ANDERSON CONN VALLEY VISIT - Conn Valley Vineyards (5/24/2015)
ACV are enjoyable wines that were initially presented to me by Dan, and Cordelli (RIP). Had some of the older and younger wines over the years (as young as’90, and once opened at home '90 and '93 for comparison. Many people don’t enjoy simply concentrating on one or two for a weekend anymore). But, it was a time to visit the source. Arriving there on a Sunday morning just to find out that we are… the only one scheduled for the morning 
Grandchild Anderson was waiting, had an excellent tour, and also an opportunity to sit and chat with the future of ACV. And taste some wines, of course
-
2013 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc St. Helena - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
Lemon on the nose, aged in oak only. On the palate, lemon and peach. On the dry side. Refresh start. First SB of ACV I had. (89-90). Nice QPR for a small production of SB (90 pts.) -
2012 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Chardonnay Napa - USA, California, Napa Valley
Had it at ACV. Agree with most previous notes on CT but I will add the following: It is notable that this one has more new french oak. Dry side compare to other napa valley chards. Interesting bring yellow color (I’d have to upload a picture near the '13 SB chard). Very good choice. 90-91 on a summer chard. (91 pts.)
My view of the SB and Chards:
-
2012 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir - USA, California, Napa Valley
We are not PN drinkers in general (we are more cabs fans) and we loved this one. This is not like any other PN I had. Very earthy and balance on the nose, floral background (peppers, cedar?). Earthy and spicy notes on the palate. Medium finish. Off to a very good start on its cellaring worthiness. Voted with the wallet (unusual decision for a PN on my end). (91 pts.)
And my view of the PN glass…
-
2012 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley
I wrote on my notes ‘surprisingly approachable at this young age’ just to go home and find out that Antonio Galloni wrote a very similar note on the same wine. It was enjoyable from the start with very little decant, and I can certainly see it improving. Earthy notes, along with both palate and nose of currant and berries. Enjoyed and asked for an additional small taste. A solid 92-93 now, and has the potential to grow higher. (92 pts.) -
2011 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Éloge - USA, California, Napa Valley
At the advise of the host, had this one right after the conn valley cab '12. Refreshing, somewhat more smoky and earthy than the '12 conn valley cab at this time. Medium plus finish. Medium plus finish, though shorter finish than the '12 cab. Good choice (and I usually prefer the estate to the Eloge so that was a surprise for me as well).
92-93. May open this one over the next 1-2 to see how it grows. (92 pts.) -
2012 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Right Bank - USA, California, Napa Valley
Limited notes on this one, but I did note that it is lighter from the ACV '12 estate, somewhat shorter on the finish (though not as short, somewhat equal to the '11 Eloge I had same day). Lighter on the nose and palate with nice nose on the berries. May be good to have with the first or appetizers instead of a main course. Can even stand on its own for non-meal enjoyable wine. 91-92 (91 pts.) -
2012 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - USA, California, Napa Valley
It has everything you’d find in the estate '12 but better. It is a notch above, or even more. Tasted it along side with the '12 estate (asked for refill for comparison). Much more comprehensive on the spices and earthy notes. Enjoyable, but I’m afraid to get used to drinking this one and then not enjoying the estate (plus, the pricing- slightly above x2 of the estate). Enjoyable for a special event/weekend. For more detailed notes-- Second time I agree with Antonio Galloni on a tasting of ACV (starts being dangerous) . Solid 94 + Voted with the wallet and got two for the future. (94 pts.)
My view of the signature cab
Actually, there was one more wine tasted that I could not find the specific vintage on CT.
2011 Ghost Horse Cabernet Sauvignon Fantome
Grandchild anderson was talking to us about the Ghost Horse development and the philosophy/ history of its development, taste line, wine blending etc. I knew it is different from the bottle to everything else. But, it was the first time we tasted it. It is a truly above even the signature wines. It is special and it should be kept for special events only. Heavenly taste and build to age. I wish I could get one or two, but (a) it is sold out from virtually production level (b) the Ghost Horse prices begin at ~500 a bottle now (ouuch), and (c) If I get used to drinking that, I don’t know what cab I’d have on a regular day. It’s a legitimate WOTY candidate (95+). If anyone opens one, please call me 
