Vineyard: Michael Valentine

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Recent Sips of Pinot Noir (9.40 4/17/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.10 9/24/2017)
California Pinot Noir from A to T (9.12 10/1/2012)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.39 10/1/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.24 1/17/2016)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Eric Kent Wine Cellars

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.66, 221 cases, $52. Released spring 2017. Artist Kelly Puissegur. Fruit sourced primarily from Freestone area including Michael Valentine, Cleary Ranch, and Rayhill vineyards with additions from Grand Vent Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap and a small amount from Stiling Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Multiple Dijon clones and Swan and Pommard. 25% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The aromas reach new heights over time in the glass, revealing notes of black raspberry preserves, spice and sawn oak. A complete wine featuring flavors of blueberry-pomegranate and black raspberry framed by gentle tannins. Steadfast and seamless, with persevering mouth and finish presence. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.62, 150 cases, $50. Released spring 2016. Sourced from four vineyards all owned by the Cleary family (60% Michael Valentine, 20% Stiling, 10% Cleary Ranch, 10% Roberts Road). Clones are 65% 667, 25% Swan, 5% 115 and 5% 777. 15% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A mix of cherry and berry aromas lead off. Engaging flavor and phenolic ripeness despite the low ABV. A mix of black raspberry and boysenberry fruit offers tantalizing juiciness and the right touch of oak. The tannic backbone is perfectly integrated, and the startling finish has a captivating intensity that is rarely met with. Score: 93. Reviewed October 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.61, 382 cases, $50. Released spring 2015. Artist Kelly Puissegur. 40% Grand Vent, 23% Cleary Ranch, 20% V-C Ranch, 10% Michael Valentine, and 7% Stiling vineyards. 40% Pommard, 23% 667, 15% 115, 10% 113, 7% Swan and 5% 777. Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% neutral. · Moderately light deep cherry red color in the glass. Engaging aromas of strawberry, cherry, spice, mulch and a touch of oak lead to a mid weight core of red fruits accented with an overlay of oak. Silky in the mouth, with modest tannins in a forward drinking style. Score: 88. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.66, 382 cases, $48. Released spring 2014. 44% Cleary Ranch and Michael Valentine, 31% Grand Vent, 13% Stiling, 12% Roberts Road vineyards. Clones 667, 777, Swan, Pommard and 113. Celebrating tens years of wine and art. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Attractive aromas of cherry and baking spices with a little dark chocolate showing up over time. Middleweight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, cola and sassafras, with a hint of tarry oak and orange zest showing up on the long, palate-cleansing, juicy finish. The tannins are nicely managed and the acid adds zest and vibrancy. Develops more interesting nuances over time in the glass. Score: 93. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.63, 365 cases, $45. Released spring 2012. Label artist is Kelly Puissegur. A blend from two Freestone vineyards (Cleary Ranch and Michael Valentine) with a dose of Roberts Road Vineyard from the Petaluma Gap and Stiling Vineyard from the Russian River Valley. Clones are 39% 777, 28% 115, 19% Swan and 14% 667. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Fresh aromas of blackberries and black plum sauce with a hint of oak. Mid weight flavors of black cherries, black berries and plum reduction sauce with an earthy undertone. Supple tannins, good supporting acidity, and some length on the finish. The wine grows on you over time in the glass indicating more time will reward the patient. Very good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »