Vineyard: KW Ranch

OwnersKirk Williams, Kori Violini
AppellationSanta Lucia Highlands
StoryHome Ranch of Kirk Williams who owns and farms 150 acres of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Grapes are supplied to many well-known producers and a Kori label Pinot Noir is also offered.
Acres6
LocationSits between Rosella's and Garys' but lower in elevation and closer proximity to the old Salinas River.
SoilsGravelly loam with significant amounts of quartz.
VarietiesPinot Noir, Syrah
Clones667, Pommard 4
ManagersKirk Williams

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.63, $35. Sourced from Double L, Rosella’s, Boekenoogen, KW and Tondre vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, native and cultured yeast fermentation in small, open-top tanks. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers primarily oak-driven aromas of toast, nuts and smoke, and more delicate secondary aromas of cherry. Light in weight, with oak-embellished flavors of cherry and raspberry. Fresh and juicy, with easygoing tannins and a short finish. Score: 88. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Mignanelli KW Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $32 (sold out). A 6-acre vineyard planted in 2000 by Kirk William located between Rosella’s and Garys’ vineyards but lower in elevation. Soils are decomposed granite with quartz. Native fermentation, 60% whole cluster, hand and feet punchdowns. Clones are Pommard and 667. Aged in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, cola, spice, sweet pipe smoke and even a hint of diaper. Full-bodied, with a delectable sweet black cherry core accented with notes of spice and stem. The fine-grain tannins are modest and the wine tempts with a pleasing finish. The added whole cluster adds more nuance and interest in this wine. A manly, daring wine that remains very agreeable. Score: 92. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 KORi KW Ranch Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 150 cases, $38. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. An array of dark fruit aromas arrive slowly over time in the glass. The mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and blackberry are satisfying. More sap and tannin than the 2013 bottling, and better oak management. Score: 91. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 KORi KW Ranch Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 150 cases, $30. 14-acre vineyard farmed by grower Kirk Williams. Pommard and 667 clones. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely perfume of Bing cherry, baking spice and toasty oak. A light to mid weight wine that is cheerful and vibrant with a core of tasty dark cherry. There is a little more oak overlay than I prefer but it is not egregiou Score: 90. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 scratch KW Ranch Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.65, 35 cases, $45. Pommard 4 and 667 clones. 50% whole cluster. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Highly scented with aromas of darker berries, savory spices, rose petal and forest floor. Soft and enticing on the palate with a vivid array of dark red cherry and berry flavors that are well spiced and carry over with aplomb on the extended finish. The impeccable balance and drink ability is striking. Tasted later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was even more appealing. My wife was gaga over this wine and she is more picky about Pinot Noir than I. Score: 95. Reviewed August 14, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 KORi KW Ranch Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 200 cases, $38. From the 14-acre terraced KW Ranch Vineyard. The vineyard has previously supplied fruit to several famous vintners. Clones are 667 and Pommard 4. Grower is Kirk Williams and winemakers are Kori Violini and Sabrine Rodems. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Impressively aromatic with bright, intense aromas of black raspberries, kirsch and dark plum sauce. Medium weight flavors echo the nose with added accents of toasty oak and floral notes, finishing with a flourish of black raspberry fruit. Soft and velvety on the palate, and very comforting to drink. Admirable balance with silky tannins and wellhoned acidity. A complete wine that brings out the best in Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. A big, but pleasant surprise to me, as I had never previously met with this label. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »