14.5% alc., $42.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very
muted nose despite intensive swirling in the glass. The black cherry core is lighter in this vintage but flavorful
and this wine has a more noticeable cut of citrusy acid on the finish. Nicely spiced with subtle oak notes in the
background and a fresh cherry ending. At this stage, the flavors trump the nose, and I would hold off another
six months. Good. Hold.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2009 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $42.
·Moderately light reddish-purple
color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherries and dried herbs including
sage. A little rustic, but with an appealing attack of black cherry and blackberry
fruits, holding on with impressive persistence on the spicy, beefy, black cherry
driven finish. Noticeably seamless. Very good. Drink up or hold.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2008 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $42.
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas
of black cherries that take on intensity over time in the glass. More body and fruit presence in this vintage with
a plush core of dark red and black fruits wrapped in tarry, vanilla-laced oak. Finishes with a touch of heat.
Decent. Drink up or hold.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2006 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $42.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very appealing
nose offering an array of dark red and black stone fruits, spice and rose petal. Mid weight flavors of black
cherries and cassis with a riff of beefy mushrooms. Balanced firm, dry tannins with a very dry, flavorful finish.
Very good. Drink up.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2005 Etude Heirloom Carneros Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 1,091 cases, $90.
·Medium reddish-purple color in
the glass. Complex array of aromas including plum sauce, damp forest floor, herbs, mushrooms, spice and
rose petals. Juicy and very tasty with middleweight flavors of black stone fruits and grilled mushrooms. Still
sporting muscular tannins. Very good. Drink up or hold.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2004 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 8,000 cases, $42.
·Moderately
dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aged bouquet of black fruits, cigar, dried
rose petal, and a Prada leather coat. Fresh flavors of blackberries, black
raspberries with an earthy, grilled beef undertone. Some savory spice shows up
as well. Modest in richness, but highly flavorful with balanced tannins and a
pleasing finish. Has aged beautifully. Very good. Drink up.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2004 Etude Heirloom Carneros Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 1,000 cases, $70.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very expressive nose offering
bright aromas of black cherries, sandalwood and spice. Delicious array of dark
fruits, veering to the ripe side, with hints of sassafras, smoke and tea. Very silky
on the palate with supple tannins and some finishing persistence. Clearly the
best of the five Heirloom wines tasted today showing good power but great
balance. Very good (+). Drink up or hold.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2003 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 8,200 cases, magnum, $40 (750 ml).
·Medium reddish-purple
color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, oak cask, clay and cigar box. A charming wine with fresh fruit
expression including flavors of dark red and black berries and black cherries with a hint of dark caramel. Very
soft and silky on the palate. Not quite the intensity of the 2002 vintage, but still sumptuous. Very good. Drink
up.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2002 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., magnum.
·Medium reddish-purple color without bricking in the
glass. Initial aromas of earth, leather, black tea and cigar box give way over time to more black plum fruit.
Very soft and smooth on the palate with restrained tannins and a delicious array of dark red and black fruits
accented with notes of tea leaves, spice and oak. Juicy and satisfying with plenty of fruit holding court on the
finish. Very good. Drink up.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2002 Etude Heirloom Carneros Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 750 cases, $70.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple
color in the glass. The nose is rich with very ripe stone fruit and dark berry aromas with a slight medicinal note.
Discreetly concentrated black plum flavor with a hint of savory herbs and Asian 5-spice. Finishes with drying
tannins. Good. Drink up.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2001 Etude Heirloom Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 850 cases, $70.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Aromas of black cherries, raspberries and flower garden. Soft on entry and exit with a very rich and
tasty core of black cherry, black raspberry and black plum fruits accented with notes of savory herbs and grilled
mushrooms. Still sporting a firm tannic backbone, finishing with impressive length. Very good. Peaked, drink
up.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2000 Etude Heirloom Carneros Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 500 cases, $70.
·Moderately light reddish-purple
color with slight edge bricking in the glass. Aromas of cigar box and soy sauce. Middleweight flavors of dark
berries, currant, and plum with an earthy undertone. Definitely showing its age, but still offers some enjoyable
fruit and respectable length on the finish. Good. Drink up.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 the Gardener Don Miguel Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH
3.40,TA 0.64, 200 cases, $30. Made from organic grapes grown in Goldridge soil. See clone.
