Named for the creek that meanders through it, Lazy Creek Vineyards is located in the heart of bucolic Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. Known as the second oldest vineyard in the valley it dates back to the early 1900s. In 1969 the owners had the foresight to plant Pinot Noir, and produced Burgundian-style Pinot Noirs that were honored with multiple international awards. In the summer of 2008, Don and Rhonda Carano (owners of Ferrari-Carano) purchased Lazy Creek after falling for its considerable charms and are then producing excellent Estate Pinot Noir with a distinct Burgundian flair.
The hand-harvested grapes for this Pinot Noir were fermented in macrobins and small, open-top tanks. Lots were cold soaked for two to three days to optimize fruit aromas and flavors, and various yeast strains were used for complexity. Fermentors are punched down one to three times per day and the wine was racked into 68% new French oak barrels for aging.
This Pinot has a long list of accolades.
Tasting Panel Magazine scored this 92 points saying "Don and Rhonda Carano’s Mendocino project comes of age. Intense ripe cherry and berry fruit; mellow with hints of brown sugar and vanilla; toasty and long."
Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 94 points and gave it an Editors' Choice designation saying "A dark color and lots of fresh-fruit aromas lead to deep, ripe black-cherry and red-cherry flavors that taste clear and delicious. With more sipping, light spicy oak nuances emerge, including a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, but nothing gets in the way of the grapes' expression. Although full bodied, the wine is gentle in texture with just enough crispness and light tannin for good balance."
It was awarded Best of Class in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and a 97 point Gold Medal in the North Coast Wine Challenge.