Goldeneye Winery

Articles About Goldeneye Winery

Reviewed Wines

2016 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 28,000 cases, $58. Primarily estate vineyard fruit. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, 20% second vintage and 20% neutral. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Deep, dark cherry, blueberry-pomegranate and spicy oak aromas. Light to mid weight in style with heady flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and spice with a toasty oak frame. Forward drinking, with modest tannins. The most accessible wine in the 2016 Goldeneye lineup. Score: 89. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 521 cases, $86. Vineyard planted in 1996. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, 20% second vintage, 20% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Good aromatic expression of blackberry jam, graham, underbrush and piquant herbs. A full-bodied wine with a deep well of fruit yet with balancing tannins and acidity, offering flavors of blueberry, blackberry and cassis. Fruit-driven, with integrated tannins and inconspicuous oak. Score: 91. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,350 cases, $86. Vineyard planted in 2000. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, 20% second vintage and 20% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry, wine cave, anise, char and vanilla. A hardy wine with good vibrancy and expressive dark fruits. The tannic backbone is sturdy revealing some astringency on the finish. Silky in the mouth, finishing with generous blackberry and pomegranate fruits and the slightest hint of alcoholic warmth. Score: 90. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Goldeneye Split Rail Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 360 cases, $86. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, 20% second vintage, 20% neutral. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with vivacious aromas of black cherry and friendly oak. Welcome charm in this mid weight plus offering that offers a suave texture that satisfies. The black fruits are well ripened, accented with oak spice and framed by modest tannins. The wine has satisfying vibrancy that shows up on the juicy finish. There is slight alcoholic warmth on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Goldeneye The Narrows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 462 cases, $86. Vineyard planted in the :deep end” of the Anderson Valley with vines dating to 1991. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, 20% second vintage, 20% neutral. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is medicinal and woody with shy fruit aromas. Lighter in weight in comparison to other wines in the 2016 lineup, featuring flavors of dark red fruits and tobacco. The wine seems flat with a modest finish. This bottle could be corked so I reserve judgment (no second bottle available). Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,156 cases, $125. The winery’s finest lots and considered the “pinnacle of the winemaking portfolio.” Aged in 100% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackest cherry, blackberry and pain grille emerge slowly over time in the glass. This wine has a strong physique, with loads of black raspberry and blackberry fruit tangling with muscular tannins. A big boy wine that comes at you with intent. Still compact and unyielding, with a generous infusion of oak. The finish is mildly astringent and this wine will need more time in bottle to meld the tannins and integrate the oak. A wine for the cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 12,723 cases, $58. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Flattering aromas of black raspberry, plum, earthy flora, dried herbs and a dash of oak. A giving, congenial wine with mid-weight flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and ripe strawberry. Silky and embraceable, as well as balanced, with a decent but not extraordinary finish. Score: 90. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $84. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Alluring aromas of black cherry, rose petal perfume, and oak spice and vanilla. Sleek in the mouth with good vibrancy and freshness, offering a core of black cherry fruit that shows great purity and charm. The tannins are well matched to the sap, oak plies the background, and the finish is endowed with aromatic cherry goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $84. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry fruit and oak-driven vanilla, cigar and warm spices. Modest in weight with an explosive attack of black cherry fruit that veers to the ripe side. The fruit sap is wrapped in luxurious toasty oak in the typical Goldeneye style. Discreet tannins allow for drinking now. Score: 91. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Goldeneye Split Rail Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 342 cases, $84. 16 blocks and 9 clones in this vineyard located in the heart of the Anderson Valley. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved, but gracious aromas of mixed berries, piney oak and a subtle floral note. Darker fruits are featured on the mid weight palate. Straight forward, fruity and pleasant with harmonious tannins, but not complex at this stage. Still reserved when tasted from an open bottle several hours later. Should be cellared for a year or two. Score: 91. