In 1990, after fifteen years of making world-class Bordeaux-varietal wines under the famous Duckhorn label, owners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn embraced their growing love of Pinot Noir. The vision for Goldeneye was simple - to start a winery that could make a terroir-inspired expression of California Pinot Noir of equal stature to the acclaimed Merlots they had pioneered at Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley.

They knew that the finest Pinot Noir thrives in very different conditions than Merlot. They found what they were looking for in the Anderson Valley, an appellation that had all the ingredients for producing world-class Pinot. In 1996, Goldeneye Winery was founded and the first estate vineyard was selected. A year later, Goldeneye harvested its first grapes, a modest 7 tons of estate fruit yielding 375 cases of wine, which were released in March of 2000.

Today, Goldeneye features the appellation’s preeminent Pinot Noir estate program, which spans the valley and includes four estate vineyards and more than 200 acres under vine. Their style has become the benchmark for the region, and has catapulted Goldeneye to the ranks of the world’s finest Pinot Noir.

The 2021 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is a red wine produced by Goldeneye, a subsidiary of Duckhorn, located in the North Coast region of California, specifically within the Anderson Valley appellation of Mendocino. This Pinot Noir, bottled with a cork closure, has an alcohol content of 14.2%.

The wine has garnered positive reviews from professional critics, highlighting its inviting and complex flavor profile. Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 92, noting its "juicy and inviting" nature, emphasized by "tasty raspberry and mulberry notes infused with pine forest, red tea and wet earth accents." They further describe the wine as maintaining a "fleshy, juicy feel through the lightly toasted finish," recommending it be consumed from now through 2028. This review underscores the wine's balance and appeal, making it a strong candidate for both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring.

Decanter also praised the 2021 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir with a score of 91. In their review, they describe the wine as "made in a ripe fruit-forward style," with aromatics driven by oak, including "cinnamon and Christmas spice." The palate is highlighted by "ripe berries, black plums, candied raspberry," and further enhanced by "white pepper, along with notes of clove, cinnamon and oak spice." Decanter notes that the finish "does show just a touch of warmth," suggesting the wine's alcohol level is noticeable but not overpowering. Their suggested drinking window aligns with Wine Spectator's, indicating optimal enjoyment between 2023 and 2028.

Overall, the 2021 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is characterized by its ripe fruit flavors, nuanced spice elements, and a well-balanced structure. It is a commendable example of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, reflecting the region's terroir and the producer's craftsmanship. With a solid backing from reputable reviewers, this wine stands out as a versatile and enjoyable choice for Pinot Noir enthusiasts.