2018 COBB WENDLING VINEYARD ANDERSON VALLEY PINOT NOIR The 2018 Cobb Wendling Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is a finely crafted wine from one of California’s cooler winegrowing areas. This vintage is produced by Cobb Wines, a boutique winery acclaimed for its focus on limited production Pinot Noir with a specific emphasis on showcasing the distinctiveness of single vineyard expressions. The Wendling Vineyard, located in the northwestern part of Anderson Valley, benefits from a cooler maritime climate that significantly influences the ripening and characteristics of Pinot Noir grapes. This climatic influence is crucial for developing the complex flavors and maintaining the acidity necessary for structure and aging potential. This 2018 vintage reflects the traditional winemaking approach of Cobb Wines, which emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the terroir to speak through the wine. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a careful selection process to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation involves native yeasts, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels for approximately 22 months, a part of which involves new oak to impart subtle spice and texture without overpowering the delicate Pinot Noir fruit. The winemaking philosophy at Cobb Wines focuses on producing Pinot Noir that is elegant and true to its vineyard source, aiming for balance and depth that can age gracefully. The 2018 Cobb Wendling Vineyard Pinot Noir is noted for its complexity and elegance, featuring a bouquet of dark cherries, forest floor, and floral notes, with hints of spice derived from the oak aging. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of fruit and earthy tones, supported by refined tannins and a vibrant acidity that leads to a lengthy, nuanced finish. This wine is highly regarded for its ability to capture the essence of Anderson Valley’s terroir, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of Californian Pinot Noir. The 2018 vintage is particularly celebrated for its depth and the potential to evolve and gain complexity with further bottle aging.