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Goldeneye The Narrows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 437 cases, $84. Located at the northernmost tip of the Anderson Valley in the “deep end.” Mature vines planted ten miles inland from the Mendocino Coast so there is a strong maritime influence including summer fog and cooler daytime temperatures. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Inviting scents of cherry, fruit bin, pasture and a hint of oak. Uplifting and gratifying, with good dark red fruit and spice exuberance and a sidecar of floral goodness. Refined and silky in the mouth with enough tannin to bolster the sap. Although accessible upon opening, this wine was considerably better when tasted several hours after opening. Score: 93. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,175 cases, $125. The winery’s finest lots of the vintage. Sourced from all four of the winery’s estate vineyards. Aged 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of blackest cherry, blackberry, oak and vanillin lead off. Discreetly concentrated core of black cherry fruit is accented with toasty oak. A wine with serious intentions with a firm tannic backbone and and a long, cherry-blessed finish. Considerably more open and enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine is not as extracted and opulent as usual in this vintage, but is a better table wine as a result. Score: 93. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.89, TA 0.51, 15,850 cases, $56. Harvest Brix 24.5º. 45% of blend from Gowan Creek Vineyard. Amazing quality considering the large production. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of black cherry, spice, and toasty oak. Black cherry and black raspberry flavors arrive in force with accents of anise and black tea. Forward drinking, with a healthy tannic backbone, a polished mouthfeel and some finishing generosity. A little more oak on hand than was evident with the single vineyard bottlings, but thoroughly enjoyable. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.87, TA 0.49, 540 cases, $84. Grapes picked at a lower Brix and earlier than Gowan Creek, attempting to accentuate the brightness and red fruit character typical of this vineyard. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 16 months in medium toast French oak barrels, 57% new, 43% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. This wine offers a redder fruit profile with scents of cherry and strawberry on the nose. Less sappy, less tannic and more vibrant than the other 2014 Goldeneye Pinot Noirs, but still blessed with a succulent mid weight core of red berry and cherry fruits complimented with a riff of sandalwood-linked oak. Special in every way, with commendable harmony and length of finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, I was still seduced, and particularly impressed by the extraordinary finish that seemed to last indefinitely. Score: 96. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.55, 1,130 cases, $84. Harvest Brix 25º. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, 40% neutral. This vineyard typically provides rich, lush fruit and a velvety texture. 60% clone “828,” provided voluptuous dark fruit flavors while clone 667 was added to balance the acidity and structure. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black fruits, sweet pipe smoke, oak spice, nuts and earth. Robust mid weight plus flavors of blackberry and boysenberry are deftly balanced by firm tannins. Rounded and polished with a luscious palate that is both creamy and replete with heaps of berry goodness. Impeccably balanced, this wine finishes long and sturdy. Flat-out delicious. Score: 94. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Goldeneye Split Rail Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.50, 350 cases, $84. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new and 40% neutral. Made from clones “828” and 777. Typically structured and savory. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Complex nose offering aromas of dark red berries, mushroom, mocha, and toast. Delicious attack of vivid dark red and black berry fruits along with hints of black tea, rose and spice. The oak barrel treatment is expressed as toast and bbq, and the tannins, most prominent among all the single vineyard offerings lead to a modest astringent message on the finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the tannins had softened indicating further time in the cellar will be beneficial. Cellaring will not only ameliorate the tannins but also further integrate the oak. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Goldeneye The Narrows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.91, TA 0.49, 390 cases, $84. This wine typically has a wild, rustic character. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 59% new, 41% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. I was infatuated with the nose that offered aromas of fresh cherry and cranberry fruit, rose petal, baking spice and vanilla. Generous flavors of cherry and raspberry arrived on the palate with a rush, expanding in the mouth, and finishing with purpose. This wine packs a lot of juicy fruit flavor in harmony with structured tannins and courtly oak support. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.51, 1,175 cases, $120. This wine is made from the finest barrels of wine, the top 5% of estate Pinot Noir, blended for both power and elegance. Four estate vineyards. Aged 16 months in 100% new medium toast French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. This wine is quite reserved upon opening and only brought it when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Deep fruit aromas of ripe strawberry, blackberry and blueberry-pomegranate fruits paired with a compliment of toasty brioche. Polished, sophisticated and seductive on the palate with an array of opulent purple fruits backed by silky tannins. The fruit load is expansive in the mouth, and propels the long, long, long finish to a glorious climax. I have tasted several vintages of this special wine, and this one falls in line as far as taste, but it offers a little more vibrancy and juiciness than in the past. Best to cellar this wine for a couple of years, but if you must open it sooner, by all means decant. Score: 94. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 13,625 cases, $55. Released February 2016. 95% estate fruit from four vineyards, 5% fruit from Elke Vineyard. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 70% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A beautifully balanced and engaging wine that offers aromas and flavors of black cherry, blueberry, pomegranate, blackberry, spice and dried herbs in a fruit-forward style that is smoothly textured and easy to like. Modest in concentration, with welcome oak seasoning, and a mild grip of tannins. Score: 90. Reviewed April 2, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 14,297 cases, $55. 95% estate fruit from four vineyards (5% from Elke Donnelly Creek Vineyard). Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. A perfume of black cherry, blueberry, pomegranate and blackberry fruits is replicated on the palate with added accents of spice and savory herbs. Soft in the mouth and easy to drink, with a deft touch of oak and modest tannins that allow for early drinking. Score: 90. Reviewed July 24, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,100 cases, $82. Released April 2016. Composed of six different clones. A small percentage of whole cluster was included while subtly reducing the new oak. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding, haunting aromas of dark berries, oolong tea and anise that I found very seductive. Full-bodied, yet nimble, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, black plum, dark chocolate and umami. Very harmonious, long, deep and concentrated, with bashful tannins and a lingering finish that speaks of perfectly ripened fruit. Score: 93. Reviewed April 2, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Estate Grown Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,035 cases, $120. Released February 2016. A selection of the finest barrels in the cellar, from the best lots and top estate blocks. The final wine was made from the best 3% of estate grapes and includes 32% Split Rail Vineyard, 32% Gowan Creek Vineyard, 31% Confluence Vineyard, and 5% The Narrows Vineyard. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels (this bottling has the most new oak of the three 2013 Pinot Noirs reviewed here). · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of dark berry preserves, dark red rose petal and earth lead to a full charge of chewy black fruits. The wine enters aggressively but turns agreeable and silken on the palate, finishing with generous amounts of toothsome fruit, leathery beef and toasted oak notes. The wine is a bit impenetrable and not as expressive as the Gowan Creek at this stage and warrants further cellaring. Score: 92-93. Reviewed April 2, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.89, TA 0.51, 14,500 cases, $55. A blend of grapes from the four estate vineyards (19 clones) and independent growers. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Aged 16 months in 70% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Rich aromas of black raspberry, black current and blackberry fruits with a hint of oak in the background. Mid weight flavors echo the nose with added notes of brown spice, mocha and molasses. The oak adjunct is nicely fashioned but more prominent than in the other 2012 Pinot Noirs. The wine has good harmony, and finishes with an inviting combination of fruit and cut. Score: 90. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Goldeneye Estate Grown Confluence Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.93, TA 0.47, 700 cases, $82. This vineyard is located in the heart of the Anderson Valley with varying soils and exposures. Harvest Brix 25.0º · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This wine has the least developed nose among the 2012 Goldeneye Pinot Noirs, offering shy aromas of black cherry, plum and balsam. Much more giving on the silky palate, with plenty of black cherry, purple grape, plum, and blackberry fruits to satisfy. Nicely composed, with more finish than the Anderson Valley bottling and easy to cozy up to. Score: 91. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Goldeneye Estate Grown Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.50, 930 cases, $82. Vineyard is two miles north of Confluence Vineyard and exposed to more coastal fog. Planted to 8 different clones tailored to a specific site and soil type. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep, dark fruit aromas lead the way. A bolder wine, filled with gorgeous blackberry and black raspberry sap, yet light on its feet with soft tannins. There is an appealing earthiness to this wine which also offers an unusual accent of BBQ spices. The smooth texture is especially noteworthy. A full throttle wine that still retains plenty of Pinot charm and is beautifully balanced. Score: 93. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Goldeneye Estate Grown Split Rail Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.86, TA 0.50, 360 cases, $82. This vineyard is made up of 16 distinctive blocks and 9 clones. Harvest Brix 25.0º. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruited on the nose and palate, with a plethora of black raspberry, black currant and blackberry fruits. Intense on the attack and on the bold finish, with modest tannins. A bit ripe for my taste, but well composed, easy to drink, and quite enjoyable. Score: 91. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Goldeneye Estate Grown The Narrows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 4.00, TA 0.52, 490 cases, $82. This vineyard is located at the northernmost tip of the Anderson Valley. An historic mountain ranch, it is planted with mature Pinot Noir vines. Harvest Brix 24.5º. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red berries, wine cave and sawdust. Delicious attack of dark red cherries, strawberries and raspberries in a mid weight style, with a hint of spice and woodlands. A charming wine with modest tannins and a luscious, fruit-filled finish of uncommon generosity. Score: 92. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Goldeneye Estate Grown Ten Degrees Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.52, 750 cases, $115. The name Ten Degrees pays homage to the 10 degree difference between The Narrows Vineyard in the cool “deep end” to the Confluence Vineyard in the South, a span of only 8 miles. Harvest Brix 25.5º. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding, but highly pleasurable aromas of black fruits, hung game and underbrush. A glamorous wine with a mid weight plus attack of pretty dark red and black fruits infused with spice. Impeccable balance, with integrated oak and firm, but not imposing tannins. The structure and balance predict long term age ability. The very long and juicy raspberry-infused finish emotes. This is a bold, yet refined Pinot that has a sophisticated demeanor. Score: 94. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 12,626 cases, $55. 90% of grapes are from estate vineyards with the remainder from vineyards in the warmer, southernmost part of the valley. 4 vineyards, 19 clones. Aged 16 months in 70% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of black cherry, raspberry, exotic spice and toasty oak leap out of the glass. Mid to full bodied core of well-ripened dark cherry and berry fruits with a hint of spice and a modest oak sheen. Forward and friendly, with modest tannins and some finishing intensity. Score: 90. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Estate Grown Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 303 cases, $80. Dijon and Pommard clones and heritage selections. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very aromatic, with waves of dark berry, crushed plum, rose petal and sweet oak aromas. Full-bodied flavors of cherry pie, dark berry jam, and toasty oak. Tremendous concentration of fruit sap but held in check by a healthy tannin structure. Excellent oak management. Finishes very long with a flourish of ripe black cherry fruit. A robust wine that is rich and luscious. Score: 93. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Estate Grown Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 927 cases, $80. 8 clones grown on several rootstocks. Wild pennyroyal grows at Gowan Creek and can often be tasted in the wine. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of dark raspberry, dark strawberry and oak. A little more structured, more intensely flavored and displaying a more generous finish than the Anderson Valley bottling, with tastes of dark berries, dark chocolate and cola complimented by well integrated oak. Needs time to open in the glass and will benefit from further cellaring, but hard to resist now. Score: 92. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Estate Grown Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 579 cases, $115. Drawn from the best blocks and barrels from estate vineyards, it is made up of the top 1.5% of estate grown Pinot Noir. The wine is a result of more than 50 trial blends of wines from Gowan Creek, Confluence and Split Rail vineyards (96 blocks and 49 combinations of clones and rootstocks). · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, sweet oak and rose petal build in intensity over time in the glass. Juicy and bright on the palate, with a special energy and vibe, featuring an array of berry and stone fruits complimented by oak. This wine has the structure and balance to age ten years and beyond. A connoisseur’s wine of uncommon grace and composition that easily justifies its lofty price. Score: 94. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 16,293 cases, pH 3.79, TA 0.53, $55. Released November 2012. Estate fruit blended with fruit from independent growers in the Anderson Valley. 7 vineyards and over 200 individually fermented and aged lots. 90% estate grapes including fruit from all four estate vineyards with the core from Gowan Creek Vineyard. Average sugar at harvest 25º Brix. Aged 16 months in 70% new and 30% second vintage French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose offers an appealing marriage of cherry fruit and oak. The tasty, sweet cherry core is complimented by a toasty new oak sheen. Firm tannins balance the rich fruit and the finish has welcome length. A little more obvious oak than I prefer, but I can appreciate the style and the fruit is hard to resist. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Estate Grown Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

15.2% alc., 800 cases, $80. A barrel selection of some of the best lots from the vintage. Only 8% of the grapes from Gowan Creek made it into this wine. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal aromas of black cherries, black raspberries and subtle oak. Delicious black cherry core that is sappy and mouth coating, offering a striking impression on the mid palate and generous finish. The tannins are firm and prominent and oak plays a significant role on the palate. This is a husky wine with very charming fruit crafted in the typical Goldeneye manner. Done well in its style. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 9,385 cases, $55. Sourced from four estate vineyards (19 clones of Pinot Noir), combined with 5% of grapes from independent growers. Aged 18 months in 70% new French oak. · Medium reddish-purple robe. Brooding aromas of blackberry jam and dark chocolate. Medium weight flavors of blackberries and black plums with toasty oak in the background. Plentiful tannins both from the fruit and oak. Lavishly fruited, yet linear in character and seems to want for some zip. Good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.52, 1,000 cases, $80, released March 1, 2012. Gowan Creek is the home of Goldeneye winery. Aged 16 months in 70% new and 30% second vintage French oak. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Rich, dense and heady, featuring intense, dark berry and black currant flavors, a muscular backbone of tannin, and oak-driven accents of toast and caramel. Not particularly to my taste, but well made in its style. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,090 cases, $80. This vineyard is 10 miles north of Goldeneye’s Confluence Vineyard where there is more fog. 8 clones of Pinot Noir. More than 100 barrel lots are evaluated three different times in blind tastings over the course of a year to discover lots that are unmistakably Gowan. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Intensely fragrant with aromas of black cherries, black currants and blackberries with oak-driven accents. Oak-kissed array of dark fruit flavors, moderately rich and dense, wrapped in firm, mildly astringent tannins, finishing long and lush. A little withdrawn and needs more time to integrate the oak. Still solid the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 365 cases, $110. A special bottling from 200 acres of estate vineyards which offer 49 combinations of clone and rootstock. The best 14 barrels in the cellar out of 1,500. Less than 1% of estate fruit makes it into this bottling. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued nose, opening slowly to reveal lovely aromas of fresh, ripe dark berries and oak. Very pretty fruit core, offering delicious layers of red and black berry fruit accented by complimentary oak. Smoothly textured with well-proportioned tannins and acidity and offering seemingly endless pleasure on the extraordinary finish. Still highly aromatic and flavorful the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating age ability. A thoroughbred in the Goldeneye stable. Reviewed June 24, 2012 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 »

2007 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard Estate Grown Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 516 cases, $75. This vineyard is located in the heart of the Anderson Valley at the headwaters of the Navarro River and displays a range of soils and exposures. · Moderately garnet in color in the glass. Amazingly aromatic with a potpourri of cherries, brioche and sandalwood. Delicious red cherry and raspberry flavors accented with spice and restrained oak. Not all about fruit, with some edgy earthiness adding character. Mild dry, suede tannins make for easy drinking now. The lightest in weight of the four vineyard based wines and the most charming now. A great expression of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Goldeneye The Narrows Vineyard Estate Grown Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 506 cases, $75. The coolest estate vineyard, planted in 1991 and situated on a narrow ridge top in the northern end of the Anderson Valley. This is typically the last-picked and lowest-yielding property. The majority of this wine is from block 20, planted to a mix of Pommard and Dijon clones, a section that the producers are particularly fond of. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of black cherries and oak bark. Rich with concentrated ripe, sweet darker fruits which have some charm but are buried in tannins now. Impressively smooth on the palate. This wine will appeal to fans of full-bodied Pinot Noir and would make a perfect transition wine for an ex-Cabernet drinker. A good cellar candidate. Very Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Estate Grown Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 222 cases, $100. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very hard to coax much out of the nose after opening. The next day the wine had taken on much more aromatic interest with scents of berry jam, cassis and spiced plums. A robust, deeply flavored, tannic wine that has a good lift of complimentary acidity to bring everything into balance. Much better tasting over time in the glass and spectacular the next day where a stunning fruit core arrives at the forefront. This is not a wine for the timid, but for those who yearn for this hedonistic style, this is your Holy Grail. Definitely decant this wine if you open it now. Reviewed December 14, 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 »