2018 Zo Wines Pinot Noir River Block Anderson Valley 750 ml

Anderson Valley is some of the most coveted Pinot-growing country in the world—a place to which wineries like Littorai and Rhys turn for stellar fruit. Roland and Barbara Wentzel’s Vineyard feels like a little bit of paradise, transplanted to just outside Philo in Mendocino’s Anderson Valley. Sitting at 900 feet of elevation, the tiny plot is vibrant and clearly very alive.

The Wentzels tend lovingly to a mere 10 acres of vines—not to mention animals and a lush vegetable garden that lets them live off the land—but those are set in over 300 acres of wild forests. It’s a diverse ecosystem with an energy that seems to drive the vines into producing Pinot Noir of unusual electricity, juicy fruit, and elegant tannins.

Given the size of the vineyard, there’s not much Wentzel fruit to go around, so when winemaker David Eckert got a call that some was available, he jumped at the chance. It was 2018 after all, a storybook vintage for Anderson Valley, and the fruit was looking absolutely perfect. Wine Spectator called it an “ideal year,” and Wine Advocate awarded it the top score it has ever given for a North Coast Pinot vintage.

This is a captivating wine. It’s boldly aromatic, with classic Wentzel aromatics of black cherry and wild red berries, all wrapped in red roses, kola nut, and a hint of vanilla. Once you take a sip, those bright red fruits power across the palate, driving exotic spices and a vibrancy that demands another sip. We love it with teriyaki flatiron steaks, but grilled halloumi cheese on a tomato salad was also a slam dunk. You’re gonna want to pour it with everything.