Vineyard is Certified Organic by CCOF and farmed by Marimar Torres. Harvested at 22.0 Brix. 50%
MLF. Aged 9 months sur-lee in 30% new French oak barrels.
·Pale straw color and clear in the glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, pear, banana and almond. A transparent wine, unencumbered by oak,
offering flavors of citrus and pear with a hint of roasted nuts in the background. Bright and very
agreeable, light on its feet, with a lively acid backbone, and a tight, lemony finish. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 the Gardener Carneros Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH
3.52, TA 0.62, 200 cases, $35. Scintilla Vineyard, clone 667.
Vineyard Certified Organic by CCOF. Harvested at 23.5 Brix.
20% whole cluster. Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak
barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderately light reddishpurple
color in the glass. The aromas jump out of the glass
with remarkable clarity, displaying notes of fresh black cherries
and spice. Delicious core of perfectly ripe, well-spiced cherries and plums,
impeccably balanced with supple tannins, and featuring a remarkably long,
cherry driven finish. My notes are filled with superlatives. This wine is like the
girl you could never have but always wanted.WINERY »ARTICLE »
12.3% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.697, 84 cases, $19, screwcap. 98% Pinot
Noir (Signal Ridge Vineyard) and 2% Chardonnay. Aged in both stainless tanks and neutral oak. Unfined.
·Moderately light red color in the glass. Aromas of strawberry, cranberry, cherry, blood orange and floral tones.
Soft and perfumey on the palate, with flavors of strawberries, cherries, and red hard candy. Very fruity in style
with a subtle sweet character. Decent.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Bravium Signal Ridge Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.47,
TA 0.61, 288 cases, $34. The vineyard is on a steep mountainside three ridges in from the
Pacific Ocean at 2,642 feet elevation. Relatively shallow and rocky soils. Wide variety of
clones and selections including Pommard and Swan. Yields 0.65 tons per acre. 16% whole
cluster, 7-day cold soak. Native fermentation in one-ton fermenters. Aged 11 months in 33%
new 4-year air-dried Francois Frères oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherries, deep red rose petals and pine needle.
Tasty with good intensity, featuring flavors of black cherries black raspberries and pomegranates with a hint of
tea. Impeccable balance with mild tannins and juicy acidity, finishing with impressive intensity. Blossomed
beautifully the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, displaying a dreamy, velvety mouth
feel and seductive flavors.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Bravium Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.60, 96 cases, $34. From the
Volamus Vineyard, located in the Petaluma Gap, and planted in 1999. Dense plantings of 115, 667
and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed, native fermentation, aged in 25% new 4-year air-dried Francois
Frères oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass.
Great nose with explosive aromas of black cherries, redwood and spice, holding up nicely over time
in the glass. Very soft in the mouth and highly flavorful with a core of black cherry and black
raspberry fruits, accented with notes of dark chocolate and spice, finishing with a refreshing edge of
citrus-driven acidity. Ready to go now. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.2% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.61, 96 cases, $34. 4,500 vines on 3.5
acres. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard farmed sustainably. Hand
pressed, 25% whole cluster, racked once after MLF, aged in 50%
new 4-year air-dried Francois Frères oak barrels. Unfined and
unfiltered.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. A more
serious, complex wine that will benefit from more time in the bottle.
The aromas open slowly in the glass to reveal hi-tone notes of dark berries,
spice, forest floor and a hint of vanilla. Dark berries are the featured fruit with
undertones of dark chocolate, clove and allspice, all wrapped in dry, chalky
tannins, finishing with razor sharp acidity. A little more body, nuance and class than the Sonoma Coast
bottling. Very good (+).WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.2% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.634, 72 cases, $39. Yields
0.65 tons per acre. 25% whole cluster, 7-day cold soak, native
fermentation, aged in 66% new 4-year air-dried Francois Frères oak
barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Incredible nose that keeps pumping
out aromas of fresh dark berries over time in the glass. Delicious core
of black cherry and dark berry fruits, exotically spiced with a hint of
toasty oak in the background. A seamless wine with powdery tannins and a
finishing lift of decadent fruit that returns in waves for several encores. An
exceptionally dreamy wine.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.3% alc., pH 3.49,
TA 0.60, 72 cases, $39. Yields 0.65 tons per acre. 20% whole cluster, native fermentation, aged in 33% new
4-year air-dried Francois Frères oak barrels. 25% whole cluster, 7-day cold soak, native fermentation, aged in
66% new Francois Frères oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. Aromas of cherries, cassis, spice and oak. Redder fruits are featured on a mid weight frame. Light and
juicy with supple tannins and a good finishing grip of acidity. Pleasant and easy to drink, but lacks a mid palate
and finishing punch of fruit. Good (+).WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.4% alc., pH 3.52,
TA 0.60, 96 cases, $39. Yields 0.65 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day cold soak, native fermentation,
aged in neutral French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark red cherries and berries, fruit bin and mushrooms. A little riper and more
savory with flavors of black cherries, plum, spice and mushrooms. The tannins are soft and supple and the
finish is juicy and appealing. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.3% alc. pH 3.51, TA 0.6, 288 cases,
$24. Clones 17, 76, 96 and 97. Aged in a combination of oak barrels and tanks. Partial MLF. Unfined.
