Grab an Allocation of California's Hottest New Unicorn Pinot Noir

Originally posted on Men's Journal | Last updated 9/24/24

Once in a blue moon a wine so unique and inspired comes around and completely shatters perception of a region or a grape. The rarity of this sort of experience magnifies the gravity of the such a wine even more. Today, our sights are set on the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County, California. We're looking at your Pinot Noir. We love you, and we know you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Let's get to the earth shattering. Shake me up.

Karin and Justin Wärnelius-Miller, second-generation winegrape growers and winemakers at Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley, are proud to announce the launch of a second brand and label, WärneliusMiller. The inaugural release of the 2018 WärneliusMiller Pinot Noir marks nearly a decade since acquiring and replanting a new estate vineyard in Anderson Valley. This expansion comes on the heels of 60 years of farming at the family’s legacy estate in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County. This is a new chapter for the Wärnelius-Miller family as they bring their winemaking acumen and ideals to Anderson Valley, Mendocino County.

Fueled by a multi-generational approach and decades of experience, Karin and Justin Wärnelius-Miller acquired the 7-acre Golden Fleece Vineyard, located above the town of Philo, in 2014, following a careful and deliberate search. In 2015, after extensive conversations with long-time wine growers in the region, Karin and Justin strategically replanted 5 acres to Calera, 115 and 667 Pinot Noir clones. Nearby vineyards include the renowned Savoy Vineyard and Domaine Anderson vineyards. Golden Fleece sits above the fog line, with dramatic elevations (850 to 1,000 feet above sea level), climate variations and extended exposure to the sun. This purposeful decision to plant roots in Anderson Valley is emblematic of Karin and Justin’s instinct for recognizing possibilities in a vineyard and demonstrates their passion for producing wines of distinct quality while evolving their family’s legacy.

“Bringing our expertise to Anderson Valley is the next chapter of our winegrowing story,” says Karin Wärnelius-Miller. “Through a commitment to farming timeless, elegant wines intended to age for a lifetime, we embrace our philosophy that the synthesis of a vine, place and the hands of the vigneron are integral to crafting a world-class wine with a story.”

With just 91 cases produced, the 2018 vintage is the first release of the WärneliusMiller Pinot Noir, Golden Fleece Vineyard, Anderson Valley Mendocino County. The cool-climate site is composed of Wolfey, Bearwallow and Casabonne soils. The resulting fruit showcases intense flavor development due to the extended growing season at the site, which is lengthened by the maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean. Each block is organically and regeneratively farmed, based on the needs of the vineyard. The WärneliusMiller Pinot Noir is aged for an extended period (six years) in the cellar before release—a practice established to craft wines of complexity and grace. Each bottle is a coveted experience that must be treasured. With less than 1,100 bottles produced, it is recommended to get your hands on as many as you can.

“The rugged high-altitude topography and the diversity of soils at the Golden Fleece Vineyard allow us to grow wines with precision and express the typicity of Pinot Noir,” says Justin Warnelius-Miller. “As farmers, we saw an incredible opportunity with this region and exquisite site and are thrilled to share the fruits of our family’s labor.”

The WärneliusMiller wines are sold directly to members of the mailing list. To sign up for the mailing list, click here. The WärneliusMiller Pinot Noir 2018, Golden Fleece Vineyard, Anderson Valley is $100/bottle.

For learn more information about the wines of Karin and Justin Wärnelius-Miller, click here.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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