Jason And Molly Drew/Drew Family Cellars/Pinot Noirs/Anderson Valley And Mendocino Ridge

I have been featuring Anderson Valley for many years.I'm very excited about the wines produced by Drew Family Cellars.I recently sat down with Jason Drew and we talked about his Pinot Noir production.We will check out a little history from this fine label and then take a look at a couple wine tasting notes.Then we should pour a glass of Pinot Noir,and relax while we listen to this feature with Jason Drew. After scouring the coast of California for not only an ideal site to grow and make cool climate wines, but also a place to raise their two sons , Jason and Molly Drew landed back on the North Coast after spending five years in the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara. They had lived in many places in California and had spent time overseas. It came as no surprise that they found themselves drawn back home to Northern California. The pristine land and frontier qualities of the far north coast had always captured their interest. If they were going to commit themselves to the rural life in the "hinterlands" and build their boutique winery with living space for the four of them, it would have to be an all hands on deck affair. There was no part time way to do this! They looked at several properties in the Mendocino Ridge and in the Anderson Valley. The search quickly narrowed when they laid their eyes on a 26 acre ridgtop orchard. The orchard appeared abandoned; some trees had not been pruned for 15 years. It was quite clearly a restoration project!! The land was gently south facing with an elevation of approximately 1250 to 1300 feet and a mere 3.3 miles to the ocean. The fog drifted in like a cream river up the Greenwood Creek watershed creating a surreal environment where the mountains meet the sea. The property was just above this daily fog, keeping the temps moderate during the heat of the day. Plainly stated, they were in utter disbelief and knew they had found their spot! 2014 Morning Dew Ranch Pinot Noir Anderson Valley This is our sixth release of this esteemed site located in the "deep end" of Anderson Valley. Planted by Burt Williams founding winemaker of Williams Seylem. This south facing hillside vineyard is planted to several prized field selections. We source two blocks planted to the Rochioli selection and the 828 ( an alleged La Tache selection). We feel this is the best vintage from this vineyard to date. A medium bodied wine with dark red fruit, notably pomegranate, plums, savory herbs, and a black trumpet mushroom character. The acid brings tension and energy. A compelling wine worth keeping in your cellar as patience will indeed be rewarded. The Gatekeeper is the entry point into our Pinot Noirs but certainly not an entry level wine. There is immense flexibility in being able to bring together several lots in our cellar to make an appellation blend. This approach allows several sites and clones to coalesce for a layered expression of coastal Mendocino. The three appellations represented in this year’s Gatekeeper include Anderson Valley, Yorkville Highlands and the Mendocino Ridge. The cool forested hills of Anderson Valley, the mineral laden soils of the Yorkville Highlands and the coastal windswept high hills of Mendocino Ridge all combine for a chiseled, medium bodied, energetic wine . Dark stone fruits, dried floral notes along with loamy forest understory. An unfurling story here. Indeed! We should now open these wines and enjoy our feature!Cheers! Click here only if you LOVE Pinot Noir.