Vineyard: Comptche Ridge

OwnersJohn Weir, Mark Weir
AppellationMendocino County
StoryDry-farmed and organically farmed remote vineyard in the redwoods.
Location12 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of 857 feet. Very cool (average low 40 degrees and average high 65 degrees).
AspectIsolated clearing in the mountains north of Navarro, surrounded by high redwood and Douglas fir trees.
SoilsFine sand, clay Franciscan
VarietiesPinot Noir
Clones115, 667, 828, Swan
ManagersJohn Weir, Mark Weir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2012 Comptche Ridge Vineyards Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $47. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. More sap, vibrancy and complexity in this vintage with aromas of dark cherry, spice and cedary oak, and flavors of cherry, raspberry and spice. Lip-smacking and bright with some finishing acid-driven tang and intensity. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Anthill Farms Comptche Ridge Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $44. This vineyard is located a few miles from the Mendocino coastline just north of the town of Navarro and is dryfarmed by the Weir family. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry pie glaze, peat, potpourri, sea breeze and a touch of oak. Delicious marriage of black cherry and blackberry fruit with a compliment of spice and anise. A little earthiness grounds the wine which really attracts your attention with impressive depth of flavor and class. The tannins are nicely balanced, the acidity is harmonious, and the finish is fruit-filled and generous. Extraordinary in this very cool vintage. Score: 94. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Comptche Ridge Vineyards Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $47. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy fruit on the nose with forward aromas of loam, peat and oak. Light and even a bit dilute, with flavors of earth-kissed red cherry and raspberry. Forward with supple tannins and easy drink ability, but not exciting. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Anthill Farms Comptche Ridge Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $44. This 3-acre vineyard is situated north of Navarro above the town of Comptche and just inland from the northern Mendocino Coast. It is dry-farmed by the Weir family. Planted exclusively to Swan clone, yields are 1 ton per acre. · Medium dark purple-red color in the glass. This wine is very upfront after opening. Deep, dark and mysterious nose offering aromas of blackberries, black plums, underbrush and subtle oak. Impressive fruit intensity on the attack and on the finish which persists for what seems like a minute. Rugged and masculine in character with ripe, firm tannins yet possessed with a modicum of finesse. Displays an earth and mineral laden undertone that speaks to the terroir of this region. Spectacular the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Anthill Farms Comptche Ridge Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., $42. From a remote and dry-farmed 2-acre vineyard north of Navarro managed organically by the Weir family. Exclusively Swan selection. Yields were only one ton per acre. · Darker fruits are featured on the nose with a heavy dose of toasted oak and a hint of smoke. Moderately intense core of black raspberry and plum fruit with a smoky undertone. The finish has a good grip of acidity and admirable persistence. Best of the three 2008 Anthill Farms Pinot Noirs tasted. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Anthill Farms Comptche Ridge Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $39. · A very floral and fruity nose with just a touch of alcohol. Nicely oaked and candied dark fruits with a loamy bent. A certain fig accent is appealing. Tasty and smooth with mild drying tannins. This wine will find many fans. Reviewed October 1, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Anthill Farms Comptche Ridge Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. This vineyard is dry-farmed by the Weir Family and is located north of Navarro, a few miles inland from the Mendocino Coast. · Loamy crushed dark ripe berries with a smoky edge. Appealing richness and respectable acidity with a clean, tangy finish. My only nit is a touch of green tomato in the flavor profile. Decent, but not as good as the 2006 version. Reviewed October 1, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »