Vineyard: Kendric Johnson

OwnerStewart Johnson
AppellationMarin County
VarietiesPinot Noir

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Kendric Vineyards Petaluma Gap Marin County Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.60, RS <20 g/L, 300 cases, $38. This is essentially an “Estate” bottling but for the technicality that the vineyard and winery (crafted by winemaker Stewart Johnson at Treasure Island, San Francisco) are in separate AVAs. 8.5-acre vineyard planted in 2002 to clones 37 (Mt Eden), 115 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.0º. Yields were 1.8 tons per acre. 100% whole cluster into open-top fermenters, indigenous yeast fermentation. One half of lot pressed at dryness after 14 days and the other half of the lot went 38 days on the skins. Press and free-run juice combined. Aged 19 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 30% new. Egg white fined, unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. The nose opens over time in the glass to reveal aromas of cherry, spice and timber. Light in color, yet possessing excellent weight on the mid palate, with juicy flavors of red cherry and cranberry and a touch of spice. Energetic acidity provides freshness and lift and integrated tannins allow for easy drinking. A delicately styled wine that can be enjoyed slightly chilled. Score: 91. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.61, 600 cases, $38. Release spring 2016. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 2/3 whole cluster, native and cultured yeast, 40-day extended maceration, aged in French oak barrels (23% new) and one Hungarian oak puncheon for 23 months without racking. Unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of cherry, strawberry and spice are slow to emerge upon opening. A bit closed on the palate, but showing some spirited black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors, backed by somewhat aggressive tannins. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had undergone a remarkable transformation, offering vibrant aromas, more submerged tannins, and a lasting finish of uncommon generosity. The wine should benefit from more time before the planned release in 3-4 months, but will benefit from even further aging in bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Bailiwick Borderline Marin County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 300 cases, $28. Sourced from Kendric and Chileno Valley vineyards. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Bright berry fruit aromas with hints of toast and herbs. Light to mid weight spice cherry and strawberry essence with a compliment of oak and a savory herb note in the background. Soft in the mouth, with supple tannins, a good cut of acidity, and very respectable finishing richness. An elegant, feminine wine that embraces the gentle side of Pinot Noir. Score: 90. Reviewed November 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kendric Vineyards Reserve Marin County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., ph 3.70, TA 0.61, 40 cases, $50. Release spring 2016. The Reserve comes from one edge of the Kendric Johnson Vineyard with the thinnest soil which produces lower yields, more ripeness and concentration. Harvest Brix 24º. 2/3 whole cluster, native and cultured yeast fermentation, 35-day extended maceration, aged 26 months in 2 French oak barrels, 1 new. Unfiltered. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Slowly emerging aromas of cherry glaze, spice and sandalwood lead to a abundance of black cherry, baking spice (particularly cinnamon) and cardamom spice flavors. The silky tannins offer a seductive mouthfeel, and the juicy grip on the nutty cherry finish is quite refreshing. I really like the spicy character of this wine. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Bailiwick Borderline Marin County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.64, 225 cases, $28. Sourced from Kendric and Chileno Valley vineyards which lie along the southern edge of the Petaluma Gap. Clones 777 and 667. 100% de-stemmed, post-fermentation maceration for several weeks, aged 8 months in 36% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish color in the glass. Aromas of oak-dusted cherries and black tea flow from the glass and hold up over time. Upfront, crisp and pleasant with flavors of cherry, red licorice and tarry oak. Score: 87. Reviewed October 27, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Bailiwick Borderline Marin County Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.56, 100 cases, $36. Sourced solely from the Kendric Vineyard farmed by Stewart Johnson. Clones 115 and 777. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. A panoply of scents including black cherries, pie berries, clay, oak, and white chocolate that come and go in the glass. Strikingly fresh berry flavor, seemingly wild and exotic, underlain with well-integrated oak and supple tannins. Unusually ripe for cool Marin County. An evocative middleweight, that enters with aplomb, and finishes smooth and polished. I really like this Pinot. Reviewed October 26, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.73, 580 cases, $36. Released fall 2013. 65% whole cluster fermentation, 10% saignée, native and proprietary yeast, 35-day extended post fermentation maceration for two-thirds, aged 23 months in French (and 1 Hungarian) oak barrels. Filtered. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. This wine (or at least this bottle) has taken on an aged character with fruit on the nose showing a slightly cooked and raisiny aroma. There is still plenty of cherry and raspberry fruit in a mid weight style with hints of oak-driven tobacco and vanilla. The wine finishes with both a sweet and tart cherry going away. Score: 87. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Bailiwick Borderline Marin County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.62, 150 cases, $34. Sourced from Chileno Valley and Kendric vineyards in the Marin County AVA. Chileno Valley Vineyard is farmed by Mark Pasternak (owner of Devil’s Gulch Ranch and Vineyard) and Kendric Vineyards is managed by Stewart Johnson (Kendric Vineyards wines). Swan selection, Dijon and Pommard clones. Aged 17 months in 44% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with cherries, strawberries, spice and dried rose petals. Red-fruited, featuring lighter-weight flavors of cherries, raspberries, sandalwood, baking spice, leaf and tobacco. Crisp, with good acidity and polished fine-grain tannins. Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.53, 580 cases, $36. Released fall 2012. 6th vintage. Clones 37, 115, 667, 777, 828, Pommard and Martini. Harvested at about 2.0 tons per acre at about 24º Brix. 60% whole cluster fermentation, 10% saignee, no cold soak, both indigenous and proprietary yeast, 30-day extended maceration, aged in 40% new French oak barrels for 27 months, gently fined and filtered. · Light reddish color in the glass. Very seductive aromas of ripe cherries, red currants, sandalwood and walnuts, picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass. Relatively light in weight but flavorful, offering notes of brandied cherries, spice, and a hint of vanillin oak, with some of the cherry fragrance returning to haunt the finish. Very soft tannins make for easy drink ability. Very good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.59, 365 cases, $35. Yield 1.75 tons per acre. · Mildly intense dark red color in the glass. Subdued aromas of black cherries, vanillin and rose petals. Attention getting presence on the mid palate of dark red berries, blueberries, herbs and sassafras. A polished, engaging wine with supple tannins and bright acidity on the finish. Easy to drink now, but impeccable balance portends many years of good drinking ahead. Very good. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Sheldon Marin County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.52, 145 cases, $28. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. 20% whole clusters, cool fermentation to retain aromatics, pressed to 20% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Glorious nose with engaging aromas of dusty cherries and berries, candied apple, earth and subtle oak. Delicious flavors of black cherries, black raspberries and spice finishing with a boatload of cherry flavor. Well-mannered fine grain tannins and refined acidity make for a cozy wine that is drinking perfectly now. Delivers plenty of pleasure while still remaining light on its feet. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 368 cases, $34. Fourth vintage. · Moderately in color. Lovely perfume of earth-dusted cherries, lavender and pear. Delicious cherry fruit with a sidecar of sandalwood, oak and root beer. Medium-bodied with suede tannins and understated acidity. This wine has pinotosity. Less acidity than the 2006 vintage version with more cajones and the best yet from this small producer. Definitely worth a look. Very good. Reviewed April 23, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Pey-Marin Trois Filles Marin County Pinot Noir

