2022 Anthill Farms - Pinot Noir Mendocino Comptche Ridge (750ml)

Anthill Farms’ 2022 Pinot Noir from Comptche Ridge captures the quiet drama of Mendocino’s remote forests. The wine mirrors the winery’s long-standing approach: minimal manipulation and a commitment to letting each vineyard’s character come forward, rather than painting it with heavy extraction or over-ripeness.

Terroir and winemaking

Comptche Ridge Vineyard sits deep in Mendocino County, owned and farmed organically by the Weir family. It’s completely encircled by towering redwoods and Douglas fir, with a dry-farmed, fine sandy-clay Franciscan soil that supports a biodiverse ecosystem—an influence that threads through the finished wine. The Pinot Noir is a blend of Swan and Pommard clones, fermented with native yeast and roughly half whole clusters, then aged about fifteen months in French oak, a portion of it new. This combination of site-driven fruit, native fermentation, and careful barrel maturation yields a wine that is expressive without being flashy, a true expression of Comptche Ridge.

Tasting notes and flavor profile

• Tart cranberry and wild strawberry form the core notes, driving a bright, forest-framed red fruit profile
• Crushed stone adds an electric mineral edge that underscores the wine’s crystalline structure
• Subtle mushroom and bramble hints reveal the vineyard’s wooded surroundings
• Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and gentle tannins, built to evolve over time

Ageability and best use

The wine shows enough structure to reward a few years in the cellar, while still offering immediate, drinkable appeal for those who prefer young Pinot Noir. It pairs gracefully with richer, earthy dishes as the tannins melt with time in the glass.

Pairings

• Grilled portobello mushrooms
• Herb-roasted pork
• Aged Manchego