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Goldeneye Winery
| Owner(s) | Duckhorn Wine Co. |
| Web site | www.goldeneyewinery.com |
| Link to this site |
The Duckhorn Wine Company purchased the former Obester Winery in Anderson Valley in 1997 and planted 57 acres of Pinot Noir (the Confluence Vineyard). Later, they added additional Anderson Valley vineyard properties and now farm a total of 180 acres in the valley, second only to Roederer Estate's 580 acres. Goldeneye (named for a yellow-eyed waterfowl that occasionally calls Anderson Valley home since it lies on the bird's migratory path) sources fruit from both estate and non-estate vineyards (a total of twelve different vineyards). the winemaker Zach Rasmuson looks for rich, deep berry flavors.
The Pinot Noir lineup includes: Goldeneye (a blend from all vineyard sources in the Anderson Valley), Migration (a lesser-priced similar wine from declassified juice), and single vineyard estate Pinot Noirs. The wines are sold through a mailing list and enjoy widespread retail distribution. A very professional and informative newsletter is sent to mailing list members.
Goldeneye has a tasteful visitor center and tasting room open daily. An outdoor area is perfect for picnics and just relaxing. Special tours and tastings are available by appointment.
Articles About Goldeneye Winery
Reviewed Wines
2007 Goldeneye Winery Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.66, 990, $55. Released March 2010. Planted to 8
clones of Pinot Noir tailored to specific sites and soils in the vineyard which is
located on Highway 128 in the heart of the Anderson Valley. Aged 16 months
in 97% new and 3% second vintage French oak barrels.
·
Deeply colored in the
glass. Restrained aromas of dark cherries, berries and toasted oak lead to a
plethora of fresh berry fruit offered in a hedonistic style that saturates the
palate. A very tasty sipping wine that leaves a lasting impression of fruit on
the lengthy finish. The high percentage of new oak is nicely integrated.
Goldeneye Pinot Noirs are intended to make a statement and this one
definitely accomplishes the goal. Very good.
Reviewed June 8, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., 75. Released March 1, 2009. This vineyard is 2 miles north of the
Confluence Vineyard and receives more fog. Planted to 8 different Pinot Noir
clones matched to site and soil type. Average sugar at harvest was 27.0º Brix.
Aged in 77% new medium toast French oak for 16 months.
·
Deep reddish-violet
color. Very attractive heady aromas of earth-kissed cherries and berries with a
whiff of oak and herbs. Rich and intense dark berry and plum fruit front and
center highlighted by herbs and oak. Feral and gamy with plenty of tannic power
and a bit of heat on the finish. A voluptuous wine that delivers more power than
nuance. Tasted twice on two occasions.
Reviewed May 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55.
·
Opens nicely in the
glass revealing spiced dark cherry and berry fruit. Moderately intense attack of black
cherries and raspberries on the palate with a deft touch of oak. Silky in texture with
lively acidity and a refreshingly dry finish. Well-crafted.
Reviewed May 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $75. From the warmest
vineyard site farmed by Goldeneye.
·
Ripe raisiny fruit on the nose and ripe flavors of red cherries, berries,
sassafras and raisin on the palate. Hefty in style with moderate fine-grain tannins and a touch of warmth on the
fruity finish.
Reviewed May 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Goldeneye The Narrows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $75. A challenging site to
farm due to its coolness and threat of frost.
·
A big wine with a dark fruit, earth and dark oak toast imprint
showing significant tannin and some alcohol on the back end. Plenty of structural power in a jammy style.
Reviewed May 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $75. This vineyard is
adjacent to the headwaters of the Navarro River with varying exposures and soils.
·
Sweet, richly oaked dark
cherries, redwood, and old wine cellar scents. Restrained dark Pinot fruits with a faint chemical taste I can’t put
my finger on. Fairly elegant with fine-grained tannins. A decent wine that may need some time to become
more expressive, but there isn’t much going on right now.
Reviewed October 1, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Migration Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc. 4.440 cases, $32.
·
The pleasant nose opens to
cherries, savory herbs and oak with swirling. Substantial darker fruits are featured which are highlighted
by a hint of spice. The mouth feel is soft and appealing. There is plenty of oak running through, maybe a
little too much on the slightly bitter finish.
Reviewed June 9, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 7,258 cases, $52.
·
Definitely a step up in quality and complexity. Showy aromatics of cassis,
black cherry and forest floor. Demure dark fruits, particularly black raspberry,
with an earthy edge and nicely integrated oak. Creamy, smooth and clean.
Balance is spot on.
Reviewed June 9, 2008
ARTICLE »
2007 Goldeneye Winery Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.66, 990, $55. Released March 2010. Planted to 8 clones of Pinot Noir tailored to specific sites and soils in the vineyard which is located on Highway 128 in the heart of the Anderson Valley. Aged 16 months in 97% new and 3% second vintage French oak barrels. · Deeply colored in the glass. Restrained aromas of dark cherries, berries and toasted oak lead to a plethora of fresh berry fruit offered in a hedonistic style that saturates the palate. A very tasty sipping wine that leaves a lasting impression of fruit on the lengthy finish. The high percentage of new oak is nicely integrated. Goldeneye Pinot Noirs are intended to make a statement and this one definitely accomplishes the goal. Very good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 75. Released March 1, 2009. This vineyard is 2 miles north of the Confluence Vineyard and receives more fog. Planted to 8 different Pinot Noir clones matched to site and soil type. Average sugar at harvest was 27.0º Brix. Aged in 77% new medium toast French oak for 16 months. · Deep reddish-violet color. Very attractive heady aromas of earth-kissed cherries and berries with a whiff of oak and herbs. Rich and intense dark berry and plum fruit front and center highlighted by herbs and oak. Feral and gamy with plenty of tannic power and a bit of heat on the finish. A voluptuous wine that delivers more power than nuance. Tasted twice on two occasions. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55. · Opens nicely in the glass revealing spiced dark cherry and berry fruit. Moderately intense attack of black cherries and raspberries on the palate with a deft touch of oak. Silky in texture with lively acidity and a refreshingly dry finish. Well-crafted. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $75. From the warmest vineyard site farmed by Goldeneye. · Ripe raisiny fruit on the nose and ripe flavors of red cherries, berries, sassafras and raisin on the palate. Hefty in style with moderate fine-grain tannins and a touch of warmth on the fruity finish. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Goldeneye The Narrows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $75. A challenging site to farm due to its coolness and threat of frost. · A big wine with a dark fruit, earth and dark oak toast imprint showing significant tannin and some alcohol on the back end. Plenty of structural power in a jammy style. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $75. This vineyard is adjacent to the headwaters of the Navarro River with varying exposures and soils. · Sweet, richly oaked dark cherries, redwood, and old wine cellar scents. Restrained dark Pinot fruits with a faint chemical taste I can’t put my finger on. Fairly elegant with fine-grained tannins. A decent wine that may need some time to become more expressive, but there isn’t much going on right now. Reviewed October 1, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Migration Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc. 4.440 cases, $32. · The pleasant nose opens to cherries, savory herbs and oak with swirling. Substantial darker fruits are featured which are highlighted by a hint of spice. The mouth feel is soft and appealing. There is plenty of oak running through, maybe a little too much on the slightly bitter finish. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 7,258 cases, $52. · Definitely a step up in quality and complexity. Showy aromatics of cassis, black cherry and forest floor. Demure dark fruits, particularly black raspberry, with an earthy edge and nicely integrated oak. Creamy, smooth and clean. Balance is spot on. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »
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