Vineyard: Cresta Ridge

OwnerBaker Family
AppellationRussian River Valley
VarietiesPinot Noir

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2010 Thomas George Estates Cresta Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The nose features dark fruits, compost and floral notes. Opens slowly in the glass, revealing middleweight flavors of fresh black cherries, dark berries, dark plum with a savory bent. The most tannin now in the lineup and will benefit from further aging. Offers impressive finishing length. Very good. Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Thomas George Estates Estate Blend Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

40% Cresta Ridge Vineyard, less Baker Ridge Vineyard. · Dark in color, with effusive aromas of Bing cherries, cola, oak spice and baking spice. Solid core of fresh cherry fruit, moderately rich in energy, with balanced tannins and noticeable oak. Flavors of rhubarb and red raspberry add interest. Still young but very promising. Good. Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Thomas George Estates Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.6% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.60, 740 cases, $34. A blend from Cresta Ridge and Starr Ridge vineyards (78%) and Floodgate Vineyard (22%). Whole cluster pressed and racked to 90% French oak barrels (20% new) and 10% to stainless steel drums. MLF was inhibited at 30%. The lees were stirred for the first four months, then allowed to settle. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, biscuit, cut grass, and lees. Bright flavors of baked pear, lemon peel, and marzipan. A solid wine that will work nicely as an aperitif or a companion at the dinner table. Good (+). Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Thomas George Estates Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.84, TA 0.587, 1,280 cases, $40. A blend from the three estate vineyards featuring clones 777, Pommard, 114 and 115. 100% de-stemmed, 16 day fermentation with daily punch downs, tanks drained and skins pressed via a basket press, aged on the lees for 11 months in 31% new French oak barrels. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Glorious aromas of Bing cherries, black raspberries, spice and complimentary toasty oak make you want to hug the glass. Medium weight flavors of black cherry and cola with a touch of clove offer plenty of intensity, yet the wine remains light on its feet. Nicely balanced with impressive length on the finish. The epitome of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Thomas George Estates Cresta Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

401 cases, $60. This estate vineyard is located in Green Valley. · Opens slowly in the glass, revealing a luxurious perfume of blackberries and blueberries. Richly fruited with layers of black and blue fruits, backed by firm tannins. An intense, age worthy wine. Very good. Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Cresta Ridge Vineyard Taurin Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.47, 378 cases, $38. Gary Farrell’s 2008 lineup of wines are very impressive. Sourced from a Green Valley vineyard. 100% barrel fermented, 50% MLF in barrel. Aged 10 months in 40% new and 60% one and two-year-old French oak barrels. Sold only through a mailing list. · Light straw color in the glass. Fresh aromas of white stone fruits, butterscotch and buttered toast. Delicious and persistent moderately rich mix of flavors including pears, white peach, green apple, biscuit and maple syrup framed by lively acidity with a subtle note of oak in the background. Uncommon tenacity of flavor for a Chardonnay. Everything is singing in harmony and this wine is just my style. Reviewed November 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Cresta Ridge Vineyard Taurin Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.47, 378 cases, $38. I opened a bottle of this wine recently that was first reviewed in November 2010 and I still find it compelling. 50% MLF in barrel. Aged 10 months in 40% new and 60% one and two-year-old French oak barrels. · Light straw color in the glass. Crisp and flavorful, balanced and refreshing. This wine sings with aromas of citrus fruits and baked pear, echoed on the palate with additions of pale caramel, brown butter and the right touch of oak. Drinking perfectly now and as fresh as it was upon release. Should be good to go for another five years at least. Reviewed February 27, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Cresta Ridge Vineyard Taurin Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 469 cases, $38. Heavy bottle. · Heavenly scented with honey and biscuits. A classy wine with vivid flavors of lemon curd, pear, banana and smoky oak with a slightly creamy texture. Perfect fruit and acid balance. I have been tasting over 50 premium California Chardonnays for an upcoming feature and this wine was one of the top three I tasted. Reviewed August 17, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Cresta Ridge Vineyard Taurin Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc.,pH 3.47, 378 cases, $38. 100% barrel fermented, 50% MLF. Aged 10 months in 40% new and 60% one and two-yearold French oak barrels. · Aromas of grilled pineapple, baked pear, lime, sawdust and hay bale. The flavors echo the nose with added notes of baked apples and lemon zest with a faint woody note. Nice harmony and well-crafted, but the aromatic profile is strange. Not nearly as good as a bottle I had last year that I rated highly. Decent. Reviewed May 15, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Gary Farrell Cresta Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., pH 3.27, 193 cases, $45. Released in June 2009. Cresta Ridge Vineyard is located in Sebastopol within the Green Valley- Russian River Valley appellation. Dijon clones 95 and 76. · Aromas of buttered popcorn, baked apples and oatmeal lead to discreetly rich flavors of lemon curd, bread stick and white stone fruits. Very impressive mineral-laden spine that brightens the finish and welcomes another sip. Very good. Reviewed July 15, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »