January 25, 2012
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Balletto Vineyards
| Owner(s) | John Balletto |
| Web site | www.ballettovineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
John Balletto started farming in Sonoma County at the age of 17 in 1977. Today he owns 280 acres in western Sebastopol devoted to wine grapes. 60 acres are planted to multiple clones of Pinot Noir. The western edges of his property are shared with the Laguna de Santa Rosa wetland habitat and are preserved lands. 2001 was the first year that wine was made under the Balletto label after the conversion of substantial vegetable ranch land into vineyards. The winemaker is Dan Cederquist.
Balletto Vineyards is at 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa. The tasting room is open daily from 10:00-5:00. The phone is 707- 568-2455. The wines are sold on the website. The Balletto Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs are sensibly priced and consistent winners in local wine competitions. Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Syrah and Zinfandel are also offered.
Articles About Balletto Vineyards
Reviewed Wines
2009 Balletto Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.59,
4,004, $24. Sourced from four vineyards, 16 different lots, 12 different
clones. Natural yeast fermentation. Aged in 25% new French oak
barrels for 9 months.
·
Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the
glass. Penetrating aromas of blackberry jam with hints of spice, purple
roses and oak. Moderately intense core of dark berry and stone fruits
with a lasting impression of Hoisin sauce on the finish. Veers to the riper fruit
side. Some silky charm with bright acidity. ($16 at Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa).
Good (+).
Reviewed March 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Balletto Burnside Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 300 cases, $22.
·
Demure aromas of dark red fruits with a faint
echo of oak. Lip-smacking sweet dark red fruits with a hint of spice and
anise. Full-bodied and rich with healthy ripe tannins and a tangy finish.
Huge bang for the buck.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Balletto Winery Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9%
alc., 300 cases, $22. Sourced from the best grapes surrounding the
winery.
·
Very appealing aromas of black cherries and black raspberries riff
with spice and lavender. A solid wine with respectable black cherry fruit
intensity, remarkable for its smooth texture and impressive for its very
clean finish. An incredible value.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Balletto Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Bottled Pinot Noir
13.9% alc.,
$25.
·
An easy drinker featuring dark red Bing cherries, smoke and forest floor presented in
a lighter style with soft tannins, a silky texture and a refreshing finish. Commendable
balance.
Reviewed November 2, 2008
ARTICLE »
2007 Balletto Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Bottled Winery Block Pinot Noir
13.9%
alc., $28.
·
Sensual aromas of confected berries, cherries and baking spices. Rich cherry liquor on
the palate, nicely spiced, beautifully balanced, with gossamer tannins and a clean finish. Holds up in
the glass nicely over time.
Reviewed November 2, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Balletto Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 3,178 cases, $20. Clones 667,
777, 32, 114, Swan, 37, 9 and 23. Aged 9 months in French oak.
·
Black cherry nose with a forest floor
accent. Nicely spiced fruit flavors. A medium-bodied, light and silky wine which finishes clean. Very
enjoyable and a great drink for a Jackson.
Reviewed January 20, 2008
ARTICLE »
2009 Balletto Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.59, 4,004, $24. Sourced from four vineyards, 16 different lots, 12 different clones. Natural yeast fermentation. Aged in 25% new French oak barrels for 9 months. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Penetrating aromas of blackberry jam with hints of spice, purple roses and oak. Moderately intense core of dark berry and stone fruits with a lasting impression of Hoisin sauce on the finish. Veers to the riper fruit side. Some silky charm with bright acidity. ($16 at Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa). Good (+). Reviewed March 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Balletto Burnside Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 300 cases, $22. · Demure aromas of dark red fruits with a faint echo of oak. Lip-smacking sweet dark red fruits with a hint of spice and anise. Full-bodied and rich with healthy ripe tannins and a tangy finish. Huge bang for the buck. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Balletto Winery Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 300 cases, $22. Sourced from the best grapes surrounding the winery. · Very appealing aromas of black cherries and black raspberries riff with spice and lavender. A solid wine with respectable black cherry fruit intensity, remarkable for its smooth texture and impressive for its very clean finish. An incredible value. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Balletto Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Bottled Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $25. · An easy drinker featuring dark red Bing cherries, smoke and forest floor presented in a lighter style with soft tannins, a silky texture and a refreshing finish. Commendable balance. Reviewed November 2, 2008 ARTICLE »
2007 Balletto Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Bottled Winery Block Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $28. · Sensual aromas of confected berries, cherries and baking spices. Rich cherry liquor on the palate, nicely spiced, beautifully balanced, with gossamer tannins and a clean finish. Holds up in the glass nicely over time. Reviewed November 2, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Balletto Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 3,178 cases, $20. Clones 667, 777, 32, 114, Swan, 37, 9 and 23. Aged 9 months in French oak. · Black cherry nose with a forest floor accent. Nicely spiced fruit flavors. A medium-bodied, light and silky wine which finishes clean. Very enjoyable and a great drink for a Jackson. Reviewed January 20, 2008 ARTICLE »
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