The holidays are such a hustle and bustle time of year. Rushing to accomplish last work projects while preparing for the season with shopping, decorating, and celebrations. It is a joyful time of year that leaves most of us exhausted. How about pausing a moment to get a little lazy with a few delicious Pinot Noirs from Lazy Creek Vineyards?

Lazy Creek Vineyards actually takes its name from the Lazy Creek that meanders through its vineyards in the heart of Anderson Valley, Mendocino County. Lazy Creek Vineyards is actually the second oldest vineyard in the valley. It was founded in the early 1900’s by Italian immigrants who planted an orchard and vineyards. They sold the property to Switzerland natives in 1969, who converted the vineyards, against the advice of Robert Mondavi, to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer. In 2008, Don and Rhonda Carano discovered Lazy Creek Vineyards and have owned it ever sense. They fell in love with its charm and hold it in high regards as a labor of love.

“We believe that great wines begin in the vineyard, and we feel honored to carry on the tradition of superbly-crafted, artisan wines established by those before us at Lazy Creek,” says Don Carano.

Christy Ackerman is the winemaker at Lazy Creek Vineyard. She also makes Ferrari-Carano’s Pinot Noirs. Her goal, as she explains, is to allow the vineyards to express themselves in the wines. She appreciates Lazy Creek Vineyards unique location, allowing for complex, concentrated wines, providing a terroir driven experience.

I was recently blessed to participate in a Lazy Creek Vineyard virtual wine tasting featuring Christy Ackerman. Over the course of an hour Christy tasted us through the four wines below as she shared her stories and passions of winemaking.

2015 Lazy Creek Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir Anderson Valley USA ($22): 100% Pinot Noir, pale pink with salmon hues; soft aromas of strawberries, grapefruit, and fresh rose petals; tart and refreshing on the palate with a touch of lime zest, penetrating acidity that coats and lingers; a lovely wine

2014 Ferrari-Carano Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Anderson Valley USA ($38): bright, soft ruby; tart red fruit notes of cranberries, pomegranates, and red cherries joined by cherry cola, soft spice notes, white tea, and a lingering note of toasted, chopped hazelnuts; bright on the palate, juicy red fruit flavors wrap palate with earthy notes introduced mid and back palate, well balanced, elegant yet lively, fun to sip and delicious

2014 Lazy Creek Vineyards ‘Lazy Day’ Pinot Noir Mendocino County USA ($35): bright ruby; fresh aromas of strawberries, red cherries, cranberries, a touch of cherry cola, dried herbs, and mushrooms; light and lively on the palate with spice notes wrapping the palate; medium body, well-structured with balanced acidity and tannins, lingering lively finish; pleasant, easy drinking wine.

2014 Lazy Creek Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir Anderson Valley USA ($58): deep ruby; darker fruit notes of black cherries, blackberries, pomegranates and lingonberries, with dried violets, black tea, spice notes, and a pleasant lingering of dusty earth; silky smooth on the palate, complex on the palate with layers of flavors, well-structured, much earthier than previous Pinots, balanced tannins and acidity; fuller in body with a lingering earthy finish; super wine.

*Disclaimer: These media samples were shared with me as part of an online tasting. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To learn more about Lazy Creek Vineyards or Ferrari-Carano please visit their web sites.

My Song Selection: What song pairs with wines named after a lazy creek, how about a song that makes you want to be lazy for a bit?

Get your own bottle of Lazy Creek Pinot Noirs and let me know what song you pair with them. Cheers!