CellarTracker!™

Search: (advanced)


External search
Google (images)
Wine Advocate
Wine Spectator
Burghound
Wine-Searcher

Vintages
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2007
2006
2005
2004

From this producer
Show all wines
All tasting notes
  Home | All Cellars | Tasting Notes | Reports | UsersHelp | Member Sign In 
  >> USE THE NEW CELLARTRACKER <<


 Vintage2007 Label 1 of 18 
TypeRed
ProducerAnthill Farms (web)
VarietyPinot Noir
Designationn/a
VineyardDemuth Vineyard
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNorth Coast
AppellationAnderson Valley

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2011 and 2015 (based on 8 user opinions)
Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See Anthill Farms Pinot Noir DeMuth Vineyard on the Wine Market Journal.

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 91.5 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 67 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by GrapeScott on 8/5/2020 & rated 93 points: DougLee's recent notes inspired me to pull the cork on a bottle that I've had on deck for a few weeks now. This bottle was purchased on release and has been sitting undisturbed in an underground temperature-controlled cellar since. Simply put, this is just stunning right now. Shows a ethereal youthful nose, very Morey-like, with forest floor, black raspberry and cedar spice. As in its youth, this still shows lively acidity, with cran-raspberry and brown sugar flavors and a slightly chewy finish. Gorgeous stuff, and one of the more Burgundian CA pinots I've tasted. I'm not sure why I stopped buying these after the 2010 vintage (well, duh, limited funds), but if I could go back in time I would double down on these, as they have aged really well. Thankfully, I have two more of these. (659 views)
 Tasted by DougLee on 8/4/2020 & rated 91 points: Medium ruby color. Nose of fresh cut raspberry and Bing cherry, with plenty of floral and earth notes. Darker raspberry and mulberry fruit profile on the palate, cut with iodine and cinnamon. Driven by fresh acidity and exhibiting firm tannin. Moderately long finish of black raspberry and a bit of brier. Early in its drinking window, with plenty of power and verve over complexity at this juncture. (676 views)
 Tasted by DougLee on 4/13/2020 & rated 88 points: For some reason somewhat closed and unyielding. Brooding darker raspberry fruit on the palate which stayed hidden. (670 views)
 Tasted by DougLee on 8/9/2019 & rated 92 points: Ruby hue. Full nose of cranberry, red raspberry, iodine, rosemary, and violets. Intense layers of pure, ripe red raspberry and Bing cherry fruit on the palate with quenching acidity and fine-grained tannin. Long finish of ringing red brambly fruit tinged with earth and iron. Outstanding wine seemingly in the middle of its drinking window. (718 views)
 Tasted by theharve on 9/24/2018 & rated 93 points: The early spiciness when tasted previously is gone. These Anthill wines have really benefited from bottle age and are becoming very Burgundian
in character. This is 3rd one from 08-09 I've tried recently and very similar in evolution. Glad I didn't drink these too early. Also incredible value compared to pricier peers some of which are not nearly this quality. Bravo!
Yo tward, I was mistaken. the note was for the '07. they didn't make an '08 Demuth. (1005 views)
 Tasted by Mivvy on 3/25/2017: Popped and poured, drunk over 2 nights, stored sealed in fridge overnight. Garnet in color. Very open floral, spicy nose, wonderfully aromatic - some lifted herbal element as well like a sage or rosemary. Medium bodied and fine texture, a good balance of red fruit, five-spice and savory elements, medium+ length. Held up well to day 2, still had good structure, fresh acidity and was very moreish. Great drinking at the moment would like to have more. (1624 views)
 Tasted by DRK III on 3/3/2017 & rated 93 points: Really enjoyed this. Super balanced, refreshing, aromatic and complex. More fruit than earth/mushroom you'd expect from red burg. Cherry, red currants, orange peel. (1275 views)
 Tasted by jc11 on 2/5/2017: Davidga's 2/1 note seems to capture it. Still fresh, with a well integrated finishing acidity, but not the tartness that these sometimes show on release. Good showing. Will likely drink my last bottle over the next few years. (1448 views)
 Tasted by davidga75 on 2/1/2017: Nice nose with pronounced floral aromatics (rose, etc.) and some red fruits. On entry, the palate is medium bodied, and silky. There is a slight note of roasted fruit/bitterness on the finish - not from tannins (which have largely dissipated). This wine is fully mature and still has just enough acidity to hold it together for the next couple of years. It has gained in complexity and is drinking very well...where it will go from here is anyone's guess, but if you have any left I'd drink now and through the next 2-3 years. Delicious overall. (1533 views)
 Tasted by paulst on 7/11/2016 & rated 86 points: Austere; light cherry; fell off quickly; light faded finish. (1662 views)
 Tasted by jimkay21 on 9/12/2015 & rated 92 points: cranberries and red currant in a wine where the acidity doesn't over power the fruit. Imminently drinkable. Fruits darken over the course of several hours (1279 views)
 Tasted by Tudz Drkl on 5/21/2015 & rated 90 points: Another good wine from these guys. Really spicy nose that settled in a little to reveal cherry fruits. On the palate, this was so enjoyable with immediate spiced red fruit followed by tobacco and licorice and supported by bright acidity. A nice lengthy finish keeps you coming back. (1348 views)
 Tasted by dbkitc on 12/1/2014 & rated 92 points: Another fine wine from this team. Rounding into form. Good flavor penetration throughout - serious demeanor with enough breath to please a crowd. At peak though should last for another five or ten years. (92) (1737 views)
 Tasted by Chris Newport on 8/11/2014: Another nice wine from Anthill. Drinking quite well, with what seems to be the beginnings of some secondary characteristics starting to show. Everything seems to have a nice balance with this wine, no rush to drink. (2085 views)
 Tasted by BobS on 4/17/2014 & rated 92 points: Drinking great the last several months. Glad I have 3 more... (2025 views)
 Tasted by dbkitc on 2/6/2014 & rated 91 points: Fresh, bright bitter cherry fruit. Sumptuous. (91) (1961 views)
 Tasted by FieldingYost on 12/21/2013 & rated 93 points: Strawberry licorice on the nose, also fresh raspberry and flowers. Pure red Pinot fruit, strawberry and ripe red cherry, delicious and fresh, refreshing acidity. Fruit themes linger on the finish, again fresh with a tangy end note.

