Rugged, rustic, and remote, Anderson Valley is still one of Northern California’s most up-and-coming areas as much of the isolated region is undiscovered, blanketed by heavy overgrowth and forested areas. Wines tend to capture that rusticity, showing dark fruit, silky texture, and a long, lengthy finish.

From the northern, cooler end of the untamed region, Gowan Creek Vineyard highlights these dark fruit flavors, with the Golden Eye Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir ($86) revealing layers of black cherry, black plum, blackberry, wild sage, thyme, and truffle, finishing with notes of warm spice, like toasted clove and nutmeg. Complex and nicely structured, while bringing freshness to the lengthy palate. Aged for 16 months in partially new French oak, ensuring tannins are softened while remaining present.