Advanced Search

Navigate:

Main Directory / All Wines / Phillips Hill, 2016 Pinot Noir "Oppenlander" (Comptche, Mendocino)

<		Previous Product
		Next Product		>

Label - Phillips Hill 2016 Pinot Noir "Oppenlander" $49.99 MAIN

Phillips Hill, 2016 Pinot Noir "Oppenlander" (Comptche, Mendocino)

Price: $49.99

Ship To::

(What's this?)

Pick Up At Dave The Wine Merchant

Pickup Location Info

SummaryCUSTOMER REVIEWSCUSTOMER QUESTIONS

The Wine

This mouth-watering wine unwinds layers of flavor as it evolves in the glass - starting with tart red cherries and pomegranate, it progresses through some woodsy forest floor and on into a long finish with echoes of warm cockpit leather and sweet spices. Let it open up for an hour or more before serving and you'll be well rewarded for your patience.

Toby is one of a handful of Anderson Valley Pinot producers who share this winemaking esthetic. As harvest approaches, they text each other constantly with the latest numbers from this vineyard or that, followed by their recommendation on harvest dates. There's one that always campaigns for a radically early harvest, a couple that are the moderate (self described) "Voices of Reason", and then those who argue for a bit more ripeness. The collective wisdom of the group helps them all produce a more thoughtful wine. Toby is in the middle group, and his wines are a delight for all those who enjoy the lighter Burgundian style.

Q: Isn't this wine a bit long in the tooth? Most Pinots for sale today are from the 2019 vintage or even 2020!

A: No, this wine is not even close to peaking yet. It's tannins made it seem austere in its youth, and it's taken this long to shed its adolescent attitude and develop into an interesting adult you want to spend more time with. Which is why I recommend buying multiple bottles. ;-)

The Vineyard

The Oppenlander Vineyard is in the small town of Comptche (population 368!), teetering atop the Comptche Ridge that defines the Northeast side of Anderson Valley. The altitude here provides great sun exposure for ample photosynthesis as well as cooler temperatures than valley floor vineyards (the vineyard is just 10 as-the-crow-flies-miles from the very cool Mendocino coast).

This is Oppenlander Vineyard spans 18-acres planted to various Pinot Noir clones (Pommard, Martini, 114, 115, 667, all self-rooted, not grafted!) It is planted near the family's residence in a large opening inside a redwood forest - and this is critical to the fruit quality - like the prima donna's they are, pinot vines thrive on doting attention.

The Winery

Toby (winemaker) and his partner Natacha (everything else), are among Anderson Valley's most consistent producers of memorable Pinot Noir. Though my rotating portfolio is based on a strategy of new discoveries from around the globe, I come back to PH every few years. Not a new discovery, just one worth making again and again!

There are currently no reviews of this product.
Submit a Review

There are currently no questions about this product.
Ask a Question

Shopping Cart

866-746-7293

help@DaveTheWineMerchant.com

Returning Customer?

Shopping Cart

The Shopping Cart is currently empty

eCommerce Solution by TrueCommerce