2022 Pinot Noir, Felix Hunter Vineyard
95 points - Karen McNeil | 95 points - Jonathan Cristaldi | 94 Points - Vinous, Antonio Galloni
Harnessing the raw energy of the cool-climate Felix Hunter Vineyard, this 2022 Pinot Noir is a powerhouse, honoring the farming family’s rich legacy. This wine is deeply complex and unapologetically bold, driving layers of Rainier cherry, bay laurel, and spice to a beautifully balanced, enduring finish. Made for your heartiest dinner party, it demands a plate and a conversation.
About this wine
“The 2022 Pinot Noir Felix Hunter Vineyard is a bold, punchy wine. Rose petal, mint, lavender and dried herbs lead into a core of red/purplish fruit. Although a bit burly in feel, the 2022 has a ton of character. It’s a big Pinot Noir that will offer its greatest pleasure at the dinner table alongside hearty fare. Don’t look for finesse here.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Anaba has worked with this vineyard since 2016, and the fruit has always been remarkable. We decided to make a vineyard designate wine as it is truly expressive of its location. The grapes were able to hang on the vine for a long time, slowly developing concentrated flavors while maintaining their acidity. As a result, the wine presents an intensely characterful nose of dark red fruit and bay laurel, layered with fragrant notes of rose petal, mint, and dried herbs. On the palate, a textural burst of bright acidity and Rainier cherry leads to a long finish where oak, acid, fruit, and spice are beautifully integrated.
Owned by Jay Morris, this is a smaller vineyard tucked in the Green Valley region of the broad Sonoma Coast appellation. Defined by a cooler climate, it can deliver some exceptionally expressive fruit. It is planted exclusively to Pinot Noir with a variety of clonal selections.