Pellegrini Family Vineyards

Articles About Pellegrini Family Vineyards

Reviewed Wines

2007 Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate Reserve Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 168 cases, to be released in 2010. Packaged in a heavier, taller bottle which makes a statement. More new oak aging than the regular Estate bottling. · This is a more decadent version of the estate wine. The fruit intensity is ramped up on the nose offering a melange of dark red cherries and berries with a hint of spice and a subtle floral scent. Delicious red plum and black cherry flavors expand in the mouth, showing a mild firmness, density and chewiness, yet still retaining a silky sensuality. A very polished wine that is beautifully crafted and approachable now although patience will bring even more rewards. Definitely worth the reserve designation and the best Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate bottling to date. Reviewed October 3, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pellegrini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.48, 2,600 cases, $35, now released. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak, mainly Francois Freres and Rousseau. · Moderately deep reddish-purple robe. Intoxicating nose right out of the bottle showing off bright Bing cherry, a hint of strawberry jam on toast and the faintest oak. The enticing medium-bodied core of red fruits are touched with citric peel and sweet oak. The wine flows like silk over the palate, offering vim and vigor from the refreshing acidity. Soft tannins make for easy current drinkability, but this can age. Reviewed October 3, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate Bottled Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $36. · Bright crimson robe. Pleasing aromas of red Pinot fruits, especially Bing cherry, oak spice and vanilla. Cherry driven juicy flavors pushing ripeness to the edge with a hint of raisin and roasted fruit. Easy to drink with fine-grained tannins and a refreshingly clean finish. Reviewed January 28, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $36. 10% whole clusters placed with remainder of the de-stemmed fruit and lightly crushed. After a 3 day cold maceration, the vats were inoculated with a selected strain of yeast. Fermentation lasted 12 days with traditional hand punch downs. Aged 11 months in a combination of French and Eastern European oak, 33% new. · Sensuous aromatics featuring Bing cherry, anise, toast and strawberry. The core of red fruits is tasty and forward but elegant in presentation. The wine is supple in the mouth with pleasing persistence and has a refreshing acid lift on the finish. Impeccable balance. Ready to drink now, it will remain a really lovely wine over time. With a comfortable price point, this is one to buy by the case. Reviewed October 4, 2007 ARTICLE »

2005 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $30. · Pretty flashy, with aromas of earth, leather and spiced black cherries. Styled with finesse over fruit heaviness and great verve. So juicy and tasty you will want to “nibble” at it. Reviewed October 4, 2007 ARTICLE »

2005 Olivet Lane Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

$30. · This is a fine go-to Pinot Noir that is often priced several dollars less than suggested retail. The wine is not over-bearing or tiresome to drink and compliments food nicely. The cherry fruit is of great breeding and the ethereal style is appealing. Reviewed July 30, 2007 ARTICLE »

2005 Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

$30 Kevin loves working with Olivet Lane fruit for he says the wine makes itself; no tricks, additives, modifications required. 10% whole clusters used. Aged 11 months in French and Eastern European oak, 33% new. · This has been in bottle only a short time so will only get better. Still, it is pretty flashy already, with aromas of earth, leather, and spiced black cherries. This is a Pinot that has finesse over fruit heaviness and great verve and style. It is a little showier than the 2004. So juicy and tasty you want to ‘nibble’ at it. Reviewed November 26, 2006 ARTICLE »

2004 Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 2,900 cases, $24 · This Pinot has an attractive nose of herbs, cola, spice and cherries. Flavors of dried fruit, herbs and cherry-pie filling are linger on the finish which has plenty of zip and zing. As Mick Jagger would say, “It’s only Pinot Noir, but I like it!” Reviewed November 26, 2006 ARTICLE »