·Very
light yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon, nuts, honeysuckle and seasoned oak. Light, soft and
delicately flavored, with notes of pear, hazelnut and caramel. A well-crafted, but very understated style that just
didn’t grab my attention. Decent.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2012 Waxwing Spring Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Rosé
12.9% alc., 26 cases, $23. Released
April 20, 2013. From a cool and windy vineyard situated in the center of the Petaluma Gap. Grapes picked a
week earlier that for regular Pinot Noir. A dedicated rosé, not a saignée meant to concentrate a Pinot Noir
wine. Clone 777. The fruit was stomped in the bins to release a touch of color into the juice and whole cluster
pressed an hour later. The juice was racked after 24 hours and fermented in stainless steel. Aged 5 months in
stainless steel.
·Pale pink color in the glass. Delicate aromas of red strawberries, cranberries and honeydew.
Light, dry and refreshing, with elegant flavors of red berries and cherries, finishing with bright acidity. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
12.8% alc., 160 cases, $45. One
of the lightest wines in 2011. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. Shy and not particularly appealing with aromas of red and blue berries, apple and green beans. The
red fruit flavors trump the nose but the wine is still rather shallow from entry through the finish, and noticeably
less concentrated and ripe than the 2010 vintage. There is an appealing finesse and elegance on display, but
the crisp acidity overwhelms the meager fruit. Slightly better the next day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
13.0% alc., 143 cases, $50. Clone 113 and
Pommard. Located in proximity to Summa Vineyard. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·Moderate
reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, raspberries, forest floor, moss and graham. Very
tasty with a vibrant core of cherry and red berry fruit accented by notes of sassafras and Asian 5-spice.
Presents a charming elegance with supple tannins and a refreshing finish. Not as big and boisterous as the
2010 vintage, but the similarities between the two vintages are evident, and the wine is quite charming in its
own right. Very good. Looking forward to trying the 2012 vintage from this vineyard.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.1%
alc., 225 cases, $50. The vineyard’s location in the northeastern part of
Occidental allowed it to achieve full maturity before the rains and it shows in this
wine. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Nicely perfumed with bright aromas of dark raspberry jam, pine and
spice. Soft in the mouth with mid weight flavors of black raspberries, black
plums and mocha. The most concentrated wine in the 2011 lineup, with
tenacious fruit that seeks out every corner of the mouth, finishing with
impressive persistence. Even better later in the day from a previously opened
and re-corked bottle. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
12.8% alc., 204 cases, $50. A combination
of all blocks at Summa Vineyard. Aged in 75% new French oak barrels.
·Light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Red fruited on the nose and palate showing its usual spice and orange peel highlights, but offering an
uncharacteristic and curious savory and smoky note. Very good acidity and brisk on the palate and finish. A
skeleton of its usual self. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Good at best.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.1% alc., 185 cases, $45.
Aged in 60% new French oak barrels.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Ying (savory) and
yang (fruit) nose offering scents of dark stone fruits, cinnamon spice, forest floor, pine, mushroom and oak.
Plush, full and creamy on the palate featuring flavors of dark red berries and plums, finishing soft and intense
with a good cut of acidity. The ripest and most concentrated wine in the 2010 lineup, but not weighty. One of
the biggest Rivers-Marie wines ever and a magnet for fruit lovers. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.2% alc.,169 cases, $45. Aged in
40% new French oak barrels. Farmed by Ulises Valdez. Clone VR and 828.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple
color and hazy in the glass. Very brooding, with shy aromas of blackberry jam, black currant, and oak cask.
