2016 Drew, Pinot Noir, Fashauer Vineyard, Anderson Valley.
One of the fuller and riper Drew Pinots, but not heavy, the Fashauer Vineyards bottling comes from a 16 year old site along the Greenwood Ridge at about 1350 feet of elevation set on Franciscan Series and Oceanic Sedimentary soils, with lots of mineral content. Just within the Anderson Valley AVA, even though with it’s proximity to the Ocean and height it could also qualify as Mendocino Ridge. Drew used all native yeast, on this Fashauer, and went with just 10% whole cluster on the grapes, from clones 115 and 667, which were farmed, according to the winery, mostly to organic practices, and it was raised in about 30% new French oak. With only 2 tons per acre, there is some concentration and depth of flavors in this Fashauer, it comes in at 13.8% natural alcohol, making it one of the more flashy and fleshy wines of the Drew lineup, but it is still remarkably nimble and fresh. This vintage shows lots of vibrancy with wonderful precision and focus, it’s another Pinot that highlights Jason Drew’s exceptional talent, as well as a reminder that Drew is one of the best wineries in California, period. Bright and racy red fruits lead the way, with red currants, plum and cherry fruits jumping from the glass along with a streak of distinct strawberry and youthful acidity that allows this wine to feel lighter than it is, there’s also snappy spices, mineral notes, faint earthy elements and delicate florals, plus a kiss of sweet French oak. Honestly, this is presenting itself as open and forward, but I believe as good as it is now, it will fill out further and develop more exciting complexity in the next 2 to 3 years. This Pinot has a refined quality, it’s lovely ruby/garnet hue inviting and it’s personality leans toward the Cote de Beaune, at the risk of sounding cliche, but there is a beautiful textural presence and the red fruit core is hard to resist, drink from 2019 to 2027. Drew’s lineup is full of greatness, so expectations get really high, especially with his estate grown stuff, I might not be giving this one it’s due, more credit to Jason Drew on making such an amazing set of Syrah and Pinot(s), I can’t wait to revisit this one after some more cellar time.
($48 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
