Moniker 2014 Pinot Noir Mendocino County California

Pinot Noir wines are renowned for their wide range of flavors, the result of the grape’s strong sensitivity to growing conditions. Even slight changes in the sunlight, soil composition, and climate produce widely different tasting wines from areas only a few miles apart from one another. Due to this variability, it can be difficult to mix Pinot Noir grapes grown in separate areas. But the reason we love this Pinot Noir in particular is that it manages to do just that with grapes from all over Mendocino County­— and it tastes phenomenal. The majority of the grapes are grown in Potter Valley, where soft winds and cool water produce fresh, acidic fruit—ideal for making Pinot Noir wines. The grapes grown in the high elevations of Eagle Peak, by contrast, are exposed to lower temperatures and higher solar radiation. These conditions result in grapes with highly concentrated flavors, that, though making up the smallest percentage of the wine, add vibrant red fruit notes to each sip. The remainder of the wine is rounded out with grapes from the Ukiah and Talmage valleys, which contribute deep layers of flavor and an overall softness to the wine. Richly aromatic, scents of violet, rosemary, and raspberry lead, followed by sweet hints of lavender and cherries. In the mouth, dark berry flavors emanate from the warmer Ukiah and Talmage valley grapes, balanced by brighter red fruit notes from the Eagle Peak and Potter valley grapes. This distinct mix of grapes produces a Pinot Noir like nothing we’ve ever tasted before.