95 Points -
"A medium ruby hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Velvet Sisters is minty and fresh with ripe raspberry, menthol, cinnamon, and quinine. Medium-bodied, with a clean mineral feel, ripe dusty tannins, and notes of tangerine, grenadine, and fresh earth, it’s a refreshing wine in the range." - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com, July 2023
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
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
2017: 93 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, February 2020
2016: 94 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, October 2018
2015: 96 Points, Jebdunnuck.com, June 2018
2014: 91 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, October 2016
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
2012: 90 points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, December 2014
2012: 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2014
2011: 90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2014
2011: 92-93 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2013
2011: 91 points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, December 2013
2010: 91-92 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2012
2010: 91 points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, April 2013
2007: 92 points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, February 2010
2006: 92 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2008
2005: 93 points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, December 2007
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 2021 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, 27% new
Time in oak: 15 months
Yeast: Native
Alcohol: 14.2%
TA: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.64
Cases produced: 296
Unfined and unfiltered