Bravium 2014 Pinot Noir, Wiley Vyd., Anderson Valley

Created by winemaker Derek Rohlffs, Bravium is the culmination of meticulous care in the vineyards and a patient approach in the cellar. Derek’s minimalist approach translates the nuances of each coastal vineyard in the glass, illustrating a distinct, transparent sense of place in every sip.

This wine is from the single Wiley Vineyard in Anderson Valley. A cool climate vineyard that's ideal for Pinot Noir. Straddling a naturally sculpted ridgetop above the fog line, just ten miles from the Pacific Ocean, Wiley Vineyard is situated in the famed “Deep End”—the relatively cool, westernmost portion of Anderson Valley. Resting at an elevation of 525 feet, this historic vineyard has a gentle slope, a Southeastern aspect and shallow Franciscan soil. This Pinot Noir is blended from 20 acres of vines planted in 1982. This complexity in the vineyard contributes to the finished wine's intriguing spice notes and savory character. Encircled by ridges sprinkled with conifers, this former homestead exemplifies the sublime beauty of Anderson Valley. The wine is 15% whole cluster fermented for added mouthfeel. A 5-day cold soak preceeded fermentation in open-top one-ton fermenters. Then it's  basket pressed and aged 10 months in Francois Frères oak barrels, 16% new.

The Pinot File scored it 91 points saying "The nose is particularly engaging, with hi-tone aromas of cherry, dried rose and burnt tobacco. Lighter in weight, but highly flavorful, with tastes of cherry, cranberry and raspberry. A thread of savory herbs and oak plies the background. The wine sports balanced, unobtrusive tannins, and a bright, slightly tart cherry finish."