Domaine Anderson, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) Pinot Noir 2017

 This is a gorgeous expression of the lighter, spicier side of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.  The brand is the “still wine” arm of domestic sparkling wine titan Roederer Estate, a house that has from the beginning bottled small amounts of fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for the sparkling wine tasting room to broaden the offerings there, but wisely decided recently to branch out into a wider market with this venture.  This vintage is long on bright black cherry and blackberry fruit, and it shows lively fall spice that blends perfectly with the fruit.  The finish is long and bright, making for a fine solo sipper or an accompaniment to fowl or fish – even a pepperoni pizza would work well.