Close to peak I think, if not actually peaking. (1903 views)
 Tasted by Stumpy on 11/23/2013 & rated 90 points: I admit I was an early adopter of Anthill but moved on shortly thereafter as my wife was not a fan and there are a lot of choices in this crowded field, so bias stated.

Overall I enjoyed this wine, it was lighter in body and less interesting than I had hoped. A lot of good acid and some red berry but perhaps had not moved on at this point. (1463 views)
 Tasted by pjhr on 6/5/2013 & rated 91 points: Similar tasting notes to previous bottle. (1833 views)
 Tasted by pjhr on 6/1/2013 & rated 90 points: Tasty red cherry notes on the nose and palate but ultimately a bit simple. (1525 views)
 Tasted by xwine on 4/11/2013: I haven't enjoyed the last couple of bottles of this, but this bottle was really drinking nicely. Not showing any of the disjointed nature of the past two, this was elegant and graceful, with a light ruby color, and nice spice and deep red fruit. The nose does start showing a sort of chlorine character (for lack of a better descriptor) after awhile. Still, a big improvement and a good drink. (1752 views)
 Tasted by xwine on 3/26/2013: Acid is out of balance, giving this a very angular and aggressive profile. The light red fruit just can't keep up; didn't care for this, and I generally like pinots in an elegant style. The first bottle near release was very nice, and the next two have been in decline. I'm finding the Demuth is not my favorite AF pinot, or at least not to hold. (1581 views)
 Tasted by Chris Newport on 1/11/2013: While I make no claims to be an expert on California Pinot, this has to be one of the best examples I’ve come across. Wonderfully expressive nose, bright, and delineated red fruit on the palate with a nice sense of souis bois/forest floor underneath everything. Excellent balance, the intensity of the fruit and the acidic backbone are just fantastic. Mouth coating and lingering finish, without assaulting the palate. This has the sweet fruit that you just don’t find coming out the place that rhymes with “burgundy” but it doesn’t overwhelm the wine like a lot of other Cali Pinots. Almost like a California version of a Pernand or Savigny type wine. Seems to be in a great place right now, no alcohol or tannins sticking out. Very, very nice. (1972 views)
 Tasted by B Paul on 12/27/2012 & rated 92 points: Drinking great right now. Excellent. (1532 views)
 Tasted by ljl203 on 12/15/2012: Dark grey pink color. Dried cherries with some green vegetable notes. Powdery taste and short ending. There is something unique here that is memorable, but also a little austere for me. (1460 views)
 Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine...

