Goldeneye 2007 Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir -- Wine Review

Goldeneye Winery
2007 Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
California

Goldeneye winery was created to showcase the Pinot Noir of California's Anderson Valley. The winery is owned by Dan Duckhorn of Napa Valley fame, and the name refers to him as well as the fact that the region happens to be on the migratory path of the Goldeneye duck. Duckhorn, who has proven to the world that he knows his way around Merlot, aims to build an equally impressive reputation with Anderson Pinot Noir. Inky purple in the glass, the 2007 Gowan Creek is packed with ripe aromas and flavors. The grapes come from a vineyard that sees a great deal of coastal fog but enjoys warmer days than much of the Anderson Valley. The resulting wine offers ripe black cherry, raspberry and huckleberry fruit with a hint of bacon fat and spice on the nose. Textured like velvet, the wine shows pretty ripe berry up front with herbal, shitake mushroom and meaty notes at the back of the palate. Its finish lingers respectably long with notes of bramble, mushroom, pepper and violets. Although it is a little pricey, we think the wine's texture and depth of flavors justify the splurge. Pair with more delicate winter fare like herb-crusted rack of lamb, seared tuna with a garlic mash or a vegetable pot au feu.

Rating: 15.5/20
Price: $75

Other Pinot Noir Wines we have tasted
Check out our California Travel Guide

For more information, visit www.goldeneyewinery.com