2021 was skimpy on crop but big on flavor. Out of the glass, aromas of lemon merengue, orange zest, vanilla, and marigold. In the mouth, the palate is a playful combination of biting into a luscious ripe pear, but with more the intense flavor of a nectarine, all while being anchored in that dependable Anderson Valley acidity. Barrel fermentation and nine months of aging in French oak (25% new) have added a touch of toasty richness and a hint of honey to this elegant Chardonnay.
Wightman House is a heritage property proudly showcasing one of the original plantings of Pinot Noir in the Anderson Valley. These old vines ripen less than 2 tons/acre of tiny clusters bursting with flavors of red cherry, blood orange peel, vanilla, and if you lean in closely a hint of Medjool dates. The oak adds notes of cedar, freshly shaved nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon. It’s hard to tell if this Pinot comes from old Italy or Anderson Valley.
Old-vine Zinfandel Port displays aromas of baked fruit and cooking spice, along with warm notes of alembic Zinfandel brandy. Although rich and round on the palate. An earlier harvest retains sufficient acid to balance its lush flavors of sweet cassis and brandied cherries.
Frankly, the 2019 Monument Tree takes the cake. One look at its pale color in the glass suggests it will be a light, and perhaps simple, wine. But at first whiff the aromas of perfume, tangerine, currant, raspberries—all backdropped by vanilla and tobacco—are both surprising and alluring. The intensity of the palate is what is really surprising about this Pinot Noir. It’s incredibly concentrated: both velvety and, well… intense. With each sip, it’s hard to describe how many flavors come to mind.
A rich, flavorful palate of red-black fruit is quintessential Oakville in this vintage. Black currant, spicy red cassis, and blackberries mingle with subtly sweet, vanilla flavors, folded into a framework of long, fine fruit and wood tannin. With aeration, the wine shows secondary characteristics of cedar, cooking spice, and tobacco through its long finish. This balanced and very polished Cabernet is built for immediate enjoyment but should also reward the patient collector a decade down the road.
