Vineyard: Valerie's

AppellationCarneros
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 60 cases, $40. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Plenty of aromatic volume, featuring scents of cherry, raspberry, sage and rose petal. The nose reminds of some intraberry (carbonic) fermentation. Ripe and discreetly sappy flavors of cherry, cranberry and strawberry offer good vibrancy. The gossamer tannins make for seductive drinking, the black cherry infused finish delights, and the overall harmony results in a charming, even aristocratic impression. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir

93 cases, $40. Winemaker Jeff McBride (Benziger Family Winery). Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. A very savory wine with aromas of herbs, sous-bois and cigar box. Middleweight flavors of black cherry, blueberry and black raspberry with a riff of grilled mushroom and sweet oak in the background. Very earthy, with satiny tannins and some finishing length. I liked it more over time in the glass. Score: 90. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Ledson Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.51, 110 cases, $52. Aged 12 months in 35% new French oak. Released June 13, 2014. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, wet loam and oak spice are echoed in the flavors. The robust fruit has a slight confected character. A firm tannic structure keeps the fruit in line. The wine exhibits the savoriness and earthiness common to Carneros Pinot Noir and I like it for its reflection of Carneros terroir. Score: 90. Reviewed October 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 90 cases, $40. Ninth vintage. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light deep red color in the glass. Rather exotically scented, offering aromas of strawberry, cherry, briar, white pepper, rose hips tea and seasoned oak. Mid weight core of tasteful strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruits with a bombastic cherry finish. Seamless, with soft, tame tannins and balancing acidity. Spend some time with this wine and you will discover plenty of spicy nuances come and go. Quite elegant and easy to drink now but will age. Score: 92. Reviewed July 21, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Valerie’s Vineyard “One Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 58 cases, $40. 8th vintage. Aged 18 months in new and 2-year-old French oak. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Intriguing nose offering scents of dark red berries, earth, black pepper and coffee. Hits the mid palate with a vengeance, empowered with attention grabbing flavors of blackberries, plum, cola, mushroom, tobacco and spice. Very well-crafted with a seamless character, plush on the palate, with wellproportioned tannins, and a long, long finish. A very unique and interesting wine that you will want to spend considerable time with. Great the following the day as well from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 58 cases, $40. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, dark chocolate covered raisin, black raspberry and vanilla are replicated on the palate. The gorgeous fruit really impresses and is supported by well-integrated tannins. The milky texture appeals as does the fruit-filled finish. There is an underlying earthiness so prevalent in Carneros Pinot Noir. Drink now to 2025. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 75 cases, $40. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A slight oxidized note is present on the nose that offers fruit aromas of black cherry and black raspberry. Sleek and seamless on the palate with intense, even teeth-staining, flavors of blackberry, black plum, raspberry and black tea. There is enough balancing tannin to support the fruit load. A pristine bottle would undoubtedly score higher. Drink now to 2025. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $40. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Some aromatic breadth with scents of black cherry syrup, toasty oak and earthy flora. Rich and sappy, with dense flavors of dark cherry and berry accented with a hint of prune and marzipan. Still quite structured and fresh, with a polished mouthfeel. Drink now to 2025. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 88 cases, $40. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Considerable tertiary character in this wine with bouquet of dried black cherry, strawberry, red and black current, turned earth and earthy flora. Very ripe fruited and mid weight in style, with flavors of black cherry and prune framed by silky tannins, admirable oak assimilation, and a juicy, cherry-fueled finish of some length. Drink now to 2020. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 88 cases, $40. Aged in a mix of new and two-year-old French oak barrels for 17 months. · Nuanced nose offering pleasing aromas of dark berries, black plums, pine, dark caramel and soy sauce. Deep in color but moderately light in weight with plenty of dark fruit powered pleasure. Bright and focused with gossamer tannins offering alluring Pinot delicacy. A beautifully crafted wine that makes a statement and is well worth a search. A gem. Reviewed February 15, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 132 cases, $40, very heavy bottle. Aged in a mix of new and two-year-old French oak barrels for 17 months. · The nose offers the aromas of a fresh berry tart with a dusting of oak. Plenty of body and weight to the cherry and berries flavors which are framed by healthy tannins. The most striking feature of this wine is the velvety texture. Over time in the glass, the wine really grows on you as it reveals many nuances of flavor including cola and tea but it is the sensual mouthfeel that lures you back for another sip. Reviewed May 7, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »