2019 Drew, Pinot Noir, Morning Dew Ranch Vineyard, Anderson Valley.
The 2019 Morning Dew Ranch Pinot from winemaker Jason Drew, is again, a stunning effort with gorgeous aromatics, a deep ruby/garnet hue and is a thrill for the senses with a more approachable supple palate of black cherry, wild plum, pomegranate and briar laced raspberry fruits, as well as having partial whole cluster intensity, spiciness and bright cool climate acidity making it one of my absolute favorite wines. The late great Burt Williams planted this site in the Anderson Valley post his long and successful California wine hall of fame career at Williams Seylem and now under Drew’s talent in the vineyard and the cellar it is producing one of the state’s most desirable Pinots. Subtle oak, dark floral aromas and a sultry savory earthiness add to the deep pleasure found on this vintage’s graceful Burgundy like (textured) medium bodied palate, along with its 13.4% natural alcohol, highlighting an old world charm. Drew, who studied viticulture and got a Graduate Degree in Enology at the University of Adelaide in Australia has worked for several important northern and central California wineries and winemakers that includes St Supery, alongside Kirk Grace, at Joseph Phelps with Craig Williams, Luna with John Kongsgaard, Carmenet with Jeff Baker, Corison with Cathy Corison and Babcock Vineyards with Brian Babcock, giving him the experience to venture out on his own, which he has done with great success. Jason and his wife Molly started the Drew label in 2000 and now own their Faîte De Mer Farm, in the Mendocino Ridge area of the Anderson Valley, where they produce an amazing collection of estate grown wines.
I’ve been saying for years now that Jason Drew is making some of California’s greatest wines, especially his collection of Pinots, and he should be considered one of the best winemakers in the state with this wine again, being one I’d put up as proof positive. The Morning Dew Ranch Vineyard sits in the deep end of Anderson Valley, being located on a southwest facing hillside at elevation that helps keep things cool, originally planted by, as mentioned, the legendary Burt Williams, the eponymous founder of Williams Seylem, with a selection of California heritage clones and suitcase Burgundy selections. Drew, as the winery notes, sources both a Rochioli clone and an 828 or La Tache clone from two separate blocks at Morning Dew, which gives this wine its unique character. The Morning Dew Ranch Vineyard sits up at between 600-800 feet and is set on Franciscan series and gravelly loam soils with the region’s cool climate all playing key roles in the Drew’s depth, complexity and character. The rare and delicious Morning Dew Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir usually sees close to 40% whole clusters, that gives it a nice crunchy Umami bite and is fermented with 100% native yeasts. The wines gets a cool maceration and gentle extraction on the skins, including the stem inclusion, then after primary fermentation this Pinot was put into barrel to mature. After it finishes Malo-lactic fermentation in the wood it was gently gravity racked (twice) during its elevage to clarify. Most of Drew’s Pinots see just 10% to 25% new French Oak, to promote transparency and purity, with them getting about 11 months in barrel total. These Drew Pinots, and this one in particular, are spectacular wines and I highly recommend them, and I also love Jason’s Syrah and Chardonnay bottlings, both of which should be on your radar and wish list!
($70 Est.) 96 Points, grapelive