Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
Vineyard Profile:
Coming off of a relatively dry winter, the 2020 vintage saw continued drought conditions across most of the North Coast growing region, including the typically wet Anderson Valley. Fortunately, bloom and fruit set were not interrupted by adverse conditions and yields were spot-on for a beautiful harvest. Located inland of the Pacific Ocean, Anderson Valley is cooled by coastal fog and precipitation; however, vineyards planted on the high ridges sit above the fog bank and experience drastic diurnal temperature shifts that are perfect for slow-ripening cool-climate sites like the Nelson Hill’s Vineyard.
Winemaker’s Notes
Deep ruby violet in color, the 2020 Nelson Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir carries the trademark notes of a cooler climate site leading with aromas of marionberry, leather, black plums and dried rose petal. The product of an extended drought, there is great concentration in the glass with a precise balance of fruit and savory notes wound together with brilliant acidity and supple tannins. With time, the beautiful black and blue plum and berry notes make way for baking spice, cedar box and dried mushrooms with a lingering finish of vanilla bean and wet river stones. The persistence of the finish portends a long cellar life with the dark fruit notes drifting into more meaty and loamy characteristics.
