Couloir Wines

Articles About Couloir Wines

Reviewed Wines

2009 Straight Line Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.58, 660 cases, $28. 40% whole cluster. Sourced from Monument Tree, Roma’s, Londer and Oppenlander vineyards. · Moderate ruby color in the glass. Deep aromas of dark red cherries and raspberries. Medium-weighted core of juicy red cherry, berry and plum fruits wrapped in mild dry tannins, augmented with subtle spice and oak, and sporting bright acidity. Good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Couloir Chileno Valley Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., TA 0.57, 90 cases, $38. 33% whole cluster. · The nose initially offers scents of black cherries, mixed berry jam and spice evolving over time in the glass to reveal more intense fruit aromas and hints of grilled mushrooms and brioche. Tasty cherry and cranberry flavors on a medium frame with a faint earthy, tarry note, brought to life with vibrant acidity that leads to a refreshing finish. Toasty oak plays a supportive role in the background. A well-crafted wine that was even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good (+). Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Couloir Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.75, 117 cases, $38. 33% whole cluster. · Deeply colored in the glass. Subdued, but pleasing aromas of fresh berries, spice, oak and grilled mushrooms. Noticeably intense and concentrated with a tasty array of red and black fruits underlain with an earthy, savory, sassafras tone. A bit closed, but grows on you over time in the glass. Well-proportioned, softly coating tannins. Very smooth on the palate, ending with an hi-tone mixed berry note. Balance is spot on. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Couloir Monument Tree Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.71, TA .54, 143 cases, $38. 33% whole cluster. Dijon 777, 667 and 115. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. · The aromas are striking showing off perfectly ripe black cherries, black raspberries and a hint of pine. Strikes a chord from entry to finish, with a vivid core of cherry and berry fruit that is just plain delicious. The moderate tannins are beautifully proportioned, the mouth feel is delicate and sensual, and the wine is impeccably balanced. This sexy, irresistible wine has the whole package. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Couloir Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.61, 118 cases, $38. 50% whole cluster. 50% Pommard and 50% Dijon 115 clone. · Aged in 40% new French oak. I have never had a bad wine from this vineyard and this Pinot Noir is no exception. Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Black cherry and blackberry aromas which are subdued. Impressive essence of dark plums and berries with some soul and grip, encased in plentiful grainy tannins, and persisting on a fruit-filled, earthy finish. The tannins should smooth out over time, but this will always be a firmly structured wine. The key to enjoying this wine is pairing it with hearty food and I had this wine with my home made buffalo chili the next day from a previously opened bottle and the match was heavenly. Very good (+). Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Couloir Roma’s Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., TA .56, 145 cases, $38. 50% whole cluster. Pommard clone now approaching 20 years of age. · Flamboyant aromas of red Bing cherries and sandalwood. Plenty of red cherry flavors, clove, other spice and everything nice. The lightest weighted wine in the lineup with less concentration but still packing plenty of flavor. Supple tannins, faint oak, and an appealing citrus note in the background. Totally different from the other wines and isn’t that perfect? Very good (+). Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2007 Couloir Monument Tree Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.52% alc., pH 3.65, 200 cases, $44. Released in the summer 2009. Planted in 1999 to Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777 by Duckhorn Vineyards, this vineyard was later bought by Chuck McBride who hired Paul Ardzrooni to manage the vineyard. Situated at the deep end of the Anderson Valley. Winemaker Jon Grant. · Moderately deep color and slightly cloudy (unfiltered). Nicely composed perfume of dark red berries, black cherries and spice box. Rich, plush and very satisfying with an impressive mid palate attack of ripe fruit leading to a finishing note of peppery spice and uplifting citrus vibrancy. A hedonistic fruit-driven style that will find fans. Very good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Couloir Roma’s Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.85% alc., 200 cases, $44. Released April 2009. Roma’s Vineyard is at 1,850 feet on a mountaintop ridge. The vineyard was originally planted in 1990 for sparkling wine production, but later retrained to a bilateral cordon for still wine production. Planted to the Pommard clone and organically farmed under the direction of Ardzooni Vineyard Management. 50% whole cluster fermentation in stainless steel open-top tanks. 7-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, gentle manual punch downs, gravity fed into 8 French barrels, 3 new, never racked, fined or filtered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color. World-class nose featuring crushed berries with a kiss of baking spices. A lovely wine in the mouth, very smooth, with moderate ripe tannins, gentle acidity and discreetly concentrated cherry and berry fruit. Elegant and perfectly balanced with admirable persistence on the finish. A complete wine. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Couloir Wines Monument Tree Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

8 barrels, $44. · Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2007 Couloir Wines Roma’s Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

8 barrels, $44. · Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »