This bottling is primarily clone Roederer 32, a sparkling wine clone that winemaker Phil Baxter allows to ripen longer — this vintage was picked at 24.5 brix, a point higher than most of his other Pinot Noirs — which reduces the acidity levels. Don’t fear, there’s plenty of acidity left to carry bold cherry and strawberry fruit and complementary spice and dry earth notes. A very lively, age-worthy wine.
Baxter Winery, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) Pinot Noir 2014
By Rich Cook