($80): Goldeneye is Duckhorn Vineyard’s winery and estate in Anderson Valley that Dan and Margaret Duckhorn established in 1996.  Duckhorn realized that if they wanted to make top notch Pinot Noir they needed to look elsewhere from their northern Napa Valley base, which was far too warm for that grape.  They wisely chose Anderson Valley, where cooler temperatures allow Pinot Noir to thrive.  This one, one of their single vineyard offerings, delivers lots of savory elements and spice to complement the deep ripe fruit flavors.  A concentrated wine with supple tannins, this glossy Pinot Noir would fine for drinking tonight, but I suspect it will be even better in a few years as the elements come together.
92 Michael Apstein Mar 18, 2014