August 24, 2010
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Clouds Rest Vineyards
| Owner(s) | John Saemann |
| Web site | www.cloudsrestpinotnoir.com |
| Link to this site |
This unique one and three-quarter-acre vineyard is actually on Sonoma Mountain but carries the Sonoma Coast appellation. Frequent fog drifts in from the ocean forming a billowy blanket about 50 feet below the vineyard fence. The Clouds Rest Vineyard is situated at 1250 feet and is the most intensely planted vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA, and may be the most difficult and expensive to farm. The vines are planted 3 ft x 3 ft (an arm’s length apart) in volcanic soils and farmed completely by hand. The planted clones are Pommard 3 and 115, 667, and 777.
The Clouds Rest Pinot Noirs are aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak and bottle aged an additional 18 months to 3 years. The noted winemaker since the first vintage in 2002 is Anthony Austin. The single vineyard-designate Pinot Noir is sold on the website. The principals are Scott Schuette and John Saemann. 707-765-0841.
Articles About Clouds Rest Vineyards
Reviewed Wines
2008 Cloud’s Rest “Femme Fatale” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,
$40. Estate grown.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The
nose is tres Pinot with fresh black cherry and dark berry aromas. Generous dark
red cherry and berry fruit with a lovely spice accent. The fruit really brings the
palate to attention and persists on the finish. Bright acidity adds to the
drinkability. This wine will find wide appeal. Very good (+).
Reviewed August 24, 2010
ARTICLE »
2004 Clouds Rest Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
$100. This unique one and
three-quarter-acre vineyard is actually on Sonoma Mountain but carries the
Sonoma Coast appellation. Frequent fog drifts in from the ocean forming a
billowy blanket about 50 feet below the vineyard fence. The Clouds Rest
Vineyard is situated at 1250 feet and is the most intensely planted vineyard in
the Sonoma Coast AVA and may be the most difficult and expensive to farm.
The vines are planted 3 ft x 3 ft (an arm’s length apart) in volcanic soils and
farmed completely by hand. The planted clones are Pommard 3 and 115, 667, and 777. The wines are
aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak and bottle aged an additional 18 months to 3 years. The
noted winemaker is Anthony Austin. I also sampled the 2003 vintage (dark in color, woodsy, earthy,
pruney in flavor) and the 2005 vintage (excellent aromatics of black raspberry and spice, pepper accents,
soft texture, toned-down from previous vintages and showing a refinement lacking in other
years).
·
The aromatics benefit considerably from decanting. A blackberry
bombast. Fruit-driven style with gobs of plush ripe fruit and a mountain-inspired earthy influence. Big,
bold and definitely Caliesque in style
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Clouds Rest Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 490
cases, $100. A lot of disagreement on this wine among tasters. Some liked it,
others scored it very low. There will be few takers at this price.
·
Raspberries
and strawberries with noticeable oak and herbs in the aromatics. Plenty of bold
fruit and oak, finishing woody and tangy.
Reviewed December 16, 2007
ARTICLE »
2008 Cloud’s Rest “Femme Fatale” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $40. Estate grown. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is tres Pinot with fresh black cherry and dark berry aromas. Generous dark red cherry and berry fruit with a lovely spice accent. The fruit really brings the palate to attention and persists on the finish. Bright acidity adds to the drinkability. This wine will find wide appeal. Very good (+). Reviewed August 24, 2010 ARTICLE »
2004 Clouds Rest Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
$100. This unique one and three-quarter-acre vineyard is actually on Sonoma Mountain but carries the Sonoma Coast appellation. Frequent fog drifts in from the ocean forming a billowy blanket about 50 feet below the vineyard fence. The Clouds Rest Vineyard is situated at 1250 feet and is the most intensely planted vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA and may be the most difficult and expensive to farm. The vines are planted 3 ft x 3 ft (an arm’s length apart) in volcanic soils and farmed completely by hand. The planted clones are Pommard 3 and 115, 667, and 777. The wines are aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak and bottle aged an additional 18 months to 3 years. The noted winemaker is Anthony Austin. I also sampled the 2003 vintage (dark in color, woodsy, earthy, pruney in flavor) and the 2005 vintage (excellent aromatics of black raspberry and spice, pepper accents, soft texture, toned-down from previous vintages and showing a refinement lacking in other years). · The aromatics benefit considerably from decanting. A blackberry bombast. Fruit-driven style with gobs of plush ripe fruit and a mountain-inspired earthy influence. Big, bold and definitely Caliesque in style Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Clouds Rest Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 490 cases, $100. A lot of disagreement on this wine among tasters. Some liked it, others scored it very low. There will be few takers at this price. · Raspberries and strawberries with noticeable oak and herbs in the aromatics. Plenty of bold fruit and oak, finishing woody and tangy. Reviewed December 16, 2007 ARTICLE »
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