2012 Comptche Ridge Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Mendocino County.
This is another very cool and exciting side project from Anthony Filiberti, he is one of California’s most gifted and influential young winemakers, working at Anthill Farms and at Knez, he has certainly made a name for himself, especially with a new generation of wine lovers, he is one of a group of stellar artisan winemakers that have shown we are in good hands for the future of California wine along with the likes of Ross Cobb (Cobb & Hirsch), Duncan Meyers (Arnot-Roberts) and many more to be sure. Anthony’s wines are terroir driven, cool climate wines that highlight acidity, delicacy and vintage and this new Comptche Ridge from the wilds of Mendocino is bright, fresh and vivacious with pretty fruit and lots of personality, this limited offering is very close in style the the Anthill Farms as you’d expect, but with the benefit of being a little easier to get your hands on as it hasn’t been discovered yet! The 2012 Comptche Ridge Vineyards shows a generous and loaded palate with a sweet and savory bouquet with soft floral notes, spice and mineral elements, there is black cherry, tangy currant, plum and strawberry fruits going along with light oak, cedar, briar, wild herbs, fennel/anise and saline. Filiberti’s wines, this one included, always are pleasing with subtle tannins, vivid layers, lifting acidity and a less extracted color, this wine has a light ruby hue, but with lovely deep flavors. Hints of earthy character, tea and red peach add to the young freshness in this poised Pinot Noir, Burgundy like is very cliche, but it does help you understand while being a true California coastal wine, there is a grace, class and vibrancy that reminds you of the inspiration of Pinot Noir’s spiritual home. Filiberti, who once was mentored and cut his teeth at Bergstrom in Oregon’s Willamette Valley as well as spending time at the famed Williams Selyem, is making some wonderful wines and if you’ve not been lucky enough to try the sensational Anthill Farms or his Knez wines, you might want to do so, and especially this beautiful new Pinot Noir from Comptche Ridge!
($45 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
avail at www.sfwtc.com ($44.95)