91 Points - Wine Spectator
2011 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
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Goldeneye began making premium quality, cool-climate Pinot Noir from our estate winery in the Anderson Valley in 1997. Blending grapes from four estate vineyards, we are dedicated to crafting wines of refinement and elegance from a rich palette of terroir-inspired fruit. Reflecting the Mendocino Coast’s unique marine influences, sites and soils, these grapes create sublime and sophisticated Pinot Noir. To further enhance natural depth and complexity, winemaker Michael Fay selects only a small percentage of the finest fruit for each vintage before applying small-lot, artisanal winemaking techniques.
Wine Spectator
91
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Pinot Noir; Cooperage: 100% French oak Burgundy-style barrels (228 liters), 65% New Oak, 35% Second Vintage; Medium toast: Allier, Vosges and Tronçais Forests
Winemaker Notes
Quintessential Anderson Valley aromas of savory herbs, pinesap and wild berries soar from the glass. On the palate, a plush, dense mouthfeel supports lush flavors of raspberry and blackberry, as well as hints of licorice and red apple skin. Oak-derived notes of clove, brown sugar and vanilla pave the way to a supple finish hinting at sweet leather and loamy earth.
Production
The 2011 growing season was the coldest in the 15-year history of Goldeneye. In the vineyard, we benefited from our experience as cool-climate winegrowers, and the exacting control we are able to apply to our Estate vineyards. We adjusted practices to compensate for the weather, with extra leaf pulling and vineyard-floor cultivation. We also did extensive fruit drops in multiple passes to encourage complete ripening with overall yields of approximately 2 tons per acre. The long, temperate season allowed for extended hang-time, and the majority of our grapes were harvested before the rains. The resulting wines are bright and elegant with slightly lower alcohols, lovely aromatics, natural acidity and pure fruit flavors.
Other Notes
Released: March 2014
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2011
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Anderson Valley
Harvest Date
September 23 – October 27, 2011
Sugar
25.0° Brix
Acid
0.47g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.91
Aging
16 Months in Barrel
Bottling Date
February 2013
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
91
Product Reviews
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Michael
(Jan 7, 2015 at 5:01 PM)
Received this wine as a gift for Christmas. Lovely wine. Exceptional quality. I'd definitely go out and buy this wine as well as offer as a gift.
Alexander
(Jan 16, 2015 at 11:13 AM)
Excellent wine of high quality. I first tasted this wine during a wine tasting event with Duckhorn and had to place this wine immediately on my wine list. Wonderful aromas of berries and on the palate a soft dream. Personally a must buy!
Bob Paine
(Feb 13, 2015 at 9:20 PM)
Had rthis wine for dinner tonight at recommendation of our waiter and it was terrific. Great, smooth pinot.
Candice
(Sep 20, 2015 at 6:15 AM)
I was visiting Dallas Tx for a dental conference with AAOSH. Went to eat at Chamberlain's Steak&Seafood the sommelier recommended this, not only was the food yummy this wine was the finest Pinot Noir.