by Andrew Chalk
The first Anaba Wines wine that I have tasted and wow, what a discovery. Very serious winemaking from an area that proves its worth as an AVA every vintage. Highly recommended. Don’t be deterred by the price. Compare with top-flight Californian and Cote de Beaune appellations.
A testimony to fine winemaking and God's gift of the Petaluma Gap. Recommended for current drinking with duck, veal, salmon or eggplant dishes. Vietnamese noodle soups would also be a good match.
PRODUCER NOTES
The Anaba Wines estate sits in the western part of the Carneros appellation where cool Pacific anabatic breezes flow up the gently sloping vineyards, slowing down the ripening process and allowing the Picpoul Blanc grapes to develop robust flavors and distinct varietal characteristics.Â
It is this understanding of the importance of site and geography that led to Anaba's partnership with Sangiacomo Vineyards, from Sonoma’s long-respected ranching family and the first grape grower with whom Anaba met and partnered with. Located at the base of Sonoma Mountain at the far northern edge of the Petaluma Gap, the Roberts Road Vineyard is shrouded in fog for half the day and influenced by coastal breezes. It experiences long, slow, and even growing seasons, perfect for Anaba’s Burgundian-style Pinot Noir.Â
TASTING NOTES
NAME: | Anaba 2021 Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard, Sonoma Co., CA ($74) |
COMMENTS | |
APPEARANCE | |
Clarity | clear |
Intensity | medium |
Color | ruby |
NOSE | |
Condition | clean |
Intensity | medium plus |
Aroma Characteristics | Raspberry, black pepper, rosemary, bread crust, pencil lead |
PALATE | |
Sweetness | dry |
Acidity | medium |
Tannin | medium/chewy |
Alcohol | medium |
Body | medium plu |
Flavor intensity | pronounced |
Flavor characterstics | Raspberry, black pepper, rosemary, bread crust, pencil lead |
Other observations | Ripe fruit. Very subtle, gentle character. Flavor intensity acknowledges that softness can be intense when it is complex. |
Finish | Long |
Quality Assessment | Outstanding. But focus your attention to get th most out of this. |
Bottle aging | Suitable. |
Sample.