Professional 'Channels'
By Allen Meadows
Burghound, October 2009, Issue #36
(Ant Hill Farms Pinot Noir Demuth Vineyard Villages Red) Subscribe to see review text.
By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, May/June 2009, IWC Issue #144
(Anthill Farms Pinot Noir Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley) Subscribe to see review text.
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Burghound and Vinous. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

Anthill Farms

Producer Website

2007 Anthill Farms Pinot Noir Demuth Vineyard

Winery Note: There is wonderful purity to our Demuth this year. Its nose is extremely aromatic with scents of carnations, strawberry, and cherry. One of this wine’s hallmarks is the balance between depth of flavor and an elegant frame, and our 2007 does not disappoint. The finish goes on and on.

Pinot Noir

Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.


Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.

Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.

The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.

Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.

In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.

With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.

Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.

USA

American wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.

California

2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson

North Coast

The North Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California, covering more than three million acres, includes Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties, and portions of Marin and Solano counties. (see The Wine Institute for more information)

Anderson Valley

http://www.avwines.com/anderson-valley-appellation-map/
Anderson Valley stretches from Yorkville Highlands (located in a highland meadow straddling the upper Rancheria Creek and upper Dry Creek watersheds) through Boonville (located on Anderson Creek) and Philo (located on Indian Creek) to Navarro (located on Soda Creek). Rancheria, Anderson, Indian and Soda creeks are tributaries to the Navarro River, which flows north and west through the coastal range to the Pacific Ocean; Dry Creek flows south into the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County. The main stem of the Navarro River begins less than a mile south of Philo at the confluence of Anderson Creek and Rancheria Creek. The mouth of the Navarro is 10 miles (16 km) south of Mendocino, California. Encompassing 315 square miles (816 km²), the Navarro River watershed is the largest coastal basin in Mendocino County.

Such unique geography results in a wide diurnal range, with daily high and low temperatures occasionally diverging 40 or 50 degrees. This enables Pinot Noir growers to keep acid development in line with sugar and flavor formation through long, warm Indian summers. It also makes for superb Gewurztraminer and Riesling, giving rise to the valley’s annual Alsatian Varietals and Pinot Noir festivals.

The climate in the Anderson Valley appellation is tempered by cool marine air. Steep hills and mountains surround rolling to nearly level alluvial terraces. The dominant natural vegetation is a mixed forest of Coast Redwood, various native oak varieties, and Douglas-fir. Elevation ranges from sea level to 2,500 feet (760 m). The average annual precipitation ranges from 35 to 80 inches (900 to 2000 mm). The average annual temperature is about 53 °F (12 °C), and the average frost-free season ranges from 220 to 365 days. Towards the coast the summers are cool and moist with frequent fog, while the interior Anderson Valley proper features a warm to hot summer climate similar to nearby interior regions, with daytime highs occasionally in excess of 100 °F (38 °C).

Visitors to the Valley should come prepared for cool evenings and warm days. Locals dress in layers year round.

 
© 2003-24 CellarTracker! LLC. All rights reserved. "CellarTracker!" is a trademark of CellarTracker! LLC. No part of this website may be used, reproduced or distributed without the prior written permission of CellarTracker! LLC. (Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.) - Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook