The 2014 Evans Pinot Noir was grown and made in Anderson Valley, California.

Notes from the winemaker:

"This is the first release of any Evans Wines in New Zealand. I’ve wanted to do this for years, because the magic of Pinot Noir is in its expression of the place where it was grown. California grows an immense quantity of grapes, yet most of the state is too hot for high-quality Pinot Noir. There are only a few small areas where Pinot Noir can thrive, such as Anderson Valley. The shape of the valley pulls in cold air off the Pacific, shielding the Pinot Noir grapes from the heat of the California summer and providing temperatures similar to Central Otago. Although I made this Pinot Noir in the same way I make the Māori Point Pinot Noirs – same ripeness at harvest, same press, same barrels –the wine is distinctly different. It tastes of Anderson Valley. Is that from differences in the soil? Differences in the wild yeasts and microbes? Therein lies the magic of Pinot Noir.

I suggest opening the 2014 Evans soon. It is 10 years old, and at its peak. It still shows strawberries, cinnamon, violets, savoury and caramel notes, and it has become quite deliciously seamless, but there are hints of age and fragility showing. Please keep in mind that unless you are about to drink it, it is best to keep the cork in contact with the wine to keep it from drying out (store the bottle either on its side or upside down). And because this wine is well aged and unfiltered, when you open the wine, you will notice sediment. Usually it pours into the first glass, but you can also use a strainer, or a decanter, if you prefer. Cheers!"