Domaine Anderson is nestled in the breathtaking, fog-cooled hillside and mountain terrain of Northern California’s Anderson Valley. The cooling marine layer that is characteristic of this region provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. The wines are crafted with precision and care to express the uniqueness of our Anderson Valley terroir.

Our warmest estate vineyard, Walraven sits on a southwest facing slope above the small community of Boonville, CA. Soils are generally light in structure, consisting of a mix of clay, sand and gravel. The moderately high position above the valley floor channels the gentle summertime afternoon breezes to cool grapes during growing season and limits the yield to achieve balanced and flavorful grapes.

Hand-harvested at night to conserve cool temperatures before the onset of fermentation. A combination of punchdown, foot tread and pumpover was employed for gentle extraction during 12 days before pressing. Using only small 60-gallon French oak barrels for aging, 8% new, an extended malolactic fermentation completed the following spring. After 15 months aging in cellar, a selection of 6 barrels were racked, blended and bottled the next winter.

Rich aromas of black plum, dried herbs and bramble provide anticipation for savory flavors of roasted coffee, anise and fig. Juicy and soft, the 2018 Walraven Pinot Noir is broad on the palate with supple tannin and moderate acidity. A firm structure and finish provide the framework for a delicious wine.

By most accounts, 2018 was a special vintage in Anderson Valley. A winemaker’s dream: easy-paced, neither too hot nor cold, neither too dry nor wet. Blessed with near perfect conditions, we saw the cooling fog and wind from the Pacific gently stretch and elongate the growing season, producing balanced fruit set with moderate and healthy yields. We took care to expand our dry-farmed sections in the organic Dach vineyard. Owing to the biodynamic practice we use for building soil health, the moisture retention ran deep and lasted effortlessly throughout harvest. The gentle pace of the vintage nurtured an ideal balance between sugar maturity, acidity and tannin development.