Vineyard: Hillcrest Estate

Hillcrest Estate
OwnersCarl Briggs, Lisa Lawrence
AppellationSonoma Coast
StoryHome to the original Chardonnay planting in the West Sonoma Coast. It has since been replanted to Pinot Noir.
Dates Planted2005
Acres2
LocationJust outside the town of Occidental, adjacent Charles Heintz Vineyard & Winery.
SoilsGoldridge loam.
VarietiesPinot Noir
Clones115, Calera, Swan
Trellis Spacing4' x 7'
ManagersCarl Briggs, Lisa Lawrence

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 Senses Hillcrest Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $65. Myles Lawrence-Briggs’ parents, Carl Biggs and Lisa Lawrence, bought this site in 1988, located just outside the town of Occidental. The vineyard neighbors the Charles Heintz Vineyard to the west and is home to the original Chardonnay planting in the West Sonoma Coast (since replanted to Pinot Noir. 2 acres of clones 115 and “828,” and Calera and Swan selections planted in 2005 in Goldridge sandy loam soils. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. Well-perfumed with aromas of red berries, spice and a hint of smoke. · Well-perfumed with aromas of red berries, spice and a hint of smoke. Delightful mid weight flavors of dark red cherry and black raspberry with a sprinkling of woodland spice and smoke. Nothing out of place, with a mellow texture and a finish that grabs the heart with a soaring black cherry note. Score: 92. Reviewed February 25, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 SENS3S Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.54, $40. Sourced from Hillcrest Estate and Tanuda vineyards. Barrel aged 11 months in 25% new French oak. · Noticeably better than when previously tasted in July 2014. Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Attractive aromas of black cherry, rose petal, spice and mulch. Very tasty core of fresh black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate fruits with some length and intensity on the finish which sports a good cut of acidity. There is better integration of tannins and oak since last tasted. Score: 90. Reviewed November 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Senses Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.54, $40. Released fall 2013. Sourced from Hillcrest Estate and Tanuda vineyards. BArrel aged for 11 months in 25% new French oak barres. Winemaker is Thomas Rivers Brown. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring scents of oak-infused red and black cherries and redwood forest. Modest concentration of darker red cherry and berry fruits with a muscular backbone of firm tannins which show up on the finish. A solid wine with charming fruit that could use more time in bottle to soften and integrate the tannins. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »