Anaba Wines

Articles About Anaba Wines

Reviewed Wines

2017 Anaba Snow Vineyard Sonoma Valley Picpoul Blanc

12.0% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.56, 169 cases, $28. This vineyard is located just a few miles from Sonoma Plaza. The warm days and cool evenings provide ideal growing conditions for Picpoul Blanc. Harvest Brix 20.0º. Pressed immediately after harvesting into a stainless tank where it was racked off the lees post settling. 100% stainless steel aging. Bottled in February 2018. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with aromas of yellow apple, honey and brioche. Bright and clean on the palate, with flavors of pear, honey, apple, and a hint of vanilla. Highly enjoyable with an uplifting, soprano finish. Score: 92. Reviewed November 2, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.7% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.70, 933 cases, $36. Sourced from Denmark, J McK Estate, and Dutton Ranch (Mill Station and Shop Block) vineyards. Barrel fermented, 50% MLF, aged 17 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Bright aromas of lemon, yellow apple, brioche, yellow flower blossom and lychee. Slightly oily in mouthfeel, with flavors of lemon, pineapple, yellow apple and cinnamon spice. Nicely composed with some finishing length. A bit quirky because of the cinnamon spice flavor, but otherwise highly enjoyable. Score: 92. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Dutton Ranch Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.0% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.67, 278 cases, $42. Grapes come from the Mills Station Vineyard and Shop Block Vineyard in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA lying within the Sonoma Coast AVA. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, 90% malolactic fermentation, aged 17 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 27% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Delicate aromas of lemon, yellow apple and honeydew melon. Rich and creamy on the palate, and loaded with pineapple, honey, blond caramel and brioche flavors, with nicely integrated acidity woven into the fabric of the wine. Nothing to specifically criticize, but just doesn’t excite me. Score: 89. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba J McK Estate Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.67, 193 cases, $42. Wente clone. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented with 65% malolactic fermentation, and aged 17 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 38% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The aromas of lemon, pineapple and yellow stone fruits build in intensity over time in the glass. Silky and vibrant on the palate, with appealing flavors of citrus fruits, blond caramel and butterscotch. An upbeat, energetic wine that aims to please. Score: 92. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.61, 1,187 cases, $42. A blend of select lots and clones from five vineyards. Clones are Pommard, 115, “828,” 777 and 667. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The showy nose offers aromas of red fruits, exotic spices and pipe smoke. Light to mid weight in an elegant style, featuring juicy red cherry flavor with the slightest confected tone. Silky in the mouth, with gentle tannins. A giving wine that is easy to embrace and made for delightful everyday drinking. Score: 92. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Sangiacomo-Roberts Road Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.62, 108 cases, $56. Vineyard planted in 1999. Half the day, the vineyard is shrouded in fog and also affected by coastal breezes. The block for this bottling is in the flat land at the base of Sonoma Mountain and features welldrained, silty gravel soils. 100% de-stemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of blueberry, dark cherry, ash and new leather draw you into the glass. The dark red fruit core delivers purity and is framed by gentle tannins. The plush texture attracts and the finish offers racy cherry fruit. The wine takes on more intensity and character over time in the glass. Score: 92. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.61, 241 cases, $56. Vineyard is owned and farmed by the Pisoni and Franscioni families. Pisoni “clone.” Harvest Brix 24.2º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers competition between aromas of maraschino cherry, rose and dried herbs and oak-driven ash and vanilla. Light to mid weight in style, offering earth-toned fruit flavors of black cherry and boysenberry. A pretty wine with a polished mouthfeel, a dash of toasty oak, and some length on the sweet boysenberry finish. Score: 90. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.64, 121 cases, $56. This hilltop vineyard located at 700 feet elevation was planted in 1998 by vintner Steve MacRostie and partners. Clones 115 and 777. Harvest Brix 23.7º 100% destemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Teasing aromas of darker cherry, graham and spice. On entry, the wine wows you with mid weight flavors of black cherry and spice. The sumptuous texture caresses and the finish leaves behind endless echoes of aromatic goodness. The balance is impeccable, the wine has style and grace, and the overall experience is seductive. Score: 94. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Westlands Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., Ph 3.43, TA 0.62, 258 cases, $60. This wine is meant to capture the essence of the West Sonoma Coast. Sourced from Jay Morris, O’Connor and Clary Ranch vineyards located in the West Sebastopol and West Petaluma regions. Clones 777, “828,” Pommard, 667 and Calera. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Generous aromas of dark red and purple fruits, rose, mulch and burnt tobacco. The flavors echo the nose in a mid weight styled wine. A little more extraction and seriousness than the regular Sonoma Coast bottling with a little more mid palate intensity and a more flamboyant finish. Both the tannins and oak are perfectly integrated. Score: 93. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Anaba Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.61, 728 cases, $36. Sourced from J McK Estate Vineyard, Denmark Vineyard and Dutton Ranch vineyards. Harvest Brix 23.8º. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, 80% malolactic fermentation, and aged 17 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, lime, grapefruit and pear lead off. Clean, crisp and refreshing featuring flavors of citrus, golden apple and pear with hints of caramel, honey, vanilla and salinity. The finish has enough acidic verve but is shallow and falls off quickly. Score: 88. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Anaba Dutton Ranch Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.71, 255 cases, $42. Wente clone. Harvest Brix 23.3º. Sourced from Dutton Mills Station and Shop Block vineyards in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, 50% malolactic fermentation, and aged 17 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of lemon curd, green apple, and sawdust. Reserved flavors of lemon, grapefruit and kiwi are uplifted by energetic acidity. More sophisticated than ostentatious, with a steely cut on the finish. An adroit food wine. Score: 90. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Anaba J McK Estate Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.54, 174 cases, $42. Wente clone. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, 85% malolactic fermentation, and aged 17 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of lemon creme, banana, baking spices and pie crust. Delicately flavored but very satisfying, offering tastes of citrus, caramelized apple, honey and toasty oak. The acidity is more restrained in this wine and it will appeal to those who prefer fruit and oak at the forefront. Score: 92. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.34, TA 0.64, 505 cases, $42. Grapes sourced from vineyards in the Green Valley (Kozlowski Vineyard) and Carneros (Los Brisas Vineyard). Pommard, 115, Swan, 777 and 667. Harvest Brix 24.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 6-day cold soak, fermented separately by clone. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose makes its mark with aromas of black cherry, bark, graphite and a hint of smoke. Rather simple but satisfying, with mid weight flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and strawberry framed by gentle tannins. The acid-fueled finish offers pleasing sweet cherry aromatics. More appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Anaba Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.66, 180 cases, $48. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Clones 667, 777 and Swan selection. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, fermentation separately by clone. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, fertile earth, mushroom and sawn oak come to the forefront on the nose. Bright and crisp on the palate, virtually dancing on the tongue, with an essence of mid weight cherry flavor goodness. There are some forestry spices in the background that add interest. Very charming, with exquisite balance and a finish awash in juicy cherry. Score: 93. Reviewed July 21, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.64, 148 cases, $52. Pisoni selection. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 5-day cold soak, fermented in stainless. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Extremely shy nose offering subtle aromas of cherry, sandalwood and oak vanillin. On the palate, the wine offers good depth and length of red and black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors. The sleek texture is appealing due to milky tannins. The finish is modest but satisfying. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A delicate interpretation of this vineyard. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Anaba Westlands Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.64, 258 cases, $54. This wine is intended to capture the essence of the West Sonoma Coast. Grapes sourced from O’Connor Vineyard, Barlow Lane Private Vineyard and Mariani Vineyard. Pommard, Swan and 115 clones. Harvest Brix 22.2º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, fermented separately by clone, 30% whole cluster. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet. Gracious aromas of dark cherry, rose, and milk chocolate lead to a middleweight styled wine offering flavors of dark red cherry and berry and blueberry with a bit of herbal oak in the background. Elegant and streamlined, with quenching acidity and a mildly astringent finish. Unchanged when sampled the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Anaba Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.6% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.61, 887 cases, $36. A blend of grapes from three vineyards: the Anaba J McK Estate Vineyard, Denmark Vineyard and Dutton Ranch (Mill Station and Shop Block). Harvest Brix 23.9º. Whole cluster pressed before barrel fermentation. 60% malolactic fermentation. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. A generous wine with good spirit, offering aromas of honeyed pear, buttery lemon tart, crème brûlée and ocean air. Flavors of lemon creme, melon, blonde caramel and nutty oak aim to please and the uplifting citrusdriven finish is highly refreshing. Score: 92. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.61, 1,215 cases, $42. A blend of three vineyards in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA along with two others in the Sonoma Coast that overlaps with the Russian River Valley. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Harvest Brix 24.1º. Clones are Pommard, 115, 777, 667, “828,” and 9. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, fermented separately by clone, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aroma of fresh cherry pie and nutty oak. Light to mid weight in style with appealing elegance and balance. Very approachable darker cherry flavor with a deft touch of oak spice. A bit shallow on the attack and mid palate. Score: 88. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Anaba Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.64, 180 cases, $48. This vineyard is owned by Francis Mahoney, one of the most influential figures in Carneros Pinot Noir. Harvest Brix 24.1º. Clones are Swan, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, each clone fermented separately, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry and spice. Elegant in demeanor, with light to mid weight juicy flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with an earthy underpinning. Impeccable balance, with a modest oak-kissed finish. Score: 89. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.62, 395 cases, $52. Produced and bottled by Anaba Wines, Sonoma, CA.. Pisoni selection. Harvest Brix 24.3º. Destemmed, 4 to 5-day cold soak, fermented in stainless steel, gentle pump over and punch downs during fermentation. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of mushrooms on the grill, earthy flora and cherry-nut cake lead off. Very elegant and cordial, with silky tannins backing a mid weight core of fresh cherry fruit. Very polished and charming, with a good spring in its step. There is an oak sidecar of note that is not intrusive, and the black cherry finish is notable. Score: 92. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Anaba Westlands Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.56, 264 cases, $54. The name of this wine is a nod to the West Sonoma Coast. O’Connor, Barlow Lane Private and Mariani vineyards. Pommard, Swan and 115 clones. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, gentle pump overs and punch downs. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Winemakers Ross Cobb and Katy Wilson. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of red cherry and berry, burnt tobacco and fertile earth. Light to mid weight and bright and juicy in style, with a core of fresh cherry and raspberry fruit weathered to a bit of tobacco flavor. Very delicate with dapper tannins and an uplifting finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »

2013 Anaba J McK Estate Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.60, 213 cases, $34. An estate vineyard that is sustainably farmed. The vineyard name is derived from proprietor John Sweazey’s children, John and McKenna. Harvest Brix 23.8º. Wente clone. Whole cluster pressed, 100% barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 9 months on lees in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. A little more fruit and oak mix than the Dutton Ranch wine that is easy to like. Aromas of lemon curd, pear and toasty brioche lead to a richly flavored core of poached pear, peach and burnt caramel flavors. Pleasingly viscous in the mouth, with a soft, satiny finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Anaba Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.0% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.62, 206 cases, $36. Sourced from Mills Station Vineyard and Shop Block, both Dutton Ranch properties in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Wente clone. Whole cluster pressed, 100% barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 9 months on lees in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Pleasant aromas of lemon oil, lemongrass, pineapple and caramel lead to a bright and crisp style of citrus driven wine that is almost crunchy. A hint of banana and brioche is a donation from oak. Fruit and acidity work in harmony in this enjoyable offering. Dutton Ranch fruit always delivers the goods. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.59, 1,705 cases, $36. Sourced from multiple vineyards. Clones 114, 115, Pommard, 667, 777 and Swan. Harvest Brix 23.9º. 100% de-stemmed, 6- day cold soak, basket pressed, aged 11 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Clean aromas of cherry, rhubarb, spice and seasoned oak lead to a middleweight core of earthy black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors with a cola accent. The silky mouthfeel appeals and the tannins are tucked in, in this simple but pleasant wine. Score: 88. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Anaba Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.60, 249 cases, $38. Swan clone. Harvest brix 24.2º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, basket pressed, aged 11 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. I like this wine for its vibrancy and infusion of fresh cherry aromas and flavors. There is a complimentary overlay of oak, the tannins are balanced, and the finish is noticeably generous with cherry goodness. Score: 89. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Anaba Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.., pH 3.62, TA 0.60, 262 cases, $46. Clones 115 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 24.1º. 15% whole cluster, 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed, aged 11 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Clearly a step up in quality, with enticing aromas of black cherry, rose petal and cake spices and a mid weight plus nucleus of perfectly ripened black cherry and blackberry fruits nicely highlighted by spice. Silky and polished, with admirable balance and welcome length on the expansive finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.61, 330 cases, $46. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Pisoni clone. 100% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak in stainless, basket pressed when dry. Aged 11 months on primary lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Complex nose featuring aromas of black cherry, oregano, black tea, underbrush and infused oak. The mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and ollaliberry are pleasingly complimented by a soft and velvety texture in a thoroughly seductive wine that finishes with noticeable staying power. Putting the significant oak overlay aside, this is an impressive wine. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Anaba Chenoweth Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.62, 304 cases, $48. Sourced from Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard planted and farmed by Charlie Chenoweth. It is situated close to the coast at 700 feet elevation and contains Goldridge soils. Harvest Brix 24.3º. Clones 115, Calera and Elite. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, basket pressed to barrel, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of very ripe berries, iron and vanilla lead to a full-bodied mix of blackberry, black currant and boysenberry fruit flavors with supportive oak. Succulent and deeply flavored, with fruit veering to the riper side, yet very charming with good harmony. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.60, 790 cases, $28. Sourced from estate McK, Denmark, and Dutton Ranch vineyards. Clones are Wente and Dijon 95. Harvest Brix 22.8-23.9º. Whole cluster pressed, 60% barrel fermented, 40% stainless steel fermented, aged 11 months sur lees in 45% new French oak. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, pastry cream, croissant and nutty oak. A solid wine with a flavorful core of citrus, peach, pear and honey. Silky on the palate with an uplifting cut of acidity on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Denmark Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.59, 216 cases, $34. This vineyard is in the southeastern foothills of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The soils are rich with minerals. Wente clone. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Whole cluster pressed, cold settled for 2 days, 60% fermented in stainless vats, 40% in neutral French oak barrels. 40% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. Aged sur lees for 11 months in 12% new French oak. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. This was a striking way in every way. Aromas of lemon curd, butter brickle, poached pear and apple draw you into the glass. Delicious flavors of citrus, Granny Smith apple, peach and pear with a slight buttery tone. Very harmonious and bright, with perfectly engaged acidity. There is some stony minerality in this wine for want of a better description. The finish is silky and pleasing with a lasting impression of lemon creme. This wine reminds me of a very fine Meursault. Score: 94. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.56, 1,576 cases, $34. A blend of select lots from Roberts Road, Dutton Ranch, Las Brisas and Tina Marie vineyards. Clones 115, Pommard, 667 and 777. Harvest Brix 22.9º-24.2º. 12% whole cluster, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed when dry. Aged 11 months sur lees in 40% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Pleasant aromas of cherry, pomegranate and toasty oak which gain in appeal over time in the glass. Full-bodied, rich flavors of cherry, blueberry, and raspberry underpinned with spicy oak. The balance of sinewy tannins and acidity is spot on and there is some finishing length. A solid, dependable offering year in and year out. Score: 89. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.66, 248 cases, $36. Sourced from Dutton Ranch Mills Station and Dutton House Block vineyards in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Whole cluster pressed, 100% barrel fermented. Aged 11 months sur lees in 48% new French oak. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Very stylish throughout with aromas of lemon, golden apple, white flowers and toast and vivid, full-bodied flavors of lemon creme, apple, pear and vanilla. The slightly creamy mouthfeel is appealing, as is the complimentary touch of oak which adds depth and interest. Score: 92. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.525, 127 cases, $38. This vineyard is part of the Mahoney Estate and the name translates to “breezes.” The winds drive morning fog from the vineyards and cool the vines in the late afternoon. Swan and 667. Harvest Brix 23.2º-24.0º. 15% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed when dry. Aged 11 months sur lees in 33% new French oak. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Pleasant aromas of cherry, strawberry and a subtle note of green herbs. Light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and cranberry fruit with a hint of cocoa and oak are marked by a brisk tug of acidity and slightly grippy tannins. A bit of heat shows up on the red fruit fueled finish. Score: 88. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.56, 192 cases, $46. This vineyard is located in one of Russian River Valley’s coolest and foggiest regions. Goldridge soil. Clones 115 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.9º-24.2º. 12% whole cluster, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed when dry. Aged 11 months sur lees in 35% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is closed initially showing little more than aroma of coffee bean. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose had blossomed, offering pleasing aromas of cherry, spice and rose petal. On the palate, the wine has a welcoming softness and freshness with juicy flavors of Bing cherries, ripe strawberries, spice, cola and complimentary oak framed by fine-grain tannins. A charming wine with soaring aromatic persistence on the extended finish. Decant if you pull the cork now. Score: 90. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.56, 201 cases, $46. This vineyard is located at the base of Sonoma Mountain adjacent Copeland Creek and is farmed by the noted Sangiacomo family. Clone 115 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 12% whole cluster, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed when dry. Aged 11 months sur lees in 35% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. This is a spicy wine with appealing aromas and flavors of black raspberry and black cherry. Some oak is at play creating hints of cocoa, vanilla and anise. The fruit veers a bit to the ripe side but is very fresh, juicy and luscious. Still very flavorful the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with an impressively long finish. Score: 91. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.52, 213 cases, $46. Pisoni selection. Harvest Brix 24.1º. 12% whole cluster, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed when dry. Aged 11 months sur lees in 40% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with fresh aromas of cherry, cardamom spice and cocoa. A polished wine with impeccable balance, featuring a burst of spicy black cherry flavor on the mid palate. Forward drinking with juicy acidity, a silky texture and some notable finishing power. This wine brings out the best in Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Score: 92. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Anaba Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.0% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.595, 432 cases, $28. Sourced from Sun Chase and Denmark vineyards, both located in the Sonoma Coast. Clones are Wente, RY17 and 95. Harvest Brix 22.8-24.0º. De-stemmed, 60% barrel fermented and 40% stainless steel fermented. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Very appealing nose offering fresh scents of citrus, spiced pear, buttery brioche and flint. Tasty core of baked pear, peach, spice and toffee flavors with a hint of salinity. Nicely balanced with bright acidity and a crisp, refreshing finish. Score: 90. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.525, 518 cases, $34. Sourced from Sun Chase Vineyard located on Sonoma Mountain in the Petaluma Wind Gap region of the Sonoma Coast. Clones 667, 777, “828,” and 114. Harvest Brix 23.2-25.1º. De-stemmed, 12% whole cluster, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed, aged 11 months sur lie in 42% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of fresh cherries and spice. Juicy and bracing, with demure flavors of cherry and cranberry with very subtle oak in the background. Fresh, forward and likable with gossamer tannins and bracing acidity. A solid wine. Score: 87. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Anaba Denmark Vineyard Wente Clone Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.59, 240 cases, $35. 100% Wente clone. Harvest Brix 23.3º. Whole cluster pressed, cold settled for two days, 50% fermented in stainless vats, 40% in neutral French oak barrels. 40% of the wine went through MLF. Aged 11 months sur lie in 22% new French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. The nose alerts you to a serious wine, with a perfume of ocean air, lemon curd and brioche. The lemon-based core is accented with tastes of apple and marzipan. A wine of breeding that is refined and sophisticated and possessive of a lip-smacking finish. Score: 92. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Anaba Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.54, 174 cases, $38. The Las Brisas Vineyard is part of the Mahoney Estate and sits on the Sonoma side of the Carneros appellation. It is named for the winds that drive morning fog away and bring in coolness in the late afternoon. Soils are predominantly clay. Swan and 667 clones. Harvest Brix 23.2º. 85% de-stemmed, 15% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed, aged 11 months sur lie in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry, oak and bark lead to a smoky black cherry essence. On the light side and a bit flat, with silky tannins and a short finish. The oak tends to drown out the delicate fruit in this vintage. Score: 86. