FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2016
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Wong
Wilfred
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Can six months make a difference in the performance of a young wine? I tasted the 2016 FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir in October 2018, and it was pretty impressive. I re-tasted it, and the wine has grown in volume. Though the oak seemed more prominent on this go around, its richness is coming through loud and clear. TASTING NOTES: This wine is generous, layered, and lasting. Its aromas and flavors of pristine red fruit and toasty oak should it beautifully with grilled lamb chops. (Tasted: March 7, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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The letters in FEL represent Florence Elsie Lede, Proprietor Cliff Lede’s mother, a home winemaker who provided the early inspiration for Lede’s love of wine.
Growing up in Alberta, Canada, Cliff remembers the tulip as signifying the end of winter, bringing with it a freshness and excitement of warmer days ahead. The FEL label, featuring an illustration of an opening tulip, is a tribute to Florence’s passion for gardening.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.