Vineyard: Klopp Ranch

OwnerTed Klopp
AppellationRussian River Valley
StoryTed Klopp purchased this 37-acre property in 1982 and began planting a vineyard in small blocks under the guidance of Merry Edwards. Budwood was obtained from Tom Dehlinger, including a field selection from Joseph Swan Vineyards and a non-heat treated Pommard. Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777 were also planted.
Dates Planted1989-1999
Acres26
LocationArea of Russian River Valley known as "The Golden Triangle." Northwest of the Santa Rosa Plain, on the eastern slope of Laguna Ridge, the vineyard overlooks the Laguna de Santa Rosa wintertime lake.
AspectSouth/southwest
SoilsGoldridge sandy loam
VarietiesPinot Noir
Clones115, 667, 777, Pommard (non-heat-treated), Pommard (UCD 5), Swan
Trellis Spacing8' x 12', 8' x 10' and 8' x 6'; vertical trellis; rootstocks AxR, SO4, 10114
ManagersTed Klopp

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2005 Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $57. From a cool site farmed by Ted Klopp. Goldridge sandy soils. · Darkly colored. Oak-kissed and earth-dusted aromas of black cherries, tea and cola. Deep, dark and full-bodied fruit with subtle accents of blueberries and oak, fine tannins, and some orange peel on the tangy finish. Reviewed --/--/-- WINERY »

2004 Talisman Ted’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

$46. · Light in color but packing plenty of punch. Dark cherry and mushroom in the nose with lovely cherry fruit and a hint of oak, earth and vanilla in the flavors and finish. Light touch. Reviewed July 30, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 Talisman Ted’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 259 cases. Scott Rich crafts this wine from Ted Klopp’s vineyard. · Lighter crimson color. Complex scents of cherries, old oak, prune and chimney. Yummy and comforting black cherry and cherry cola flavors with a hint of raisin. Smooth and satisfying. This wine rocked the next day from a re-corked open bottle - smooth as silk with plenty of spice including cinnamon - a hallmark of Talisman Pinot Noirs and a sign that this one has several good years of life ahead. The Talisman wines are sold through a mailing list and on the website. Reviewed August 4, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 Talisman Ted’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 259 cases, · Light in color, this wine still delivers the goods with dark fruits and mushrooms in the nose and lovely cherry fruits on the mid-palate. Earthiness, vanilla and spice add charm. Brisk acidity and residual oak tannins on the finish indicate a need for further cellaring. A Pinot with a light touch that one could spend time with. Reviewed August 24, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2002 Talisman Ted's Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 233 cases, $38. This vineyard, planted in 1994, is located in the rolling hills just west of Laguna de Santa Rosa and is farmed by noted viticulturist Ted Klopp. Clones include Swan selection, Pommard and Dijon 115. Yield was 2.4 tons per acre. Aged in 50% new and 40% 1-year-old French oak barrels. · This wine has a lovely perfume of cherry pie and spice. The opulent dark cherries are enhanced by gregarious Asian spices, licorice and cola. A sweet finish with dusty tannins leaves a favorable impression. This is an opulent wine that still tasted terrific from an opened and re-corked bottle two days later. Reviewed May 1, 2006 WINERY »

2000 Talisman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 300 cases. The grapes come from Klopp Ranch Vineyard made famous by Merry Edwards. Aged 10 months in 65% new French oak. · Elegance with a capital E. The nose is weighty with cherries and toasty oak. The sappy red cherry fruit is tinged with mocha and spice, and flows over the palate with a refined mouth feel. The lingering finish is lip smacking. Once this wine lands its hooks into you, there is no tearing away. A reference wine for neophytes trying to find out what the excitement about aged Pinot Noir is all about. Excellent! Reviewed May 1, 2006 WINERY »