Keller Estate

Owner(s)	Keller Family
Web site	www.KellerEstate.com

Link to this site	How to link to an article or review about your winery..

Arturo Keller’s interest in wine began modestly, with him making wine originally for just his friends and family. His continued passion for wine led him to purchase 650 acres in the southeast corner of Sonoma County on the eastern edge of the Petaluma Gap overlooking the Petaluma River. With the assistance of noted viticulturalist and winemaker Ted Lemon and the staff at University of California at Davis, 86 acres of vines were planted with 9 different clones of Pinot Noir, 4 clones of Chardonnay, and 2 clones of Syrah. Lemon helped with the selection of plant material and the layout of the vineyards. The location of the La Cruz Vineyard is 20 miles from the Pacific Coast, but the fog reaches the vineyard on many days.

A modern winery was built under the direction of well-known architects Victor and Ricardo Legorreta. The walls of the winery are crafted from ancient limestone from the 3 Gorges Dam project in China. The first vintage was 2003. There have been several winemakers with Jacqueline Yoakum currently in charge. The viticulturist is Steve Mathiasson.

Keller Estate is located at 5875 Lakeville Hwy. Special tours, barrel tastings, and events can be arranged by phoning the winery at 707-765-2117. The wines can be purchased on the website and they offered through wide retail distribution. I have been told that there is also an extensive collection of vintage cars at the Estate. Annual production is 3,450 cases.

Articles About Keller Estate

Petaluma Gap: Fog Noir (6.12 1/15/2007)
Small Sips of California Pinot (8.17 6/21/2010)

Reviewed Wines

2007 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.49, 510 cases, $44. From the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast. Harvested, vinified and bottled on site. Multiple clones including Pommard, Dijon 115, 123, 667, 777, 828 and Swan selection. The fruit was de-stemmed and fermentations were driven by native yeast. Only free-run wine was included. Aged 10 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Marvelous nose with complex aromas including strawberries, raspberries, savory spice, and oak vanillin. A medium-bodied wine that is gentle and soft in the mouth with flavorful red cherry and berry fruits enhanced by loamy accents and a tangy finish of moderate length. Drinking perfectly now. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Keller Estate El Coro Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.45, 309 cases, $52. Released in December 2009. The inaugural El Coro bottling. the name “El Coro,” translates to “the choir” in Spanish and refers to a set of sandstone sculptures of a choir that sing at the foot of the vineyard. This 20-acre block is on a ridge top exposed to winds and has thin loamy and clay soil with a volcanic subsoil. Clones include Dijon 667, 777, 828, suitcase and Swan selections. · This is a more masculine expression of the Keller Estate. Lovely perfume of crushed berries, spiced plums, dark roses and tea. Darkly fruited with many layers of interesting flavors including notes of savory herbs, earth, minerals and citrus peel. Structured with ripe tannins and well balanced acidity. A more serious and more complex offering than the Estate bottling that will reward cellaring. Drink the Keller Estate Pinot Noir while this one gains in charm over time. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2004 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $30. · This Pinot Noir is darn near perfect. The nose is sweet-scented with violets, crushed cherries and a hint of oak. It is soft as a down pillow and the flavors deliver the whole Pinot experience. Nicely balanced. Maybe the mid palate and finish could have more oomph, but this is being picky. This Pinot was especially good with grilled King salmon with green goddess sauce. Reviewed January 15, 2007 ARTICLE »