Mid weight core of tasty black fruits backed by complimentary oak. The wine displays a soft, polished texture,
balanced tannins, and a welcome cut of acidity on the finish. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.1%
alc., 120 cases, $50. Aged in 80% new French oak barrels. Gioia is a
2-acre vineyard just west of Occidental on Joy Road, about a mile from
Summa Vineyard as the crow flies. A mix of 115 and Pommard clones.
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The most aromatic wine in
the lineup, filling the glass with a perfume of fresh black cherries,
raspberries, clove and other spices, and sandalwood. Discretely
concentrated dark raspberry and cherry fruit flavors with a hint of brown spice
and dark chocolate. The mid palate fruit is very exotic and striking in its
vividness, persisting with uncommon clarity in a very juicy, splashy finish.
Seamless, with modest tannins, and easy to dance with now.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 200 cases, $50. 10% whole
cluster. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very unusual array
of aromas and hard to pin down with proper descriptors. I get some aromas of cherries, orange pekoe tea,
spice and vanilla wafer. Middleweight flavors of cherries, raspberries and blueberries with the slightest oak in
the background. A well-mannered, but not exciting wine, with balanced tannins and crisp acidity. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 137 cases, $75.
Aged in 80% new French oak barrels.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black
cherries, orange peel, exotic spices and espresso-laced oak. Sumptuous, long and full on the palate featuring
flavors of ripe cherries, citrus flavored cranberries, and spice. Picks up interest and intensity over time in the
glass. This wine offers obvious sophistication in a gentle, more demure style in this vintage. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.1% alc.,
pH 3.50, TA 0.80, 291 cases, $50. A blend of all five clones in the
Ranch House Block. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels. Unfined
and unfiltered.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Pleasingly aromatic with scents of dark berries, toasty oak and
mushrooms on the grill. Impressive mid palate attack of dark red and
black berry fruit with a hint of brandy-soaked cherries. A little earthiness
adds to the appeal. With a satisfying fullness on the palate, full ripeness, and a
long finish, this wine aims to please. On top of that, it has a uniqueness that
sets it apart.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Foursight Wines “Zero New Oak” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.62, 168 cases, $38. Released May 2013. Aged in 2-year-old
and older barrels so the emphasis is on the Pinot Noir fruit. Sourced from
Charles Vineyard. Clones 777, 115, 114 and Pommard 05. Fermented with
30% whole clusters, 100% wild yeast, and wild MLF cultures. Punchdowns are
done by hand, the wines are pressed in a traditional, wooden basket press, and
aged in French oak barrels until bottling with no racking.
·Medium reddish-purple
color in the glass. No new oak, but still has a subtle oak note in the aromas and
flavors. The nose offers scents of dark berries and grape jelly. Plenty of black
grape, black cherry and raspberry flavor with a striking persistence on the huge,
very long finish. Balanced and silky on the palate, this is a satisfying wine. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Foursight Wines Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.62, 170
cases, $46. Released May 2013. Crafted from all four clones grown in the estate vineyard: 777, 114, 115 and
Pommard 05. 30% whole clusters, native yeast fermentation and native MLF. Aged in 40% new French oak
barrels.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherries, forest floor and the slightest
oak. Lighter than the 2009 version of this wine and very similar in flavor but with a redder fruit profile. Red
cherries are most evident with a bright backbone of citrusy acidity and a juicy finish. Very approachable and
easy to drink. Maybe comfortable is the best word. A righteous food wine. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Foursight Wines Charles Vineyard “Clone 05” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.71, TA
0.58, 125 cases, $49. Released May 2013. Produced every year since 2007. 30% whole cluster, fermented
with wild yeast and wild MLF. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Light garnet color
in the glass. The wine is quite light in weight, with aromas and flavors of red cherries and raspberries. Oak
plays a significant role with aromas of oak spice and espresso. Very elegant with gossamer tannins and bright
acidity. More intensely flavorful than one would expect from the light color. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
13.0% alc., 295 cases, $70 ($150 magnum).
This 15-acre vineyard was planted in 1989 by Ross’s father, David, and his mother, Diane, and is one of the
oldest vineyards on the extreme Sonoma Coast. Elevation ranges from 900 to 1,200 feet and sits on a ridge
overlooking the Pacific Ocean four miles to the West. Periods of spring rain or heavy fog can lead to very low
yields, and in some years is virtually nonexistent. Yield in 2009 was less than 1 ton per acre. Aged 20 months
in 35% new French oak barrels.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, offering scents of
dark red cherries and berries, bark, root beer and clove. Tasty core of dark red cherries with subtle accents of
animale, tobacco and tar. Modest in weight with firm, dry tannins, and finishing with good power and a lively cut of
acidity. Showing much better than previously reviewed six months ago. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2009 COBB Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 260 cases, $70 ($150 magnum). A 3-acre hillside vineyard
near Occidental. Two Dijon clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam
soil. Exposed to the most shade and fog of any of the vineyards Ross
works with. Aged 20 months in 30% new French oak barrels.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of
dark red cherries and berries permeate the air. Ambrosial flavors of dark
red cherries, pomegranates, and spice. The most polished wine in the lineup
with a silky smooth mouth feel. Finishes with a bold kiss of cherries and juicy
acidity. One of the best one night stands you’ll ever have.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2009 COBB Jack Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5%
alc., 140 cases, $70 ($150 magnum). A 2-acre vineyard situated on a
steep slope overlooking the Freestone Valley near Occidental. Dijon
115, 667 and 828 planted in Goldridge soils. Aged 20 months in 35%
new French oak barrels.
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass.
Darker red and black cherry and berry aromas are featured with hints of
forest floor, spice, cigar box, and oak vanillin. Delicious mid weight
flavors of cherries, plums and elderberries with an outrageously long and
satisfying finish. Beautifully balanced tannins and acidity. Will make any dinner
special.WINERY »ARTICLE »
13.0% alc., pH 3.29, 295 cases, $70 ($150
magnum). About six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean near Sebastopol, this vineyard is planted to Dijon
clones and Swan selection in Goldridge sandy loam soils with volcanic ash. 25% whole cluster. Aged 20
months in 35% new French oak barrels.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume
evolves over time in the glass, revealing aromas of darker cherries and berries, forest floor, praline and subtle
oak. Intensely fruity carrying royally through the mid palate and finish, showing the most body of the wines
tasted here. Attractive finesse, with mild tannins, and a lively citrus-infused ending. Very good (+).WINERY »ARTICLE »
13.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.52, 30,000 cases, $23. Aged 7
months in 23% new and 77% seasoned French oak barrels. Racked once out of barrel before final
blending.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with aromas of confected cherries,
ripe strawberries, Indian spices and a subtle saline note. Easy to cozy up to with forward flavors of
black cherries, black raspberries, spice and toffee-laced oak. A subtle, confected (sweet) tone to the
fruit is evident. Very smooth on the palate with gentle tannins. One of California’s best and most
reliable, value-priced and widely available Pinot Noirs. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Bruliam Caritas Cuvée Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.828, $35. Sourced from
Deer Meadows Vineyard farmed by Rich Savoy. The 2011 crop was plagued by botrytis and harvest was
challenging. Mixture of co-fermented Swan, 777 and Calera. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in
seasoned French oak and 9 months in bottle before release.
·Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red
cherries, red hard candy and rose bush. Delicate and pleasant, but rather hollow, offering crisp flavors of red
cherries and red raspberries with a hint of herbs. Decent.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Sineann Resonance Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $38.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of black cherries with a hint of rose petal and
oak. Relatively lush core of black cherry fruit lashed with tobacco oak and buried in oak tannins. The wine has
a curious sweet and sour finish. This bottling is usually one of my favorites from the Willamette Valley but this
vintage falls short. Decent.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 St. Rose Nunes Vineyard Ten Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.68, 72 cases, $38. Clones 115, 777, 667 and 114.
Favorite three of ten barrels. Aged 12 months in new, 1-year and 2-year-old
Francois Frères oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderately light reddishpurple
color in the glass. Very shy and never really opens fully in the glass
offering demure aromas of dark red cherries and berries. Smooth on the palate
with an appealing crispness, offering a tasty core of cherry, cola and spice
flavors with complimentary oak in the background. I would give this wine more
time in the bottle to allow the aromas to arrive. Good (+).WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 SPELL Nichole’s Blend Sonoma County Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., 245 cases, $39.
