VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12
March 11, 2010
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
Clos Pepe: A Grape named Pinot, a Vigneron, a Facilitator, a Dead Head, a Dog named Bud, and a Horse named Charlemagne Whole Cluster Fermentation: A Wild Card Kalin Cellars: Courting Unami Carr Vineyards & Winery: Urban Winery with a Wine Country Soul Benziger Pinot Noir Program Now Shines On the Pinot Trail: Recent Winery Visits Newsworthy Headlines & Trends About Pinot Noir in 2009 Small Sips of Pinot VinAssure™ Wine Preservation System Wes Hagen Discusses Sta. Rita Hills Geology & Clos Pepe Vineyard
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Esterlina Vineyards & Winery
The Esterlina estate Pinot Noir vineyard sits on a ridge commanding a sweeping view of the Anderson Valley. This property was the site of the former Pepperwood Springs Winery, was purchased by the Sterling family in 2000, and renamed Esterlina (Spanish for sterling). the Sterlings have successfully diversified their vineyard holdings and now produce several outstanding wines from Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Esterlina is a tight-knit family operation under the direction of father Murio and his sons. Eric Sterling, M.D., is both a practicing emergency room physician and the winemaker and has an impressive touch with Pinot Noir. Tasting is by appointment. Esterlina wines are sold on the website. Besides the Pinot Noirs, the Cole Ranch Riesling is outstanding. The 2+ mile drive up a winding road is worth the trip to the winery as the Sterlings are warm hosts. 1200 Holmes Ranch Road, Philo.
Articles About Esterlina Vineyards & WineryReviewed Wines![]() 2007 Esterlina Vineyards Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 14.2% alc., 613 cases, $45. Released May 2009. Average Brix at harvest was 24.2º. Whole berries dumped into open-top fermenters, punched down by hand, drained by gravity to barrel, remaining must basket pressed. Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color. The appealing aromas of fresh strawberries and cherries and spices really draw you in and carry over to the focused flavors. Plenty of vim and vigor with perfectly balanced t n‘ a. A soft and creamy texture adds to the pleasure. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
![]() 2006 Esterlina Reserva Anderson Valley Pinot Noir This one is still a baby and won’t be released until the Fall. It is going to be quite memorable. Grab some for your cellar when it is available. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »
![]() 2006 Esterlina Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 14.2% alc., 611 cases, $45. 16 months cooperage in 40% new oak. Unracked, whole berry. · The nose is enchanting featuring plenty of cherry and spicy oak perfume. Silky in the mouth, with a panoply of red berry and stone fruits and a memorable finish. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »
![]() 2006 Esterlina Estate Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 14.2% alc., 611 cases, $45. · Noticeably confected cherry and cotton candy aromas with accents of roses and new-sawn oak. Delicious and caressing in the mouth, enveloping the tongue with rich spiced black cherry and black raspberry fruit. A little woodsy, shroom flavor adds interest. Beautifully balanced with silky tannins and a clean finish that lingers. Love to spend the evening with this one. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »
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