2014 Manchester Ridge Pinot Noir
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge AVA
By: Poe Wines
In: Napa, CA
Winestyr Review
Manchester Ridge sits at a 2,000 foot elevation above Anderson Valley; 400 feet above the fog line. The Pinot Noir was picked nearly a month after the Pinot Noir vineyards lying in the valley below. Because of this long hang time, the vineyard develops complex flavors and nuances. The cool steady temperatures allow the grapes to maintain acidity, while the forest of surrounding pine trees seem to impart earthy aromas. Aged in 30% new French oak barrels, and 70% neutral French oak barrels, the final product is a crowd-pleasing example of how pleasurable this variety can be when done correctly. 300 cases produced.
What We Love
- Deep complexity and sophistication
- Appropriate acidity
- Earthy aromas
Buy this wine if you appreciate a well balanced, expertly crafted Pinot Noir that represents the site from which it came.
Experience
Samantha Sheehan founded POE in 2009 after being inspired by the wines she tasted in Burgundy and Champagne. The goal is not to replicate Burgundy, but rather create alluring, vineyard specific, age-worthy wines revealing the beautiful terroir of California. There is minimal intervention, judicious use of sulfur, and never any additives. POE produces traditional Champagne method sparkling wines, rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a nouveau from Pinot Noir. Each wine is made in very limited quantities, and sold directly from the winery and to high-end restaurants around the country.
Winery
Samantha Sheehan founded POE in 2009 after being inspired by the wines she tasted in Burgundy and Champagne. The goal is not to replicate Burgundy, but rather create alluring, vineyard specific, age-worthy wines revealing the beautiful terroir of California. There is minimal intervention, judicious use of sulfur, and never any additives. POE produces traditional Champagne method sparkling wines, rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a nouveau from Pinot Noir. Each wine is made in very limited quantities, and sold directly from the winery and to high-end restaurants around the country.
More from this wineryWhere are the ratings?
Are the wines any good? Yes, they are and we taste every wine that is considered for our site. We seek out the best wines from the best small-producers in the U.S. and Winestyr is a collection of our favorites. Most of the wines have impressive accolades, however, don't look for "expert" ratings here - we think it's more important to buy wines you find interesting and to decide for yourself. Need some specific recommendations? Chat us in the lower right box or send our lead curator an email at bob@winestyr.com.