·Moderate reddish-purple
color in the glass. Very shy, but pleasant nose offering primarily black cherry fruit. A cherry lovers
delight with complimentary hints of cola and spice. Smooth and balanced with soft tannins and some cherry driven
length on the finish. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 St. Rose Nunes Vineyard 777 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.68, 54
cases, $44. The Nunes Vineyard is owned and farmed by Fred and Wendy Nunes. 100% clone 777. Harvest
Brix 23.0º. Aged 12 months in new, 1-year and 2-year-old Francois Frères oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Delicate aromas of dark red cherries, spice, oak-driven tobacco and
herb notes with a rose petal perfume appearing over time in the glass. Light weight cherry core with slight oak
in the background, finishing with a charge of cherry flavor. Bright acidity and mild tannins make for refreshing
drinking. Atypical for clone 777 which usually produces very dark fruit with good density. This delicate wine
seems to fall short of full ripeness as it veers more to the red fruit spectrum. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH
3.57, TA 0.61, 414 cases,$48. Release Spring 2013. 38% Cleary Ranch
and Michael Valentine, 23% Roberts Road, 23% Kiser/Vella, and Stiling.
Clones 777, Swan, Pommard, 667, 114 and 115.
·Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. Enchanting nose offering aromas of
exotically spiced black cherry and plum with a hint of smoky oak.
Elegant and soft on the palate, with juicy flavors of black cherries, black
raspberries and cardamom spice caressed by gentle tannins and ending on a
clean, bright, dark cherry note. One of the most suave Pinots ever from Eric
Kent. I like this wine for its seductive character.WINERY »ARTICLE »
13.4% alc., 100 cases, $50.
·Medium reddishpurple
color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, dark berry liquor, spice and an earthy-clay note typical of
this vineyard. Mid weight cherry, berry and plum flavors with firm, balanced tannins, and a mineral-driven note
of iron. Finishes with a zing of citrusy acidity. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
13.4%
alc., 90 cases, $50.
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Highly
fragrant in the glass with aromas of darker berries and cherries, rose
petals, and the inside of a well-perfumed woman's leather glove.
Ambrosial on the palate with layers of flavor including cherry,
raspberry and pomegranate. This wine has the most tannin in the
2011 lineup, but enough fruit to take it on. The good acidity gives the
wine vigor and the finish is ridiculously long. This is one of those wines
that makes you sit back in your chair, smile and exclaim, “Wow!” I have had
several great wines from this vineyard and this one joins the crew.WINERY »ARTICLE »
14.3% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.462, $55.
Picking began a day before September rains. Clone 115. 100% de-stemmed. Saignée for a rosé was
followed by minor acid and water additions to replace the volume lost. Aged 10 months in 20% new French
Radoux oak barrels and 80% Radoux seasoned oak barrels. Aged 9 months in bottle before release.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is enchanting, starting out with aromas of black
cherries and evolving to more complexity with scents of sassafras, bark, cola and cinnamon. Elegant and
tasty, with mid weight flavors of black cherries and black raspberries and undertones of oak and anise. The fruit
is well-framed by good acidity and gentle tannins. The finish is fruit-driven and charming. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
13.4% alc.,
90 cases, $72.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Wild and exotic on
the nose with aromas of fresh-picked berries, grapes, spice and cut flowers. A
delightful wine that aims to please with appealing black raspberry and black
cherry flavors and a touch of spice. Seamless and polished with gentle tannins
and a cherry cola finish. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Lundeen Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 100 cases, $30. From Genius Loci Wines.
Sourced from Ana Vineyard in the Dundee Hills (40%) and Illahe Vineyards in the Willamette Valley (60%).
Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. A little
reduction upon opening blows off revealing aromas of red cherries, raspberries, cranberries and a hint of
tobacco oak. Light red fruits are featured with oak in the background. Gentle tannins and lively acidity make
for easy drinking. Decent.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Byron Clone 667 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.53, 50 cases, $45. A small
lot wine that is part of the winery’s experimental approach to winemaking. Sourced from the estate Nielson
Vineyard. 10% whole clusters. Aged 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
·Dark reddish-purple color in
the glass. Reserved, but pleasant array of darker fruit aromas with a sexy perfume of a fine Prada leather
coat. Earthy and meaty, relatively big, but polished, with a delicious core of well-spiced dark fruits, backed by
firm, but balanced tannins. A very satisfying wine that only falls a tad short on the finishing length. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Byron Monument Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc.,
pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 225 cases, $60. A small lot wine that is part of the
winery’s experimental approach to winemaking. From Sanford &
Benedict selections. A barrel selection that represents the finest red
wine made each year. Aged 16 months in 100% new French oak
barrels.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A bit exotic
and highly alluring on the nose with aromas of black cherry pie glaze,
blackberries and spice. Earth-kissed array of darker stone and berry fruits that
gently saturate the palate, finishing with a remarkable kiss of spiced raspberries.
Velvety smooth in the mouth with ripe, balanced tannins and judicious presence
of oak. Not overwrought like so many reserve-type wines. A complete wine that gets better and better over
time in the glass. “Monument” is an appropriate name for this exceptional offering.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Byron Whole Cluster Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 225 cases, $60.
Aged 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
·Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright black cherry
and spice aromas with oak-driven notes of coffee and smoke. Well-endowed with an intensely flavored core of
black cherry fruit balanced with firm but powdery tannins and accented with oak. Has enough acidity to carry
the fruit and tannin load. Soft and silky on the palate. Great potential here, but needs more time for the oak to
integrate. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Patz & Hall Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 400 cases, $85. Released
March 2013. A vineyard-designate for Patz & Hall since 1997. Sourced from the vineyard’s Hermanos Block
and famed Old Field. This wine sees more oak than other Patz & Hall Pinot Noirs and receives more bottle
aging before release. Wild and cultured fermentations. 15% whole clusters. Aged in 80% new Burgundian
French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruit
aromas including blackberry jam on toast, plum reduction sauce and prune. Luscious on the palate with mid
weight sappy flavors of blackberries, raspberries, raisins and spice. The oak is beautifully integrated. Modest
tannins make for easy approachability in this vintage. Wears its alcohol well. Long, long finish. On the ripe
side, but the fruit is captivating, and you have to love it. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2009 Dierberg “Steven” Estate Grown Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., pH 3.62, $65. Dierberg Vineyard is located on top a sandy loam mesa
above the South Bank of the Santa Maria River. “Steven,” named after the
Dierberg’s first grandson, is sourced from areas of loamy clay near the western
edge of the vineyard (“sweet spot”) that produce wines with more power and
structure. Brix at harvest 25.9º. De-stemmed but not crushed. Long maceration
of 21 days with pump over regimen reduced one short mixing per day. Aged 17
months in 100% new Francois Frères oak puncheons. Clarity fined and
unfiltered.
·Moderately dark purple color in the glass. The nose is reluctant to
reveal itself, slowly offering aromas of black cherries and black berries with
forest floor notes and some smoky oak. Soft, structured and full-bodied on the palate with oak-kissed black
cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, and earthy, grilled mushroom flavors. The tannins are firm and dry. The
wine is consistent with the Dierberg style from this vineyard, but ramped up a bit in concentration. At present
the fruit is buried in the oak topcoat, but this should largely resolve over time in the bottle. About the same the
following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A terroir-driven wine that is well crafted in its
style. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2008 Okanogan Estate & Vineyards Washington State Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., $19.99. This winery is
located in Oroville, Washington, a turn-of-the-century gold mining town in the Okanogan Valley, five miles south
of British Columbia, Canada. All grapes are grown locally in the Northern Okanogan Valley.
·Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, black raspberries, oak and soy sauce.
Middleweight flavors of black cherries, plum and a touch of spice with the palate dominated by slightly
astringent tannins. The flavors veer to the very ripe side and a note of prune creeps in. Decent.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2008 Walnut City Wineworks Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.69, TA
0.56, 650 cases, $30. A barrel selection of the best lots from five vineyards in the Willamette Valley.
Aged 18 months in 10% new French oak barrels and 24 months in bottle.
·Medium reddish-purple
color in the glass. The nose is well-endowed with aromas of black cherries, black raspberries,
baking spices and toasty oak. Discreetly concentrated flavors of black cherries with complimentary
oak notes of spice and toast, and a citrus-laden underbody. The extended bottle aging has allowed
the tannins to fully meld and the wine is enjoyable now. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2012 Left Coast Cellars Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 275 cases, $18,
screwcap. Dijon 777 and 667. A saignée of 100% Pinot Noir. 50% aged in neutral French for 5
months and 50% aged in stainless steel for 5 months.
·Moderate deep pink hue in the glass. This a
more substantial rosé with more color, body and fruit concentration seen in most rosés. I like it for
its juicy strawberry, cherry and watermelon aromas and flavors. Pair this with pork tenderloin or
Honey Baked Ham. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2012 Bruliam Sonoma County Rosé of Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
$20. A saignée of Pinot Noir after 24 hours of skin contact. Fruit is
from the Russian River Valley (estate Torrey Hill Vineyard) and
Sonoma Coast (Gap’s Crown Vineyard). Fermented and aged in
stainless steel kegs after inoculation. No MLF. LIghtly fined for
clarity.
·Light pink-coral color and clear in the glass. Fresh aromas of
strawberries, watermelon, cherry glaze and dried herbs. The flavors
echo the nose with some welcome spice. A subtle riff of dried herbs adds an
appealing savory accent. The wine is dry and refreshing and not in the tutti fruity
genre of rosés. I would drink it with sushi. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2012 Left Coast Cellars White Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 200 cases, $20, screwcap. Made from freerun
juice of Pommard and Wädenswil Pinot Noir grapes. Aged 5 months in stainless steel.
·A
multitude of aromas and flavors including pear, tropical fruits, and white peach. Brisk, juicy, fruity and
refreshing. Delightful slightly chilled as an aperitif. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2012 Soliste Soleil Rouge Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., 327 cases, $22.
·Moderately light pink
coral color in the glass. Aromas of dried cherries, alpine strawberries, melon, and herbs. Fresh
flavors of strawberry, pink grapefruit, and orange zest, finishing with a note of tart grapefruit peel.
Dry, and easy to like, with a freshness that is the calling card for rosé. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc.,
·Light golden straw color in the glass.
Aromas of lemon curd, honey, buttered popcorn and oak. Layers of flavors including lemon, white peach,
poached apple, spice and caramel with a dry, lemony finish. Oak is used to an advantage. Very Russian River
Valley in character. Not for mineral-driven Chardonnay aficionados, but rather fruit and oak forward
Chardonnay lovers. I can appreciate the appeal of this style which is very popular. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Walt La Brisa Sonoma County Chardonnay
14.4% alc., $35.Walt Wines is owned by vintners
Kathryn Walt Hall and Craig Hill who partnered with artisan vintner Roger Roessler. A blend of
Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards (Dutton Ranch and Sangiacomo Vineyard). Old
Wente clone.
·Moderate golden straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon meringue,
honey, poached pear, stewed apples and fresh cut grass. A solid wine with appealing flavors of
vanilla pudding with pineapple, baked pear, nori and a hint of oak. A bright cut of acidity brings the
wine to life and leads to a refreshing finish. Good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2011 Walt Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.8% alc.,
1,009 cases, $60. Dutton Ranch and Sangiacomo Vineyard. Old Wente clone.
Native yeast fermentation, unfined and unfiltered.
·Light golden straw color and
clear in the glass. Shy, but inviting aromas of Asian pear, lemon drop, brewed
lemon tea and a hint of juicy fruit. A statuesque wine that has a charming
restraint but offers a very pleasurable array of flavors including lemon, pear, and
green apple. No imposing oak to spoil the experience. This is a wine that
unfolds slowly, showing a different nuance a little at a time. Very good.WINERY »ARTICLE »
2010 Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., 1,364 case, $58. Released October 2012.
Fifteenth vintage from this vineyard first planted in 1981. This
vineyard shines in both hot and cool years. Hyde-Wente selection
planted exclusively for Patz & Hall on the best soils at Hyde Vineyard.
Very well-drained sandy, clay loam which typically produces low vigor
and low yields. Whole cluster pressed, indigenous yeast
fermentations, aged sur lie with weekly stirring, 100% MLF in barrel, aged in
52% new Burgundian French oak barrels. Unfiltered.
·Light golden straw color
and clear in the glass. Perfumey with attractive aromas of lemongrass, honey,
pear and fresh air after a rain. Very classy, and of striking quality, with flavors of lemons, apples and oak-driven
caramel and honey. Seamless, bone dry and done right. This is a wine that drinks so softly, you want to take
another sip right away. Sublime seduction and one of California’s greatest Chardonnays.WINERY »ARTICLE »
Robert Parkers 100 point wine scoring system, which became popular in 1983 and adopted by the Wine Spectator in 1988, has been a homing beacon for consumers seeking to buy good wine. Currently, a majority of United States based wine critics and magazines use the 100 point scale.
The reality is that the 100 point scale is actually a 10 point scale.
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A Note About Prices
Price shown in a tasting note is either the winery-direct price or the retail price paid by the Prince.