Goldeneye has become one of Anderson Valley’s benchmark Pinot Noir producers, working in a region where coastal influence, fog and cool-climate tension give Pinot Noir a very different expression from warmer parts of California. The Narrows Vineyard sits at the cooler, more marginal end of the valley, and that edge often gives the wines a sense of concentration without excess weight fruit with energy, polish and a little wildness.

The 2022 The Narrows Vineyard opens with a generous aromatic profile of ripe black cherry, cranberry and juicy plum. There is immediate fruit depth, but it is not one-dimensional. As the wine opens in the glass, the aromatics become more layered, revealing an enriching floral quality that brings lift and elegance to the darker fruit.

On the palate, this is a beautifully composed Pinot Noir: supple, expressive and persistent. The fruit carries through with impressive clarity, while the wine’s floral elements give it a refined, almost perfumed character. What stands out most is the finish long, resonant and graceful, leaving behind a lingering impression of ripe red and black fruit, soft spice and polished texture.

This is a beautiful Anderson Valley Pinot Noir that balances richness with freshness, generosity with finesse. The 2022 Narrows Vineyard feels complete already, but its depth and lasting finish suggest it will continue to develop nicely with a few more years in bottle.

By Steve Kwolek