Vineyard: Wren Hop Estate

OwnersJames McDonough, James McDonough Sr
AppellationRussian River Valley
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 Vaughn Duffy Wines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.60, 225 cases, $36. Released November 2015. A blend of four vineyards (50% Stori, 33% Desmond, 12% Wren Hop and 5% Suacci). Clones 115, 777 and 667. Vineyard ages 12-15 years. Soils are Goldridge. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose initiates a favorable impression with aromas of black cherry, spice and vanilla. Generously endowed with black cherry fruit that is accented with flavors of cola and spice. Nicely balanced and forward drinking, with a sweet cherry cordial finish. Score: 90. Reviewed October 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Wren Hop Vineyards “Oracle’s Whisper” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.36, 332 cases, $72. Sourced from Wren Hop Estate Vineyard, clones 667, 777 and 115. Vineyard is located in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley on a hillside protected from afternoon heat. The vineyard is planted in Goldridge soil and farmed with organic and biodynamic practices. Aged 14 months in 100% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of ripe Bing cherry, boysenberry, Hoison sauce, dark red rose petal and wine cave. A generous charge of sweet black cherry fruit greets the mid palate, encased in firm but refined tannins and accented by welcome oak seasoning. A seamless offering that is luscious and extracted yet agile, finishing with uncommon fruit expression. Score: 92. Reviewed April 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Wren Hop Vineyards “Witch’s Ladder” Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.52, 288 cases, $72. Sourced from Swicegood and Wren Hop Estate vineyards, clones 777 and 115. Aged 14 months in 100% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of black cherry, black raspberry, sous bois and seasoned oak. The mid weight darker fruits are lush and sappy, yet bright and crunchy. A riff of spice and oak top note add interest. The tannins are well-managed and the finish is generously endowed. The wine is nicely composed although the oak detracts a bit of pleasure for me, but the oak is non drying and should integrate further over time in the bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed April 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Wren Hop Vineyards The Fire Messenger Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.80, 100 cases, $62. Grapes sourced from Wren Hop and Gap’s Crown vineyards. Swan clone. Aged 11 months in 100% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Appealing scents of black cherries, black raspberries and spice. A full mouth of luxurious black fruits with accents of cola and dark chocolate. This wine displays much better acidity and good integration of oak, and has a very seductive soft, velvety mouth feel. Very good for its style. Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »