92 Points - Wine Spectator
2011 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Gowan Creek Vineyard
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Two miles north of the Confluence Vineyard in the heart of the Anderson Valley, our Gowan Creek Vineyard sees appreciably more coastal fog. The unique terroir of this site brings together elements from both the valley’s warmer regions and its cooler, northern “deep end.” Offering an ideal Southwestern exposure and an array of unique vineyard blocks, Gowan Creek is planted to eight different clones of Pinot Noir, each carefully tailored to a specific site and soil type. The powerful and expressive wine produced from these vines displays beautiful inky depth and robust, untamed fruit flavors.
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
91
Wine Review Online
95
Connoisseurs' Guide
97
Wine Advocate
90
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Pinot Noir; Cooperage: 65% New, 35% Second Vintage French oak; Medium toast: Allier, Vosges and Tronçais Forests
Winemaker Notes
This is both a blockbuster Pinot Noir and a wine that will reward patience. The effusive bouquet offers alluring dark fruits, a myriad of spices and hints of French oak. The palate features the signature elements of this pedigreed vineyard: deep, dark Santa Rosa plum, black currant, dark chocolate, cinnamon and pennyroyal. As it opens up, every sip gains nuance and complexity, revealing layers of sandalwood, cedar, and Tahitian vanilla bean. Though ripe and sweet, the substantial tannins will reward cellaring.
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
Vineyard Designation
Gowan Creek Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 30 – October 15, 2011
Sugar
25.0° Brix
Acid
0.50g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.79
Aging
16 Months in Barrel
Bottling Date
February 2013
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
91
Wine Review Online
95
Connoisseurs' Guide
97
Wine Advocate
90