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.65, 142 cases, $48. Pisoni clone. Harvest Brix 25.1º. Destemmed with 12% whole cluster, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed, aged 11 months sur lie in 37% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruited with hi-tone aromas of dark strawberries, muddled black cherries, raspberry jam and spice. Delicious flavors echo the nose with an appealing earthy underpinning. Impressive fruit presence with a balancing firm tannic backbone. The finish is striking and returns in waves for encores. Score: 92. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Anaba Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. · Deep, dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Similar to the 2009 vintage but more reluctant and showing more oak at this early stage. Luscious dark cherry and berry flavor with hints of herbs and anise, leaving a lasting impression on the lengthy finish. Better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good (+). Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.8% alc. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Subdued fruity aromas of darker cherries and berries with hints of spice, vanilla and oak. Moderately rich core of dark berries and black plums accented by spice and oak notes. Brighter and more seductive than the 2009 vintage bottling with more body and structure. Also veers to the ripe side. Good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Anaba Sun Chase Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.8% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose is very subdued at this early stage, offering peeks of dark berry jam, spice and oak. Full-bodied, fat and silken on the mid palate, with assertive flavors of dark stone fruits, blackberries and poached plums. The most striking fruit in the Anaba lineup. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with better integration of oak and more expressive fruit. Great upside potential. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Anaba Denmark Vineyard Wente Clone Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.3% alc., $37. · Pale golden straw color and clear in the glass. Interesting aromatic profile offering scents of dried mango, lemon curd, ocean air, lees and seasoned oak. Nicely flavored, featuring lemon zest, pastry cream and butter. On the austere side but more interesting than the Sonoma Coast bottling with lively acidity and some length on the finish. Good (+). Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Anaba Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.3% alc., $28. · Pale golden straw color and clear in the glass. Green apple and pharmaceutical aromas. An austere wine with very little flavor offering demure notes of apple, lemon water and subtle oak. Crisp and easy drinking but lacks interest. Decent. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.61, 929 cases, $32. From Gap’s Crown and Sun Chase vineyards located on the western facing slope of Sonoma Mountain. Aged 11 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of blackberries, black plums, baking spice and oak, tending to fade over time in the glass. Moderately endowed with rich flavors of sweet plums and berries veering to a very ripe profile. Silky on the palate with restrained tannins and an underlying earthiness. Less interesting over time in the glass. The wine had a mild cooked fruit flavor the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Decent. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Anaba Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 294 cases, $45. Clone 667. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Brightly fruited on the nose with very ripe dark cherries and berries with a hint of Moroccan spice. Middleweight flavors of dark berries with a citrus-imbued berry tang on the finish. More intensity and finishing strength than the Sonoma Coast bottling. The fruit cloaks the tannic structure giving the wine a very soft and sleek texture. The wine grows on you over time. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »

2007 Anaba J McK Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $28. A new winery owned by John Sweazey located in the town of Sonoma. From the sustainably farmed J McK Vineyard located in the heart of Sonoma Carneros. · Pleasing red cherry and berry scents with underlying smoke and herbal oak. A medium-weighted wine replete with red cherry, cranberry, red hard candy and brown spice flavors with a bright riff of cherries haunting the lingering finish. The flavor profile reminds me of a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Good. Reviewed March 11, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $28. Destemmed, fermented in one-ton. Aged in French oak barrels for 17 months. · Very attractive scent of wild berries, oak vanillin and rose petals. Tasty mixed blue and black berry core accented by notes of cola, smoothly textured with supple tannins, and offering a refreshingly bright finish. Highly drinkable now and a charming wine with some flair. Very good. Reviewed March 11, 2010 ARTICLE »