6.0 g/L
pH: 3.64
Cases produced: 249
Unfined and unfiltered