Only recently bottled and still a bit shocked, it was showing considerable potential. Reviewed March 23, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $33. Third vintage from the 8.5-acre Kendric Johnson Vineyard leased to winemaker Stewart Johnson who crafts the wine at Starry Night Winery in Novato. The clones are 115, 828, 667, 777, Pommard and a mystery clone. Kendric Vineyards was established in 2001 and produces 600 cases of Pinot Noir and Syrah. · An intriguing nose that constantly changes in the glass. Many aromas surface including red berries and cherries, root beer, wet leaves and soy. Bright cherry and cranberry fruit is offered in an elegant style with crisp acidity. Some root beer and spice flavors show up. Juicy and fresh, this is a fun drink that I admire for its finesse and its uniqueness. Check out Marin County - the wines will surprise you. Reviewed May 7, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Sheldon Kendric Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.70, 180 cases, $42, sold out. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. About 20% whole clusters, cool fermentation, gently pressed to barrel, bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Secondary characters dominant the bouquet showing aromas of humus, moss, cigar box and old wood. Flavors of black cherries, plum, spice and stem are framed by vivid acidity and prominent dry tannins. Tastes like a 10-year-old Pinot. Decent. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

Stewart also makes a fine Syrah from the Shenandoah Valley region of California. · The 2005 vintage was just bottled but oh my! Lovely aromatics of sandalwood and crushed cherries and terrific fruit which grows in your mouth. Reviewed July 16, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

Stewart Johnson farms the Kendric Johnson Vineyard leased on land owned by the Corda family, and makes the wine from this 8.5 acre vineyard planted in 2002. Some grapes are sold to Miller Wine Works (below). Clones are 37, 115, 667, 777, 828, Pommard and Martini. Yields are ridiculously low (0.5 tons per acre in 2004). The wines are de-stemmed, cold soaked, inoculated with Assmanshausen yeast, and barreled into 33% new French oak for 18 months. · The 2005 vintage was just bottled but oh my! Lovely aromatics of sandalwood and crushed cherries and terrific fruit which grows in your mouth. Reviewed July 16, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 160 cases, $30. Winegrower Stewart Johnson (pictured) farms an 8,5 acre Pinot Noir vineyard in northern Marin County and a Syrah vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. 2004 was the first harvest for the Pinot Noir vineyard, leased from the Corda family. Seven clones are planted. Total production of both wines is 600 cases. Some Pinot Noir fruit is sold to Miller Wine Works in Napa. · A very likeable aromatic profile with spice, notably nutmeg, toast and red berries. Light and satiny in texture, the woodsy and herbal accented cherry fruit is shy but pleasing. Kendric Vineyards wines may be ordered on the website. Reviewed October 20, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Pey-Marin Trois Filles Marin County Pinot Noir

13.8 % alc, 320 cases, $39. According to Jonathan, his best yet, “combining great coolclimate Pinot typicity with some nice earthy (dare I say terroir) tones, wrapped with a kiss of new French oak.” · A lot of winemakers say every current vintage is their best yet, but this really is true here. Exciting scents of snappy cherry and oak spice lead off. A sweet-fruited palate of black cherries and black raspberries with a hint of cool minerality follows in step. A crisp and juicy Pinot Noir with impeccable balance. Nice finesse but not wimpy! A thoroughly enjoyable, mouth-filling wine that is brilliantly crafted. Kudos! Reviewed November 12, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Pey-Marin Trois Filles Marin County Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $39, 350 cases. Jonathan and Susan Pey are the proprietors and winegrowers for both the Mount Tamalpais label (Merlot, Pinot Gris and Riesling) and Pey-Marin Pinot Noir. Their motto is clever: “Beaune in Marin.” Both of the Peys have an experienced background in the wine business and Jonathan seems to be particularly adept at bringing out the best expression of Pinot Noir that Marin County can offer. He produces classic Pinot Noir in all sense of the word, with finesse, balance and lively acidity. This wine is sourced from the Corda, Stubbs, and Kendric Vineyards. · Still young and just-released, this is a Pinot Noir of great promise. Exotic berry and spice notes compose a compelling aromatic profile and the assemblage of red and blue Pinot fruits is complimented by a bracing acid backbone. Like the name after which the wine is named (Trois Filles refers to the Pey’s three daughters), this is a classy feminine -styled Pinot Noir that is a perfect companion both before and during a fine meal. Reviewed July 16, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Kendric Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

13.64% alc., sold out, Stewart Johnson farms the Kendric Johnson Vineyard leased on land owned by the Corda family, and makes the wine from this 8.5 acre vineyard planted in 2002. Some grapes are sold to Miller Wine Works (below). Clones are 37, 115, 667, 777, 828, Pommard and Martini. Yields are ridiculously low (0.5 tons per acre in 2004). The wines are de-stemmed, cold soaked, inoculated with Assmanshausen yeast, and barreled into 33% new French oak for 18 months. · The 2004 is a nice offering featuring cherry driven aromas and flavors enhanced with tea, floral and woodsy notes. Lively acidity. Reviewed July 16, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 McEvoy Ranch Kendric Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

Produced by the McEvoy family who are known for their olive oil from Marin County. No notes on this one. · Reviewed November 26, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Miller Wine Works Kendric Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

14.7% alc. · An excellent Pinot Noir with everything working in harmony. One of my favorites. Reviewed November 26, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Miller Wine Works Kendric Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 133 cases, $36 (sold out at winery). This was the first vintage of this wine vinified by Gary Miller. He was a professional chef for 12 years before becoming a winemaker in Napa Valley. He has worked for La Jota, Martinelli and Robert Biale wineries. · Hi-tone cherry nose. Supple red fruits front and center with a side-car note of spice. The tannins are fine and the finish is as smooth as silk. Brilliantly crafted and one well worth seeking out. Reviewed July 16, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Miller Wine Works Kendric Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 133 cases, (sold out at winery). This was the first vintage of this wine vinified by Gary Miller. He was a professional chef for 12 years before becoming a winemaker in Napa Valley. He has worked for La Jota, Martinelli and Robert Biale wineries. Try fine wine retailers including www.hitimewine.net, or www.wine-searcher.com. 707-254-9727. The address is PO Box 3198, Napa, CA 94558. · Hi-tone cherry nose. Supple red fruits front and center with a side-car note of spice. The tannins are fine and the finish is as smooth as silk. Brilliantly crafted and one well worth seeking out. Reviewed July 16, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »