What a treat – biodynamic Pinot Noir, unfiltered and grown at 500m on the dry-farmed, 30 year old Demuth Vineyard located in California’s stunning Anderson Valley.

Always one of the top US products available, Knez sells out almost each of their small production wines.  Winemaker Anthony Filiberti (through the 2014 vintage) was also the winemaker at nearby renowned Anthill Farms.  The Anderson Valley is located to the northwest of glitzy Napa and known for its unpretentious, down-to-earth businesses, restaurants, B&Bs and yes, wineries.

A hazily translucent ruby (it’s unfiltered, leaving in all the flavourful intensity), this Pinot has crystal clean aromas of crunchy raspberry, cranberry, dried green leaf, moss and star anise.

The palate is dry with medium plus acidity, ever-so-lightly grippy tannins and delicate flavours of raspberry and blackberry, Five-spice, dried herbs, turned dirt, and dry leaves.

The verdict? Awesome – WSET Very Good plus – complex and layered in the glass.  Many thanks to @Corkzillasf for bringing it from California to Canada.