Vineyard: Guidici

AppellationSonoma Coast
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 Soliste L’Ermite Rouge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc. 27 cases, $100. Sourced from a monastic vineyard located off a winding road through redwoods. Claude calls it a “Hermitage of Peace.” 23 Monoclone®. 50% whole cluster. Aged 28 months in a used cigar shaped oak barrel from France. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasant but shy aromas of darker stone and berry fruits, along with scents of fertile earth and mulch. A richly fruited wine in a mid weight plus style, with dark black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors framed by modestly firm tannins that carry over on the gloriously long and intensely fruity finish. The gorgeous fruit was more expressive when the wine was re-tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine could use a little more time in the cellar but is hard to resist now. Score: 93. Reviewed November 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Roessler Wine Cellars Guidici Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.536, 68 cases, $68. Vineyard is located 4 miles south of Occidental amidst coastal redwoods in the extreme southwestern end of the Sonoma Coast. Native yeast fermentation, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Inviting aromas of cherry, spice and sous-bois that persist over time in the glass. Elegantly style and satiny in texture, with light to mid weight flavors of cherry, Damsel plum and blueberry with an add earthy flora accent. Peach skin tannins, admirable balance, skillful touch of oak, and a modest but enduring finish. Score: 92. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Soliste Forêt Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc. 123 cases, $85 (magnums $300). Sourced from a vineyard secluded by redwoods near Occidental, just 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean on the western coastal range. 50% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 22% new. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, sous-bois, red berries and nutty oak. Hair-raising attack of black cherry fruit causes the drinker to sit up and take notice. Very polished and elegant, with waves of cherry and spice flavor with the slightest burnt tobacco note. Gossamer tannins with a silky soft mouthfeel and a succulent, cherry-fueled finish. The wine has the balance to age magnificently. Score: 94. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Soliste L’Ambroisie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.56, 49 cases, $100. Sourced from the secluded Guidici Vineyard surrounded by redwoods in the Sonoma Coast AVA near Occidental, only 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Dijon “828.” 20% whole cluster, Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 0% new. Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. · The most intensely fruity and darkest fruited nose of the three Pinot Noirs tasted here. Black raspberry, blackberry fruits are complimented by an assortment of spices including nutmeg. Impressive attack of bold black raspberry, black cherry and spice flavors that find every crevice in the mouth, but an even more impressive finish that dances on for minutes. Impeccable balance, with a silk and satin texture, and inviting acid backbone. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, this wine was charming, sexy and loquacious with considerable nuance and a harmonious personality. I was taken by this wine not so much for its sappy fruit, but its complexity and finish. Score: 96. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Soliste Forêt Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 241 cases, $85. Clone 23 (Mariafeld) from Guidicci Vineyard. 50% whole cluster. Aged 16 months in French oak, 0% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Engaging, exotic, even intoxicating fragrance of black cherry, spiced plum, rose petal, and forest floor. The nose defies adequate description. Both weight and weightlessness, with soft tannins and impeccable balance, featuring flavors of Bing cherry pie, baking spices, cardamom, and earthy herbs. The finish offers racy energy and fruit flavors that return in waves. The whole cluster inclusion heightens the texture. This wine is Pinot Noir heaven. Even better than when originally reviewed six months ago. Score: 95. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Soliste Barrique 9 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 23 cases, $100. Single vineyard, single clone, one barrel. From the Guidici Vineyard (the source of Soliste's Forêt bottling), this barrel stood out from the others that went into the Forêt. Hand bottled into unique Burgundy bottles, then hand waxed. · Moderately light red cherry color in the glass. Plenty to like about this wine with hi-tone aromas of cherry, spice box, sous-bois and buttery oak. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and strawberry with elegance to spare. Seamless and demure with supple tannins and harmonious acidity. Very Chambolle-Musigny in character with a charming delicacy that seduces rather than imposes its will. This wine will be fascinating to follow over the ensuing years. Score: 93-94. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Soliste L’Ambroisie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 60 cases, $100. Tasted from a bottle that was opened 2 days prior at a luncheon. Clone “828.” 12% whole cluster. · There is plenty of drama and personality to this wine. The nose is replete with engaging aromas of wild cherry, exotic spices, forest floor and fresh rose petals. Flavors of black cherry and spice dance on the palate, framed by elegant, suave tannins (surprisingly reserved considering the high percentage of whole cluster). A charming, silken wine with impressive fruit intensity and length on the spice-filled finish. Impeccable balance and freshness after opened for 2 days predicts longevity. Score: 92-94. Reviewed October 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Soliste Forét Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

