Culturally, Anderson Valley is entirely unique. Isolated, eccentric and populated by artists, winegrowers, orchardists and long-time residents, it has its own flavor and a colorful, much-beloved history. Though only a two-hour drive from San Francisco, CA, the twisting roads leading over the hills and through steep valleys make this Mendocino County destination feel much more remote. The area is an up-and-coming appellation for Pinot Noir, with a combination of cooling maritime breezes, dramatic geological contours and rocky soils offering an ideal environment for this grape.

Perched on the hills 1,300-2,000 feet above the town of Boonville sits a particularly beautiful Pinot Noir vineyard, aptly named Boone Ridge. The 85-acre vineyard site includes a patchwork of small blocks of seven different Pinot Noir clones. This is the inspiration for Champ de Rêves, which translates to Field of Dreams.

“Anderson Valley is one of the most remarkable spots in the world for growing Pinot Noir,” says Eric Johannsen, winemaker. “The characteristically late growing season, punctuated by warm summer temperatures and cool autumn conditions leading into harvest, creates a great dynamic for flavor development. We are also particularly blessed with our estate vineyard’s ideal soil conditions to produce wines with distinct minerality, structure and finesse.”

Champ de Rêves focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir. Silky, nuanced and mysterious—the vernacular alone suggests Pinot Noir may be the most alluring of all wine varietals, making it the ideal choice for the holiday season. Eric Johannsen relies on more than 10 years of focus on Pinot as he creates his wine, and the 2011 vintage is characterized by aromas and flavors of juicy blueberry, cranberry and rose petal,  underscored with subtle toffee and a distinct minerality.  Champ de Rêves’ calling card is its mouthfeel, which exhibits both a silky textural trait and a firm, gravelly structure that's a testament to its high altitude origins.

“It’s a wine which can be pondered over, or simply enjoyed by the glass,” Eric said. His philosophy is also about creating wines that beautifully complement food. For a festive dinner party, Champ de Rêves is the ideal match for roasted duck breast with a simple sauce made from the pan juices. Or pair it with a mushroom risotto or creamy pasta.  

Champ de Rêves captures the wild spirit of the Anderson Valley and transports it right to your home.

Aimee Sands, Jackson Family Wines, and Eric Johannsen, Champ de Rêves winemaker

You can find Champ de Rêves Pinot Noir at your local ABC Fine Wine & Spirits or purchase it online here.