VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: La Cruz

AppellationSonoma Coast
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 Fallon Place La Cruz Vineyard Petaluma Gap Chardonnay

13.4% alc., 100 cases, $38. Released May 2019. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass with a slight haze (unfiltered). Exalted aromas of lemon curd, pineapple, honey, Golden Delicious apple and green undergrowth. Slightly creamy in the mouth, with flavors of lemon pastry and cut apple. Not particularly acid-driven, but has sufficient vitality. The lemon-infused finish is very satisfying. Score: 90. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Fallon Place La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.65, 75 cases, $38. Aged 12 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Terrific nose with bright aromas of lemon creme, pineapple, yellow apple and butter. Nicely composed with a welcoming core of lemon fruit accompanied by complements of pineapple and blonde caramel. Somewhat unctuous and suffused with California sunshine, with a steeliness on the finish that is appealing. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Soliste Soleil Rouge Sonoma Coast Rosé de Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 148 cases, $22. A serious offering in the Provence style. Primarily sourced from La Cruz Vineyard. 43% 12 hour skin contact, 85% whole cluster pressed, aged 4.5 months in neutral French oak barrels.

Note: I also tasted the 2014 vintage of this wine demonstrating that serious rosé can improve with some bottle age contrary to what many wine drinkers believe. The 2014 Rosé de Pinot Noir was even better, less fruit driven, but more complexity and tertiary character. Buy a few bottles of the 2015 Rosé and keep some in your cellar for a year or two to see what I mean. Best when chilled. · Moderate salmon color in the glass. Inviting aromas of strawberry, cherry, dried rose petal and herbs. Crisp and vibrant on the palate, with plenty of strawberry, blood orange and tangerine flavors that linger on the clean finish Score: 90. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Loos Family La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.848, 300 handnumbered bottles, $28. 98.5% Chardonnay, 1.5% Sauvignon Blanc. Wente 4 clone. Harvest Brix 23.2º. 10% whole cluster, 4-day cold soak, 14-day primary fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 70% neutral and 30% new. Bottled unfined with nominal polish filter. · Moderate golden straw color in the glass. Inviting aromas of apple, pear, lemon curd and buttery brioche. A nice blend of fruit and oak attributes, with flavors of yellow apple, lemon, honey, pineapple, and blond caramel with a hint of toast in the background. Mildly creamy in texture with brisk acidity and some finishing purpose. Score: 90. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Keller Estate Oro De Plata Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.63, 811 cases, $33. The name Oro De Plata translates to “Gold from Silver.” Backbone of this wine is Block 6 planted to Wente clone in 1998. Some Block 5 Wente 4 clone and another block planted to Robert Young clone add to the mix. Fermented in stainless steel and aged 8 months in neutral French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. · Light lemon yellow color in the glass. Reserved aromas of lemon, nori, tropical fruits and nutty oak. Smooth and slightly creamy on the palate in a button-up yet pleasing style with flavors of citrus and pear fruits. Refined and polished, with oak unplugged. A food magnet wine. Score: 92. Reviewed November 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.607, 818 cases, $38. The winery’s flagship Chardonnay. Barrel fermented with native yeasts and aged on the lees. 100% malolactic fermentation. Wente and Robert young clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light lemon yellow color in the glass. A lot to discover in the nose, with aromas of tropical fruits and flowers, buttery brioche, lemon oil, coconut water and seashell. Fruit flavors of pineapple, guava, lemon are mixed with butterscotch and graham in this well-composed wine with integrated acidity and a clean, uplifting finish. Score: 91. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.57, 817 cases, $45. Primarily Pommard clone. Tight vine spacing and low yields from the estate vineyard exposed to the strong winds and fog of the Petaluma Gap. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Well-composed aromatic highlights including cherry, raspberry coulis, and brioche. Mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, spice and a hint of complimentary oak in the background. Forward drinking and easy to like, with good balance and a stately elegance. Score: 90. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Lachini Vineyards La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast California Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.60, 288 cases, $55. 40% 115, 40% Pommard, 10% 114 and 10% 123. Grapes were hauled in a refrigerated truck for the long trip back to Oregon. 80% de-stemmed, 7 and 14-day cold soak in separate fermenters, native yeast fermentations. Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new 33% 1-year-old, and 33% 2-yearold. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A plethora of black cherry and dark berry aromas and flavors are featured in this middleweight wine that is not as vibrant as the 2013 Estate bottling, but has more sappy fruit concentration. The tannins are modest, the texture is cozy, and the nutty oak in the background adds interest. A rare example of California grapes vinified by an Oregon winery. Score: 91. Reviewed September 3, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Keller Estate Precioso Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.607, 69 cases, $75. A barrel selection from the excellent growing season in the Petaluma Gap. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Light lemon yellow color in the glass. The nose reminds me of a day at the beach with aromas of sand and fresh salt air. There is also fruit notes of lemon and pineapple, and even a hint of plumeria. Impeccably crafted, fresh and clean like the ocean in Maui, with flavors of citrus, tropical pineapple, white peach and a hint of oak in the background. The genteel texture is a very captivating feature as well. Mahalo. Score: 95. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Keller Estate Precioso Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.57, 70 cases $75. A special barrel selection from the 2014 vintage. 100% de-stemmed, aged in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A sophisticated offering with seeking aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, mushroom, underbrush and oak spice. A delicious array of darker fruits greats the palate with aplomb, expanding in the mouth and lasting like what seems 30 seconds on the finish. Perfect harmony, a deft touch of oak spice, and an earthy, savory bent that adds interest. Texturally very interesting, featuring dry, suede tannins that predict age ability. A regal offering that will please any Pinot connoisseur. Score: 94. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

