Anthill Farms, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) Pinot Noir 2022 ($37)

Founded in 2003, Anthill Farms focuses on single vineyard expressions of Pinot Noir but they also make a few blends to represent broader appellation characteristics. Their Anderson Valley Pinot is a blend sourced from Mendocino County vineyards. 2022 is the current vintage and the wine is complex and sumptuous. On the nose, the wine shows black cherry, cranberry, tobacco leaf, earthy mole sauce, and poblano pepper. The tannins are soft and inviting while still providing a depth to the body. Cranberry, wild strawberry, slate, and a light eucalyptus bring you a clean, fruit-driven but wonderfully complex profile. Anderson Valley is one of the northernmost wine regions in California. Its coastal influence brings in cool winds and morning fog gives the region typically cool nights, which, in turn, helps Pinot Noir retain its naturally high acidity.
94 Vince Simmon