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Ancien Pinot Noir Carmel Valley River Ranch
Ancien Wines
United States - California - Carmel Valley

River Ranch Vineyard from suitcase clone of famous vineyard, mother block to the Pisoni clone as well.

Spice, tea, and plum and blackberry aromas dance atop currants and boysenberry pie. The opulence continues with secondary notes of chocolate and black tea that lead to satisfying elegant finish revealing jasmine. The finish is mouthwatering and long with presenting umami, soy, and Asian spice. Planted to the same special cuttings as our block at the Toyon Farm in Carneros, they are a joy tasting side by side, illustrating the profound influence of terroir.

Specifications
Appellation
Carmel Valley
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
100% Pinot Noir
Age of vines
Average 40 years
Agricultural Practices
Sustainable
Soil type
Sandy Soils
Vinification
Hand harvest, optical sorting, 10% whole cluster, open top small vat fermentation, ML fermentation complete, punch down by hand, no saigneé, coarse filteration, no fining, aged 11 months in barrel and 11 months in bottle prior to release
Production
97 (9-liter cases)
Pairings

Asian, pork with hoisin sauce, savory foods.

Reviews and News

2021 Ancien Pinot Noir Carmel Valley River Ranch - 95 PTS - WE

2021 Ancien Pinot Noir Carmel Valley River Ranch - 95 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 95 pts"Sourced from a vineyard of imported Burgundian cuttings planted back in 1982, this is a complex Pinot Noir, offering concentrated aromas of blueberry, palo santo and warm vanilla on the nose. The palate is joyous in cherry and baking-spice flavors, then picks up an herbaceous eucalyptus leaf kick before dropping into a spicy, Sichuan peppercorn-laced finish. - M.K."

- Wine Enthusiast (February/March 2024), 95 points + Editor's Choice

Producer Information: Ancien Wines

In 1992, Ancien wines harvested their first two tons of Pinot Noir from four rows atop a knoll in the southwest corner of Carneros. Producing but five barrels, this marked ...
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