The Narrows Vineyard is located on a narrow ridgetop at the northernmost tip of Anderson Valley, located along the Mendocino Coast in northern California. As such, vines are influenced by its proximity to the ocean, producing summer fog and cooler daytime temperatures. It’s the perfect location for a vineyard planted completely to Pinot Noir grapes…
About the Wine: The Goldeneye 2016 The Narrow Vineyard Pinot Noir is made of 100% Pinot Noir grapes harvested from The Narrow Vineyard, located in the Anderson Valley AVA of California.
The wine was aged in 100% French oak Burgundy-style barrels (60% new, 40% neutral) for 6 months.
13.5% ABV
Flavor Profile: Open the bottle of the Goldeneye 2016 The Narrow Vineyard Pinot Noir and breathe in fresh aromas of bright raspberries and boysenberries just fallen onto the dampened forest floor on a dewy morning. This Pinot Noir presents a purple-rouge on the pour, settling into the glass more red at its very center, fading out to that rusty rouge with just a hint of orange around the outer-most perimeter.
Initial aromas are of cranberry, raspberry, chocolate, and a hint of damp bark woodiness. Swirl and get more of that earthiness with dried eucalyptus leaf. There are additional scents of those red fruits and a solid acidic line that uplifts the sweetness of those aromas.
The palate of the Goldeneye 2016 The Narrow Vineyard Pinot Noir is soft with just the gentlest pointillism of tannic texture on the tongue. The body is a solid medium, as is the acidity. The tannins subtly climb throughout the tasting, sneakily, and the sip finished on a textural note—not tacky or gritty, but with a firm presence. Dominant flavors include oakwood, chocolate, fresh raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, and cherry fruits. There’s a hint of baking spice like nutmeg and a back-breath reminiscent of freshly foraged mushroom funk.
Food Pairing: I paired the Goldeneye 2016 The Narrow Vineyard Pinot Noir with a seared salmon served on top of a cauliflower rice seasoned with coriander pesto, dressed with a lemongrass-ginger buerre blanc. This food and wine pairing was so delicious, hearty, and fulfilling. So much so that my notes under the food are completely blank because I was busy eating and drinking and not writing.
More Info: I received theGoldeneye 2016 The Narrow Vineyard Pinot Noir as a sample for review. (Cheers Kristy!) Price: $92. For more information about Goldeneye, their wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Goldeneye Winery website.
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