350 cases. 23% Sexton, 18% Campbell, 18% La Cruz, 11% Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Jones, 6% Keefer, 6% Harmony Lane, and 6% O’Connor. · Modest reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of darker fruits with hints of oak spice and rose petals. Dances on the lean side, but still quite flavorful, featuring both red and black berry notes finishing with focus and purpose. Will need more time to integrate the vanilla-infused oak and fully express itself. The characteristic finesse showed by the Akiko’s Cuvée wines is apparent. An impressive effort in this difficult vintage. Drink or hold mid term. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Zepaltas La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.60, 98 cases, $42. Seventh vintage from this vineyard. 115, Pommard and 114 clones. Aged 14 months in 33% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of dark berries, plum, cooked cherries and a hint of fecundity. Light in weight with an elegant demeanor, offering flavors of red raspberries and strawberries with a pleasing savory riff. A charming wine with a delicate finish. Good (+). Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 908 cases, $45. Aged in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromas are equally enticing to the 2010 vintage, but offer darker cherry, blueberry and plum scents. More body and concentration with dark cherry and more berry flavors complimented by spice and oak. Still young, the wine needs time to integrate the oak and achieve balance. Good to Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Aristra La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.75, TA .56, 318 cases, $52. Released spring 2011. From Keller Estates La Cruz Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. Aged in 15% new, 39% 1- year-old, and 46% 2-3-year-old French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple robe. Shy, but attractive perfume of darker berries, spice and oak picking up interest over time in the glass leading to flavors that reflect the nose. The wine offers a juicy, crisp mouth feel, supple tannins, and impressive persistence on the highly aromatic finish. Beautifully balanced and very charming. Very Good (+). Reviewed August 13, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 La Rochelle La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.3% alc., 171 cases, $48. · Released January 22, 2011. Clones 115, 667 and 828. Moderately deep reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of black cherries, black tea, oak and Asian 5-spice. Rich and intense core of darker stone fruits and berries with slight underlying oak flavor. Plenty of fruit but lacks nuance and character. Decent. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Arista La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.68, 258 cases, $56. Released fall 2010. From the southernmost end of the Sonoma Coast appellation. Plantings here were among the first in the Petaluma Valley dating to 1994. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Seductive aromas of fresh black cherries with hints of oak and spice box. A gorgeous wine in the mouth with bright flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with a complimentary underpinning of oak spice and toast. Perfect harmony creating a wine that urges you to take another sip. I would love some duck confit with this beauty. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.49, 510 cases, $44. From the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast. Harvested, vinified and bottled on site. Multiple clones including Pommard, Dijon 115, 123, 667, 777, 828 and Swan selection. The fruit was de-stemmed and fermentations were driven by native yeast. Only free-run wine was included. Aged 10 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Marvelous nose with complex aromas including strawberries, raspberries, savory spice, and oak vanillin. A medium-bodied wine that is gentle and soft in the mouth with flavorful red cherry and berry fruits enhanced by loamy accents and a tangy finish of moderate length. Drinking perfectly now. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Zepaltas LaCruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 97 cases, $48. Clones 114, 115. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak. · Fresh berries, oak char and a hint of good Pinot funk on the nose. Succulent fresh flavors of berry tart, cranberries, dry cherries and toasty oak. Admirable elegance, soft in the mouth, and bright acidity on the refreshing finish. While the above wine (Suacci Vineyard) demands contemplating, this wine is more adaptable to the dinner table. Reviewed November 17, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Landmark Vineyards Grand Detour Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $35. Landmark is better known for its excellent Chardonnays, but they have been making this fine Pinot Noir for several years. Sourced from several Sonoma Coast vineyards including Kanzler, Keller Estate, Gap’s Crown, Flocchini and Armagh. Aged for 10 months in 33% new French oak. The winemaker is Eric Stern. · There is a noticeable oak bent to the aromas and flavors. Primarily cherry driven, this Pinot has a nice cherry kiss on the finish. There is plenty of overall finesse. It was delicious with a Sicilian pizza which tamed the oak tendencies. Reviewed November 12, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Zapaltas La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $43. · A perfectly fine appellation wine showing the best qualities of the cool Sonoma Coast. Nicely spiced red fruits, silky texture, and lively acidity to match up well with food. Just fine the next day from a re-corked opened bottle. Sold through the website, with limited retail distribution. Reviewed August 4, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Zepaltas Wines La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 137 cases, $47. Clones 114 and 115 picked one month apart. Aged for 11 months in 50% new oak. · Rich and sumptuous cherry nose. Sleek, silky and seductive. Plentiful red Pinot fruits nicely spiced from start to finish. Sampled at home and was still drinking beautifully the next day from a recorked open bottle. Highly recommended. Reviewed July 7, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $30. · This Pinot Noir is darn near perfect. The nose is sweet-scented with violets, crushed cherries and a hint of oak. It is soft as a down pillow and the flavors deliver the whole Pinot experience. Nicely balanced. Maybe the mid palate and finish could have more oomph, but this is being picky. This Pinot was especially good with grilled King salmon with green goddess sauce. Reviewed January 15, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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