One of my favorite characteristics of Pinot Noir is its ability to act as a chameleon; Wine made from the grape can exhibit a variety of unique flavors and aromas, all of which are dependent on the winemaking style, and most importantly the region in which it is grown.

In the context of quality, I have found some of the most impressive Pinot Noir’s, as of late, to be coming out of Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley.

Just north of Sonoma County, the territory offers one of California’s coolest climates, as ocean air and fog trail inland from the Mendocino coastline along the path of the Navarro River, framed by steep hillsides both to East and to the West.

And while the northern half of the Valley – what locals call “The Deep End” – is perfectly suited to the production of vibrant age worthy Pinot Noir, the Wine that has won me over the most is the Maggy Hawk, “Jolie,” Anderson Valley 2018.

Maggy Hawk is the Jackson Family’s crown jewel of Pinot Noir and is named after owner Barbara Banke’s favorite winning thoroughbred horse. Jolie, a standout bottling in each and every vintage, is a single vineyard wine from the Maggy Hawk Estate Vineyard, located in a rugged and remote outpost at the “Deep End” of the Anderson Valley.

The vineyard was planted in 2000 to 23.55 acres of distinct blocks with a variety of Pinot Noir clones including Pommard, Wadenswil 2A and Dijon 115, 667, and 777. The layout is a complex array of steep slopes and aspects containing well-draining sandstone soil with low nutrients. The site is very cool and is often wind-swept as well as blanketed by coastal fog.

Historically, the Maggy Hawk Pinot Noirs have been predominantly single clone bottlings from specific vineyard blocks and named after Maggy Hawk’s progeny: Jolie, Afleet, Stormin’ and Unforgettable. In previous vintages, Jolie has been composed of clone 115 but the 2018 vintage, there are four clones – Pommard 2A, 115, 667, & 777.

The 2018 vintage in Anderson Valley is one that is showing incredibly well in the bottle, and for good reason. An overall cooler growing season saw an October harvest, which would normally be cause for concern; however, the site experienced nearly perfect temperatures in the months leading up to October. Additionally, the diurnal shift allowed the grapes to hang on the vine longer and ripen at an ideal pace.

Once harvested, the grapes fermented for 14 days with a small portion of the lot incorporating the whole cluster. The fruit was then pressed off with the free-run kept separate from the harder pressing. After primary fermentation, the juice was then racked down to barrels.

The wine was allowed to go through malolactic fermentation on its own before being left to age in 20% new French oak barrels for 15 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The finished wine shows light garnet in the glass with aromatic notes of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cinnamon bark spice. On the palate, black cherry and raspberry are the primary impressions, followed by impressively polished tannins and an exhilarating vibrancy on the finish. A remarkably balanced wine overall.

As we continue with our 2021 offerings, it is my pleasure to provide you access to what is largely considered to be one of the standout Anderson Valley bottlings of the 2018 vintage. I assure you; this Wine is a proper study for any true Pinot Noir connoisseur.

We are releasing this Wine in packs of 3, but feel free to double down so you can track it throughout the years, as it is sure to age gracefully.

Thank you for your support!

Cheers!

Carey Vanderborg - Wine Director

2018 Anderson Valley "Jolie" Pinot Noir - $65

Click here for more information about the wine.

Three-bottle minimum order