2014 Lichen Estate ‘Les Pinots’

Price: $26
Region: Anderson Valley < CA 
Grapes: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Gris
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming, aged in stainless steel, low added SO2; 288 cases made
Winemaker: Doug Stewart

For Pinot lovers, here’s a unique blend of red and white Pinot grapes from one of my favorite, undiscovered wine regions, Anderson Valley (inland about 30 miles from Mendocino). Here Doug Stewart has 7 acres planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris for his Lichen Estate (named after the green lichen that grows everywhere). Everything is farmed organically, and made in a very low-intervention manner. This wine was the surprise favorite of a recent visit. It’s full of contradictions – beautiful balance of sweet and tart flavors (grapefruit and white peach), satisfying weight and texture, yet light on its feet at only 11% ABV, with a long, savory, almost briny finish. A fabulous winter white that holds its own against bolder flavors – tested with Yottam Ottolenghi’s roast chicken with clementines. Divine!