Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley – California's Cool-Climate Masterpiece Worth Every Penny

Updated → August 2025

Discover why Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley consistently earns 93-97 point ratings. This cool-climate California gem from the legendary Savoy Vineyard delivers black cherry depth, silky tannins, and exceptional complexity that rivals premier Burgundy at half the price.

Why Anderson Valley Produces World-Class Pinot Noir

Imagine a wine region where morning fog rolls in like clockwork, where redwood forests frame pristine vineyards, and where the Pacific Ocean's cooling influence creates perfect conditions for Pinot Noir. Welcome to Anderson Valley, California's best-kept secret for premium cool-climate wines.

Located just 10-15 miles from the Pacific coast in Mendocino County, Anderson Valley benefits from one of the widest diurnal temperature variations in the wine world—a remarkable 40-50°F swing between day and night. This natural air conditioning allows Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, developing complex flavors while maintaining bright acidity.

The valley's unique geography acts as a funnel for cool marine air, creating distinct microclimates along its 15-mile length. From the warmer Boonville area to the cooler "deep end" near Navarro, temperatures drop approximately one degree per mile—a phenomenon that gives winemakers exceptional flexibility in crafting their wines.

The Legendary Savoy Vineyard Story

Among Anderson Valley's most celebrated sites, Savoy Vineyard stands as a crown jewel. First planted in 1991, this 44-acre estate encompasses 29 acres of Pinot Noir divided into 34 meticulously managed sub-blocks. The vineyard's location in the cooler western portion of the valley, combined with its sedimentary soils enriched with marine uplift and gravel deposits, creates ideal conditions for producing world-class Pinot Noir.

What makes Savoy truly special is its diversity of plantings. The vineyard features both mature blocks of Dijon clones 114 and 115, known for their intensity and structure, alongside younger plantings of California heritage clones including Martini, Calera, Swan, and Mt. Eden. This genetic diversity allows Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley to achieve remarkable complexity in every bottle.

The vineyard's reputation extends far beyond FEL. Prestigious producers including Littorai, Radio-Coteau, Auteur, Failla, and Peay all source fruit from Savoy, testament to the exceptional quality of its terroir. The site consistently produces wines with a distinctive savory character, setting it apart from other Anderson Valley vineyards.

FEL Wines: A Mother's Legacy Lives On

The story of FEL Wines begins not in a boardroom but in a basement, where Florence Elsie Lede crafted homemade wines that sparked her son Cliff's lifelong passion for winemaking. When Cliff Lede purchased the former Breggo Cellars in 2009, he renamed it FEL in tribute to his mother's pioneering spirit.

Under the skilled guidance of winemaker Ryan Hodgins, FEL has become synonymous with Anderson Valley excellence. Hodgins, who earned his degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis, brings international experience from stints at Witness Tree Vineyard in Oregon, Acacia Vineyard in Napa, and even Krishna Valley Winery in India. His philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention winemaking that allows the unique character of Savoy Vineyard to shine through.

In 2011, the Lede family took their commitment to Anderson Valley to the next level by purchasing Savoy Vineyard itself, ensuring complete control over farming practices and fruit quality. This estate ownership allows FEL to implement sustainable farming practices and pick at optimal ripeness, resulting in the consistently exceptional quality found in every bottle of Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley.

What Makes This Pinot Noir So Special

Opening a bottle of Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley reveals why critics consistently award it scores in the 93-97 point range. The wine immediately captivates with its complex aromatics—an intriguing blend of black tea, cedar, and rose petals wrapped around an intense core of black cherry.

On the palate, this wine showcases the full potential of cool-climate California Pinot Noir. Layers of blackberry, plum, and caraway unfold with each sip, supported by silky tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. The wine's mouth-filling texture and exceptional depth set it apart from lighter-styled Pinots, while maintaining the elegance that defines great Anderson Valley wines.

What truly distinguishes this wine is its savory character—a hallmark of Savoy Vineyard. Notes of forest floor, wild herbs, and subtle spice add complexity that evolves beautifully in the glass. The finish is remarkably persistent, with flavors of spearmint and redwood forest lingering long after each sip.

Understanding Vintage Variations

While Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley maintains consistent quality across vintages, each year brings subtle variations that add to the wine's collectibility. The 2020 vintage earned 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, praised for its "very ripe fruit and impression of sweetness" alongside "soft tannins and a full body."

The 2019 vintage, also scoring 95 points, showcased "handsome black-fruit flavors" with exceptional focus and concentration. Wine Enthusiast recommended holding this vintage until 2025 for optimal enjoyment, highlighting its aging potential. The 2021 vintage continued this excellence, with winemaker notes describing "exceptionally intense flavors" and "great depth and texture."

Recent vintages have benefited from ideal growing conditions in Anderson Valley, with moderate temperatures allowing for extended hang time and phenolic ripeness. The combination of mature vines, experienced vineyard management, and favorable weather patterns has resulted in a string of outstanding vintages that showcase the best of California Pinot Noir.

Price Analysis: Premium Quality at Fair Value

At retail prices typically ranging from $57-69, Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley represents exceptional value in the premium Pinot Noir category. Consider that comparable single-vineyard Pinots from Burgundy's premier sites often command prices of $150-300, while top California producers from Russian River Valley or Sonoma Coast frequently exceed $80-100.

The wine's consistent critical acclaim and limited production make it particularly attractive for collectors and enthusiasts. With Savoy Vineyard's fruit also going to cult producers who charge significantly more for their bottlings, FEL offers insider access to this legendary terroir at a fraction of the cost.

Smart buyers often purchase by the case to secure better pricing and ensure availability of future vintages. Many retailers offer case discounts of 10-15%, bringing the per-bottle cost down to the low $50s—an exceptional value for wine of this caliber.

Perfect Food Pairings for Maximum Enjoyment

The versatility of Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley at the table makes it a sommelier's dream. Its combination of fruit intensity, savory complexity, and balanced acidity allows it to complement a wide range of cuisines.

For meat dishes, this wine excels with duck breast, whether roasted with cherry glaze or prepared confit-style. The wine's black fruit notes harmonize beautifully with the richness of duck, while its acidity cuts through the fat. Pork tenderloin with herbs, rack of lamb with rosemary, or even a perfectly grilled salmon showcase the wine's versatility.

Mushroom-based dishes are particularly magical pairings, as the wine's earthy undertones echo the umami richness of wild mushrooms. Try it with mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or a mixed mushroom tart for an unforgettable combination. For cheese courses, aged Gruyère, Époisses, or a young Manchego provide ideal textural and flavor contrasts.

How to Serve Like a Sommelier

To fully appreciate Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley, proper serving temperature is crucial. Serve slightly cool at 58-62°F (14-17°C)—cooler than most red wines but warmer than cellar temperature. This temperature range allows the wine's complex aromatics to fully express themselves while maintaining freshness.

Decanting is recommended for younger vintages, allowing 30-45 minutes of air exposure to open up the wine's layered flavors. For vintages with 5+ years of age, gentle decanting just before serving removes any sediment while preserving the wine's evolved characteristics.

Choose large-bowled Burgundy glasses to concentrate the wine's delicate aromatics. The wide bowl allows proper aeration while the tapered rim directs the bouquet toward your nose. Pour modest 3-4 ounce servings to maintain optimal temperature throughout the tasting experience.

Smart Buying Strategies

Securing bottles of Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley requires strategic planning due to limited production and high demand. Join FEL's mailing list for first access to new releases and library wines. Many collectors purchase futures to guarantee allocation of highly-rated vintages.

Consider buying multiple vintages to experience the wine's evolution over time. Vertical tastings reveal how Savoy Vineyard's terroir expresses itself differently each year while maintaining its distinctive character. Look for special bottlings like the occasional Spiritus Savoy Vineyard release for ultra-premium expressions of this exceptional site.

Timing purchases around release dates typically offers the best pricing, as secondary market prices often increase for well-reviewed vintages. Building relationships with trusted retailers ensures access to allocated wines and insider information about upcoming releases.

Storage and Cellaring Potential

Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley rewards patient collectors with graceful evolution over 10-15 years. Store bottles horizontally in a temperature-controlled environment at 55-58°F with 60-70% humidity. Avoid temperature fluctuations and vibrations that can prematurely age the wine.

Young vintages benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring to integrate tannins and develop secondary characteristics. Peak drinking windows typically span from 5-12 years after vintage, though exceptional years can improve for 15+ years. The wine's natural acidity and tannic structure provide the backbone for extended aging.

As the wine ages, expect primary fruit flavors to evolve into more complex notes of leather, forest floor, dried herbs, and exotic spices. The texture becomes increasingly silky, and the wine's various elements meld into seamless harmony. Properly stored bottles from great vintages become true treasures that justify the wait.

Similar Wines Worth Exploring

While Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley offers exceptional quality, exploring similar wines broadens your understanding of cool-climate Pinot Noir. Within Anderson Valley, seek out Littorai's Savoy Vineyard bottling for another interpretation of this exceptional site, though expect to pay $75-90.

From other regions, consider Failla's Occidental Ridge Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, which shares a similar combination of power and elegance. Au Bon Climat's Sanford & Benedict Vineyard from Santa Rita Hills offers comparable complexity at a similar price point. For Oregon comparisons, Beaux Frères or Domaine Drouhin provide benchmarks for New World Pinot Noir excellence.

Budget-conscious alternatives within FEL's portfolio include their Anderson Valley blend, which incorporates fruit from multiple premier vineyards at around $35-40. This wine offers a taste of FEL's winemaking style and Anderson Valley terroir at a more accessible price point.

Why Hawaii Wine Lovers Choose This Pinot

Hawaii's sophisticated wine culture and appreciation for premium wines make Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley a natural choice for island wine enthusiasts. The wine's versatility with Pacific Rim cuisine, from fresh seafood to Asian-fusion dishes, makes it particularly appealing to Hawaii's diverse culinary scene.

The wine's bright acidity and fruit-forward character complement Hawaii's tropical climate, providing refreshment without the heaviness of bigger red wines. Its complexity satisfies experienced collectors while remaining approachable for those expanding their wine knowledge. The connection between California's cool coastal influence and Hawaii's ocean-moderated climate creates an intuitive understanding of the wine's character.

Local sommeliers frequently recommend this wine for special occasions, knowing its combination of prestige, quality, and food-friendliness will impress guests. The wine's ability to bridge casual and formal dining makes it equally at home at beachside gatherings or elegant dinner parties.

Investment and Collection Considerations

As Anderson Valley's reputation continues to grow and available vineyard land remains limited, wines like Fel Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley represent compelling investment opportunities. The combination of critical acclaim, limited production, and increasing recognition positions these wines for steady appreciation.

Historical price trends show consistent appreciation of 5-8% annually for well-stored bottles from highly-rated vintages. The wine's track record of high scores from major critics provides confidence in future demand. As climate change impacts traditional wine regions, cool-climate sites like Anderson Valley become increasingly valuable.

For serious collectors, focusing on exceptional vintages and considering larger format bottles enhances investment potential. Magnums age more gracefully and command premium prices at auction. Maintaining proper provenance documentation and storage conditions is essential for maximizing future value.

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