Heading to the big scoring Deep End today Operatives, buckle up! Our captain in this journey is Pinot magician Roger Roessler, veteran restaurateur turned vintner. At the turn of this century, Roessler began his journey with Wells Guthrie of Copain fame, also accountable for putting the Hein Vineyard on the map. From humble beginnings to the forefront of a “Best Ever California Pinot” cover feature with Wine Spectator, Roessler certainly has come a long way in 2 decades. Some of you may have been lucky enough to savor his superb entry-level “Black Pine” Pinot blends… well, this single-vineyard beauty takes that and turns things up a few notches.

A gorgeous garnet with a deep yet still translucent, vivid, glowing ruby heart. Red plums, pomegranate, and raspberry liqueur open the nose, with hints of hazelnut, and spice following. The palate is all about high-toned black cherry and wild berry flavors that are both intense and concentrated. Tremendous balance focus, and length, the mighty finish affirms that this serious Pinot will surely age well. For pairings, it has great complexity to match earthy or smoky dishes, with wild mushrooms and a potpourri of spices.

Did we say Free Shipping on 4 or more bottles on top of that impossible to resist break over 40%? Now don’t you say - in Heinsight - you should have bought more once you taste it! High-end Pinots at this caliber from the Pacific windswept Deep End of Anderson Valley are hard to come by especially in the lower $30s like this one. PinotFile defines Roessler as; “very personable and passionate about wine” and advises that one should “take an effort to get to know them and their wines” and we could not agree more and think of a better opportunity to do so…

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

92 Points - PinotFile - “The Hein Vineyard is in the far northwestern end of Anderson Valley in proximity to cool Pacific breezes. Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. A remarkably nuanced wine with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, grilled beef, spice, sous-bois and mulch leading to enticing mid weight plus flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, spice, and mushroom. A relatively bold yet honorable wine with silken tannins and some noticeable aromatic persistence on the finish.”

★★★★ - Press Democrat - “Gorgeous bright red fruit–currant, raspberry and rhubarb. Notes of earth, tea and spice. Nice length.”*