Lobo Wines

Owner(s) Krys Wolff, Randy Wolff
Web site www.lobowines.com
 
Link to this site
Lobo Wines

Randy and Krys Wolff have been farming grapes in the Napa Valley for over a decade under the Wulff Vineyards name. The Oak Knoll property is planted to Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. For several years, the bulk of the Pinot Noir was purchased by Mumm for their sparkling program and the majority of the Chardonnay and Syrah went to Lewis Cellars.

In 2007, a Lobo label was launched with the release of a 2007 PInot Noir. Randy Lewis' team crafts the winery's Chardonnay and all reds including Pinot Noir, Rose of Pinot Noir, a Syrah/Cabernet blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon are crafted by Victoria Coleman. She trained under Michael Silacci at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and apprenticed at Chateau Mouton Rothschild. The grapes are sourced from Oak Knoll and Atlas Peak estate fruit. The wines are produced at The Caves at Soda Canyon.

Lobo is the Spanish word for "wolf," which honors the heritage of this farming family. The vineyard manager is Mario Bazan (who also manages vineyards for Robert Mondavi To Kalon and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars).

The Pinot Noir blocks are focused on "sparkling wine" and Swiss clones that provide savory, zesty earthy notes in the still Pinot Noir wine.

Lobo produces about 1,500 cases of wine per year. The wines are sold online at www.lobowines.com. 707-224-8322.

Reviewed Wines

2018 LOBO Wolff Vineyards Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $N/A (not released). · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. It really took two days for this wine to fully open up. Aromas of ripe strawberry, cherrywood and underbrush. Both red and black fruits are evident but struggle to appear under daunting tannins initially. With time, the tannins became better integrated, the fruit took on a bold demeanor and the finish increased in length and appeal. Decanting will be required if drunk now but prudence would dictate a few years in the cellar. I hope to have a chance to re-taste in the future. Score: 90. Reviewed April 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 LOBO Oak Knoll District Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.61, 225 cases, $50. Released February 2021. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry, balsam and wine cask lead off. Engaging mid-weight plus flavors of black raspberry and purple berry pack plenty of length in the mouth and persist through a notably long finish. The tannins are mildly weighty and some oak plies the background. Lighter in color than the 2015 vintage bottling, but this wine packs more flavor and structure. Score: 92. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2015 LOBO Oak Knoll District Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.62, 175 cases, $65. Released March 2019. Hand-harvested grapes, cold soak on the skins, aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of purple and black berries, allspice and cardamom spice. The mid-weight, sturdy core of blackberry, purple berry cassis and anise flavors with a savory spice edge enjoy a juicy infusion of acidity. A bit of tannin shows up on the dry finish that reveals some generosity. Oak is way in the background and never intrudes. Score: 91. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

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