2013 Porcupine Hill Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
Coming from a single parcel of high density vines in the Bearwallow Vineyard in Anderson Valley, the 2013 Pinot Noir Porcupine Hill knocks it out of the park with it intensity and depth. Giving up fabulous black raspberry, dried rose petal, violets and spice/incense, it's pure class on the palate and has an ethereal texture, perfect balance and a great finish. While distinctly different from the Santa Cruz Mountain releases, it's at the same quality level.
Critic scores
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Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard Porcupine Hill appears to be going through a closed phase, as it is not as expressive as it has been on the two occasions I tasted it from barrel. Today, the Porcupine Hill gives the impression of being more aromatic and lifted than the straight Bearwallow, but today the tannins are imposing. White pepper, chalk, orange peel and tobacco add nuance, but it is the wine's power that stands out above all else. Readers will have to be patient.
Just bottled. High-density planted subsection of Bearwallow. 7,000 vines per acre here while most of their vineyards are 2,400 vines/ha. Immediately more complex on the nose than the less densely planted Bearwallow version. Rich start and then great, compact, tightly packed palate. Very subtle. (JR)
The 2013 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard Porcupine Hill impresses for its crystalline purity, energy and finesse. Dark red cherry, plum, graphite and orange rind notes all sizzle with notable precision and focus. The weightless, expressive finish is a thing of beauty. Porcupine Hill is a section within Bearwallow planted with high density spacing in 2010. There is so much to look forward to here. Re-tasted: October 2014.