This was a special treat offered in magnum format. · The nose was filled with aromas of whole cluster spice, potpourri, rose petal and pine sap. On the palate, the wine had taken on tertiary characters including mushroom, leather and earth bound flora. The dreamy texture was captivating. Nothing more exhilarating than a great wine aged in magnum. Score: 96. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Soliste Forêt Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 149 cases, $85. Clone 23 (Mariafeld). Mariafeld clone came to the US from the government agriculture research station in Wädenswil, Switzerland in 1966. Infrequently bottled as a stand-alone clone. From Guidicci Vineyard in Occidental. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very clean, bright and fresh aromas of black cherries and potpourri. The wine delivers a delicious mouthful of dark berry and black cherry fruit, expanding on the palate with nuance and class, and finishes with a statement. A subtle cola and earthy accent add interest. Juicy, with soft tannins. When tasted a day after opening and re-corked the, wine was still pumping out Pinot goodness. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Soliste L’Ambroisie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 23 cases, $100 (sold out). Clone 828 from Guidicci Vineyard in Occidental. Tasted a day after opening from a re-corked bottle. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Red fruits are featured in the nose and on the palate. An acid-driven wine that is more austere than the Soliste Forêt with less ripe fruit flavors including red cherry and cranberry, finishing with a cleansing riff of citrus. A very pretty, elegant wine with gossamer tannins. If the Forêt is akin to a leather jacket, this wine is more like a silk shirt. Very good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

312 cases. 41% Guidici, 29% Sexton, 12% Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Bacigalupi, and 6% Spring Hill. Aged 11 months in 41% new, 35% 1-year-old and 24% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The bright aromas of black cherries, spice and seasoned oak leap from the glass. Racy, discreetly concentrated dark red fruits are complimented by a savory herb and citrus underpinning. This enjoyable wine displays an impressive balance of fruit, acidity and supple tannins and offers an intensely fruited yet refreshing finish. Drink or hold long term. Score: 94. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

420 cases. 38% Keefer Ranch, 24% Rayhill, 24% Guidici, 9% Horse Ridge, and 5% Sexton. Aged 11 months in 38% new, 33% 1-year-old, and 29% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine reflects more Green Valley influence from Keefer Ranch. The aromas jump out of the glass with swirling, offering enticing notes of fresh cherries and crushed wild raspberries with a touch of spice. Impressive mid palate presence of an array of dark red fruits that are vivid and juicy. Like chewing on iced cherries. The oak is beautifully integrated, the tannins are well-mannered, the acidity is bright, and the finish is delightful. A lip-smacker. Drink or hold long term. Score: 95. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

440 cases. 28% Thorn Ridge, 19% Rayhill, 17% Sexton, 15% Morris, 11% Guidici, 4% Horse Ridge, 2% Connell, 2% O’Connor and 2% Keefer. Aged 10 months in 52% new and 48% 1, 2 and 3-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose lacks fruit, offering instead an herbal oak theme. The fruit core, although nicely ripened and featuring dark red and black cherry fruits, is immersed in oak creating a strong dried herb finishing flavor. The texture is smooth and the tannins are well-balanced. Drink. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

505 cases. 30% Rayhill, 25% Thorn Ridge, 15% Guidici, 7% Connell, 5% Sexton, 5% Bailey, 5% Keefer, 5% O’Connor and 3% Meredith Estate (at least one barrel from each of Freeman’s vineyards included). Aged 10 months in 30% new and 79% seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Inviting aromas of fresh dark red cherries and berries with hints of briar, forest floor and vanillin. This wine has an appealing savory riff, adding interest to the middleweight core of dark red cherries and raspberries. The oak is complimentary, the tannins are quite modest, and the finish is juicy and refreshing. Drink or hold mid term. Score: 93. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »