Westwood Winery Wendling Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
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Jeb
Dunnuck
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Spiced oak and cinnamon cherries form an exquisite perfume that leads into a more savory palate. Nutmeg, clove, and cranberry are filled with a mocha-cedar center. Dried heather adds flavor to the wine’s textural weight.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard also comes from a cooler vineyard, this one in Anderson Valley. Made from a mix of clones (Pommard, 667, Calera, 828, and 115) and aged 16 months in 56% new French oak, it offers complex notes of dark cherry fruits, spice, and loamy soil as well as medium-bodied richness, plenty of texture, and a great finish. It’s a complete, balanced, incredibly high-quality Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming decade.
Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable
Beginning with the cleanest organic and sustainably farmed grapes coupled with the best winemakers in the world, wielding the best equipment available, Westwood wines are meant to elevate the important moments in your life. Expressive, elegant and textured, the wines are unmistakably California, but are crafted for those who appreciate an elevated experience. Reflecting two decades of work and planning, Westwood’s voice is decidedly unique - as unique as their 33 acres in Annadal Gap, Sonoma.
Westwood is a truly unique site, located in the northern end of the Sonoma Valley. The climate is on the cooler side, with the vines covered in fog of the morning, bathed in sun early afternoon, then cooled by the westerly winds off the Pacific Ocean during the afternoon. Endowed with a diverse soil composition, Westwood is able to grow a wide variety of Pinot, Syrah and Grenache clones and other rare varietals not often seen in this region. In 2014 the Estate became biodynamically certified, to preserve the health and longevity of this special site for generations ahead.
Westwood formally teamed up with Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky of Atelier Melka in 2017, world-renowned winemakers and producers of many “100-point” wines. Philippe Melka was born, educated and trained in Bordeaux and was named by the Wine Advocate as “one of the Top 10 Winemakers in the World”. On seeing our Annadel Gap vineyard, Philippe exclaimed, “Westwood has already been gaining great acclaim and attention for award-winning wines from this unique and unexpected gem of a vineyard. Looking ahead, we’re excited to unlock the soul of this special site and take the wines even higher”.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.