Drew Family Cellars

Articles About Drew Family Cellars

Reviewed Wines

2009 Drew The Gatekeeper Blend Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.67, 450 cases, $28. Released February 2011. 60% Perli Vineyard and 40% Mendocino Ridge Vineyard. Clones 114, 115, 777, 667. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Pleasant and complex array of aromas including red and black berries, black currants, raisin, cedar and savory herbs. Slightly tart flavors of cherry skins, pomegranates, and black raspberries with a savory bent. Crisp with restrained dry tannins. Easily approachable now. Better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good (+). Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Drew Fog-Eater Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.66, 370 cases, $40. Release June, 2011. A blend from two organically farmed sites: 60% Balo Vineyard (777, 828, Martini), 40% Monument Tree Vineyard (667, 115, 114). 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the class. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherries and blueberries with a hint of spice. Flavors of red plums and black cherries with a subtle note of oak and stem. Well-suited tannic backbone. Still young and undeveloped. Good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Drew Fog-Eater Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 370 cases, $40. From two organically farmed sites: 60% Balo Vineyard and 40% Monument Tree Vineyard. Fog-Eater is a regional Boontling term used by the early settlers of the Anderson Valley. This pejorative term is used to describe a coastal dweller, someone living on the margin. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic with scents of dark stone fruits and berries with hints of spice and floral bouquet picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass. Medium weighted flavors of plum sauce and dark berry jam with a grip of Asian spice and shaved oak. Perfectly balanced supple tannins and juicy acidity. Ready to drink now and over the short term. I really enjoyed the freshness of this wine. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Drew Perli Vineyard Murder Ridge Block Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $40. From a steep ridge top vineyard laden with volcanic rock at 2,000 feet elevation about 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A chameleon of a wine that changes in the glass over time. Many aromas show up including Herbs de Provence, red berries and cherries, spice, almond paste and a floral note. Medium weighted vivid flavors of dark red cherries, raspberries and plums with a savory component, well-mannered tannins and a good cut of acidity on the bright finish. Very good (+). Reviewed November 29, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Drew Valenti Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 72 cases, $40. This vineyard is located on the top of Greenwood Ridge, 6 miles from the ocean at 1,400 feet above sea level. It is a challenging site with daily maritime winds resulting in very cool temperatures throughout the growing season. The marginally fertile topsoil overlays a deep profile of sandstone and shale which roots can penetrate deeply to take up water and minerals enabling a dry farming situation. Daytime temperatures are typically 7 to 10 degrees cooler than the Anderson Valley floor. Yields are very low. · Deep purple color in the glass. Very reluctant nose offering little fruit and primarily oak. Admirable richness and intensity of fruit flavor offering a rainbow of dark fruits including black cherries, black plums and cassis. Still tight with oak and tannin in evidence. Set this aside in your cellar while you drink the Fog-Eater. Could be a wine to contemplate down the road. Very Good. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Drew Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $40. Fifth vintage of this wine. This 15-acre vineyard is situated at the southeastern border of Anderson Valley amongst the redwoods. Planted by owner Bill Weir to a California heirloom clone purported to be from DRC, cuttings from Rochioli River Block, Pommard 4 and Wädenswil 2A. I have had some marvelous wines from this vineyard through the years and this vintage is no exception. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex nose that unfolds slowly revealing many nuances including aromas of dark berries and black plums, mushrooms, bramble, spice, and rose petal. Delicious core of fresh plum compote wrapped in firm, but well-honed tannins, attacking the mid palate with conviction, and persisting on the soft finish that shows a riff of citrus and a perfume of plum sauce. Deft balance between richness, acidity and tannin. It is wines like this that make Pinot my paramour. Reviewed November 29, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Drew McDougall Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 183 cases, pH 3.65,TA 0.64, $47. Released March 2011. A 7-acre vineyard on a rocky outcropping at 935 feet elevation about 2.4 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the true Sonoma Coast. Fifth vintage from this site. Soil is sandy clay over bedrock. Clone 114. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 11 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Deeply and intensely perfumed with scents of wild berries, spice and cedar closet. Luscious core of blackberry, boysenberry, and black cherry flavors wrapped in flamboyant tannins. Fruit is perfectly ripe and has an exotic, animale quality. Amazing persistence on the big finish. Great potential. Better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Drew Valenti Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 362 cases, $36. Very low yields due to severe frost resulting in intensity with relatively high acidity and firm tannins at lower sugar levels. The first Valenti Vineyard vineyard-designate Pinot Noir. Clones 114, 667. · Slightly restrained, even after an hour in the glass, showing dark cherry and berry, hay field and floral aromas. Tasty core of black cherry and black raspberry fruit which is saturating on the palate. Noticeable, but not intrusive ripe tannins with a smooth entry and follow through leading to a clean finish. This wine will continue to improve with cellaring as the tannins integrate and soften over time. If you can’t keep your hands of it now, decant. Very good. Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Drew Valenti Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.63, 362 cases, $36. Released in the spring 2010. This vineyard is located at the top of Greenwood Ridge, 6 miles from the Pacific ocean and 1,300 feet above sea level. This is a challenging site with harsh conditions. 100% clone 667. 40% stems, 5% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels. Debut single-vineyard bottling. Winemaker Jason Drew. · I really like the nose on this wine which sports black cherry jam, redwood and exotic Asian spices. Earthy and slightly smoky in the mouth with savory black cherry and black raspberry fruit in the background. Restrained but evident tannins need time to resolve and the wine as a whole needs another year in the bottle to show what it has. Very good now but will get better. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Drew Fog-Eater Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 495 cases, $42. Fog-eater is a regional boontling term used by the early settlers of the Anderson Valley to denote a coastal dweller or someone living out on the margin. 60% Balo Vineyard (Dijon clone 828 and Martini selection) and 40% Valenti Vineyard (Dijon clone 667). Yields were 1.25-1.95 tons per acre. Brix at harvest 23.5º-24.2º. 15% whole cluster, 20% stem retention, 8-day cold soak, gravity racked twice, aged for 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels. · Expressive and enticing aromas of black cherries, cedar and forest floor.This wine speaks of its forested terroir with cherry fruit flavors enhanced with wooded forest and juniper berry flavors, moderate tannins and lively acidity. Still outgoing the next day from a previously opened and recorked bottle signifying age ability. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Drew Gatekeeper Rio Vista Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.8% lc., 426 cases, $42. Sourced entirely from Rio Vista Vineyard located on the southeastern side of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Jason has worked with the same blocks from this vineyard since 2002. Average Brix at harvest 24.7º. Yields 2-3 tons per acre. Clones are 50% 777, 25% 667, and 25% 115. High density plantings dating to 1998. 10% whole cluster fermentation, 30% stem inclusion, 8-day cold soak, 21 days on skins. Aged 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels. · Expressive aromas of cherries, cedar, pine and mint. Delicious cherry and red plum with an appealing earthiness. Very smooth and elegant, nicely spiced, with soft tannins and a finish that lures you back for more. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Drew Monument Tree Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 200 cases, $42. This vineyard is located in the deep-end of the Anderson Valley in Philo. 15 acres planted to Dijon clones 114, 115 and 667 in 1999. Charles McBride is the owner. Yields were 2.4 tons per acre. Brix at harvest was 24.5º. 15% whole cluster fermentation, 30% stem inclusion, 7-day cold soak and 20 days on skins. Aged for 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color. On the nose there are slightly confected red plums and berries, forest pine and cedar with a hint of camphor and spice, becoming more floral with time in the glass. Woodsy and earthy red berry fruit with a supporting dusting of oak. Beautifully composed with fine tannins, a spark of acidity and a soft and clean finish. Builds in momentum in the glass and keeps getting better and better. Like a well-perfumed and adorned debutante, this wine is a charmer. Tasted twice with consistent results. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Drew Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 200 cases, $42. This vineyard sits in a cool pocket among the redwoods at the southeastern border of the Anderson Valley. Situated on a steep southeastern slope at 850 feet, the soils consist of shale and clay. The vineyard was planted in 1992-1998 and is about 15 acres in size and contains rare heritage clones of Pinot Noir. For this bottling, four clones were combined: 2A, Pommard 4, DRC selection and Rochioli Riverblock selection planted in 1992. The owner, Bill Weir, is a Burgundy fanatic and has strived to produce old world character in his north coast vineyard. I have had some stunning Pinot Noirs from this vineyard! Yields were 1.88 tons per acre. Average Brix at harvest 24.2º. 15% stem inclusion, 4-day cold soak, 15 days on skins. Aged 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels. · A complete wine of great interest beginning with scents of dark fruits, cedar and middle eastern spices. Dark plums and berries assault the palate with intensity. A big-boned bruiser but not jammy. Flamboyant tannins balanced nicely with tangy acidity. The black knight in the lineup that Jason has managed to corral. Needs short ribs. Drank perfectly fine the next day from a previously opened re-corked bottle indicating a long life ahead for this wine. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Drew Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 225 cases, $45. This meticulously farmed vineyard is located in the cooler reaches of the Anderson Valley near the town of Philo. Planted in 1992-1998, the clones are Pommard, Calera, and Dijon 113, 114, and 115. Yields were 1-1.8 tons per acre. Brix at harvest was 24.5º. 30% whole cluster fermentation, 30% stem inclusion, 7-day cold soak, 14 days on skins, aging for 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels. · Rather shy nose exhibiting aromas of red fruits, wet stone, minerals, wood and spearmint. Light and restrained for a Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir, with pleasant cherry, cranberry and strawberry flavors. Notable tannin and brisk acidity. Decent but not a revelation. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Drew Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 225 cases, $45. · Deep and rich aromas of berry tart with nuances of oak, smoke, raisin and green garden. Vivid core of raspberry fruit with bright acidity, mild astringent tannins, impressive body and viscosity, and a dry, generous finish. Tastes slightly riper than several other Savoy Pinots in this vintage. Very good. Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Drew McDougall Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 225 cases, $50. From a small 7-acre vineyard planted to clone 114 in 1998 in a highly coveted area known as the “golden triangle.” It sits on a small bench 1,300 feet elevation about 2.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean on a steep south slope in the true Sonoma Coast. Brix at harvest 24.5º. Yields 2.1 tons per acre. 20% stem inclusion, 8-day cold soak, 18 days on skins, aged 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels. · The seductive nose sports bright fresh berries, cardamon spice, violets and Chanel #5. Sweet red fruits saturate the palate with a faint touch of oak. A comforting drink that is smooth and ethereal in the mouth with everything singing in harmony. Still great the next day. Full-on seduction. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Drew Cargasacchi-Jalami Vineyard Potbelly Block Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 286 cases, $35 · This is a young wine and the nose is quite subdued with subtle notes of red cherry, grass and sanded wood. The lovely red Pinot fruits are accented with herbal and woodsy flavors. Light in body and offering some finesse and lively acidity, this is a good food wine whose flavors trump the aromas at this stage. Reviewed March 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Drew Fog-Eater Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 495 cases, $42. Made from two Anderson Valley vineyards heavily influenced by coastal fog. · This wine has the most flamboyant aromatics of the lineup with spiced cherries, watermelon, fresh sawn oak and a little barnyard. Plenty of lovable Pinot fruits, fine-grained tannins which could use some time to shed, and velvety texture. Doesn’t have the twinkle that the Weir has, but perfectly fine in its own right. Reviewed March 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Drew Fog-Eater Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 495 cases, $42. This wine is made from sites heavily influenced by the coastal fog. Fog- Eater is a boontling term used to describe a coastal dweller, someone living out on the margin. The blend varies with each vintage. In 2006, the blend is 65% Valenti vineyard (clone 667) and 35% Monument Tree Vineyard (clones 115,667,777). Four day cold soak, 20% stem retention, gravity racked two times, barrel aged in 35% new French oak and 65% seasoned French oak for 11 months. · Attractive ruby color. Flamboyant aromatics sporting spiced cherries, watermelon, freshsawn oak and a little barnyard. Plenty of lovable Pinot fruits, fine-grained tannins, admirable acidity, and a velvety texture. Doesn’t have the twinkle that the 2005 vintage had, but perfectly fine in its own right. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Drew McDougall Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 193 cases, $50. 7-acre vineyard at 1,300 feet four miles from Pacific Ocean. · Rich cherry aromas with a little plum, rhubarb and sawdust. Darker stone fruits are featured with a charming earth and herbal note on the finish. Plenty of dirt here. The texture is plush with gossamer tannins. Alcohol is well-integrated. A clean, lingering finish draws you to another sip. Reviewed March 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Drew Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 187 cases, $50 (sold out, try www.wadeswines.com). Weir Vineyard is 15 acres which includes rare DRC and Rochioli selections. · Very enviable aromas of mineral-inflected black cherry fruit, strawberry and cookie dough. Highly likeable raspberry and strawberry fruit flavors with a glamorous fruity aftertaste accentuated with spice and a little white pepper. The fruity finish sneaks up and expands in the mouth over a minute - very sexy. The demure presentation of fruit is very attractive. I like this wine a lot and it is admirable for its perfect balance and purity. The best from this appellation I have ever sampled. Hock your kids for this one. Reviewed March 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Drew Fog-Eater Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 225 cases · Outrageous aromatics with bright cherries, cranberries and sandalwood notes. Luscious green tea and cherry jam on toast flavors with suede-like tannins on the persistent finish. A regal wine that is nicely balanced and complete. Reviewed June 3, 2007 ARTICLE »