Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard Block E, Littorai 2023

The 2023 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard Block E once again confirms this wine’s stature as one of the most pedigreed wines in the United States. Dynamic and explosive in the glass with tons of energy, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. Vibrant red cherry, blood orange, spice, new leather, menthol and dried flowers open with some coaxing. In most vintages, the Wendling is much more demonstrative at this stage. The 2023 needs time. Wendling is the farthest vineyard in Anderson Valley's Deep End.

Garnet with some purple highlights. Smells of black cherry and ripe raspberries. Bright and juicy flavours of cherry and raspberry fruit are shot through with orange peel and orange oil as vibrant acidity makes the mouth water. Beautifully gauzy tannins stiffen a little with time as a deep stony character emerges in the finish, along with orange peel and flowers and the faintest hint of something savoury and salty. Expansive and stunning. Truly exceptional.

Planted in 2015, the Wendling Vineyard is the northwestern-most vineyard within the Anderson Valley, at 335-500 feet elevation. The 2023 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard Block E displays just a shade deeper bright ruby hue and has pretty hints of blue wildflowers shining through the fabric, with raspberry liqueur, bright spices, fresh flowers, and more savory hints of tea leaf. It offers a good deal of structure, with slightly broader shoulders and a chiseled feel, which is characteristic of this elegant vintage.

A very distinctive, vital, and delicious wine from an outstanding year. So luscious and broad yet balanced, packing in enormous black-fruit and savory flavors on a firm texture of moderate tannins and fresh acidity. Red and black cherries, dried blueberries, cranberries, bay laurel and redwood duff lead to lingering cherries on the finish.