Vineyard: Ronda's

AppellationHumboldt County
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2013 Briceland Vineyards Ronda’s Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 98 cases, $35. Vineyard is located at 1,600 feet elevation a few miles west and north of Briceland. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reminds of a walk in the forest with aromas of pine resin, pine needle, and wild blackberries. The mid weight boysenberry fruit core is accented with notes of oak and pine. Welcome presence on the palate, with folded in tannins, admirable finesse, and a good finishing grip of acidity. I like this wine for its forest spirit. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Ronda’s Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 78 cases, $35. Vineyard is situated at 1600 feet elevation above the fog line a few miles west and north of Briceland. · Dark plum color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of purple berries, plum reduction sauce and violets. Packed with boysenberry and black plum fruit and long in the mouth with a huge fruit-driven finish. The tannins overwhelm the fruit at this stage and the wine should achieve more tannin integration with additional time in the cellar. Close to Syrah in intensity, but retains enough pinot charm to be embraceable. Score: 88. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Reserve Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 25 cases, $45. A blend of grapes from Phelps, Ronda’s and Elk Prarie vineyards, held for more than 30 months in oak and bottled in the fall of 2015. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Considerable nuances in this wine offering aromas of dark stone and berry fruits, woodfern, underbrush and bittersweet chocolate. The full-bodied flavors of blackest cherry and blackberry are augmented by an appealing peppery spice. Substantial tannins attack the finish with a vengeance, but are well matched to the fruit load. Decant if you drink now, but a few years in the cellar would be preferable. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Ronda’s Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 50 cases, $29. Formerly Le Chien Blanc Vineyard. Located at 1600 feet elevation northwest of Briceland Vineyards. Slowed ripening in this vintage so more acid and less tannin than typical for this site. Aged 18 months in oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is intoxicating with fresh aromas of racy raspberry, red cherry, spice and sandalwood. Refreshingly crisp on the palate with charming flavors of fresh red raspberries and cherries caressed by supple tannins and framed by mouthwatering acidity. Not a fruit bomb by any means, but plenty of flavor without weight and great pinotosity. Score: 92. Reviewed July 21, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Reserve Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 25 cases, $45. Inaugural offering. A blend of 2011 vintages from Bosco, Phelps and Ronda’s vineyards. Aged 18 months in oak barrels. · The nose is rather shy, offering only a hint of dark red fruit and oak aromas. The flavor profile is more developed with delicious notes of perfectly ripened black cherries, black raspberries and plum underlain with hints of graham and cardamom spice. The fruit has real presence on the palate and offers layers of pleasure. Beautifully balanced with well-integrated acidity and tannins. Very impressive length on the peacock tail finish. This wine needs more time in the cellar for the nose to catch up to the palate. Score: 95. Reviewed July 21, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »