2000 Gryphon Reserve Pinot Noir

Winemaker Jonathon O’Bergin established Gryphon Wines in 2000 when he purchased a 120-acre estate in Anderson Valley, California, known as Larklinn Ranch. Today there are 7 acres on the ranch dedicated to Pinot Noir grapes. The land enjoys abundant sunlight and cool breezes from the Mendocino coast. Gryphon wines are sustainably grown, without chemicals. They are handcrafted using environmentally friendly farming and artisan techniques, including natural yeasts for fermentation, and French barrel aging. No fining or filtering is used. The winery also makes a limited amount of Chardonnay as well as its renowned Pinot Noirs. In 2008, the vineyard was sold to Rhys Vineyards, also in Anderson Valley, and owned by its founder, Kevin Harvey. The vineyard is now known as Rhys Bearwallow. Our hard-to-find Gryphon Pinot Noir Larklinn Reserve lots come from this unique vineyard. As Harvey explained in 2013, Anderson Valley is diverse. "The valley floor soils are deeper and make lighter, more fruit-driven wines, while the rocky slopes produce the more minerally, structured style I [prefer]. Like most mountain geographies, there are many different soil types on the slopes." We know you'll enjoy these rare finds.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.