VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Summa

Summa
OwnerThomas Rivers Brown
AppellationSonoma Coast
StorySteve and daughter Joan first planted Summa Vineyard in the late 1970s. Joan eventually married Scott Zeller, and Scott and Joan Zeller acquired the vineyard in 1982, lived on the property, and managed the vineyard until 2010 when Thomas Rivers Brown bought the 1979-2000 Summa Vineyard plantings in 2010 for his Rivers-Marie label, and leased the young vine 2005-2009 plantings so he has a monopole. Brown has made a Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir since 2002. The 1991 Williams Selyem Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir was the first California Pinot Noir to sell for $100. The original plantings are of an unknown selection but believed to be original Swan selection and all subsequent plantings were taken from cuttings of the original vines.
Dates Planted1979, 1998, 2000, 2005, 2009
Acres6.5
LocationOn Taylor Lane west of the town of Occidental 6 miles inland from the Pacific coastline. Adjacent Taylor Lane Vineyard (Belle Glos) and across the street from Thieriot Vineyard.
VarietiesPinot Noir
Clones115, Swan
Trellis SpacingWide spacing with interplanting in older plantings
ManagersScott Zeller, Thomas Rivers Brown

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2018 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 325 cases, $60. Harvest Brix 23.1º. This “Baby Summa” comes from 20-year-old vines. Thomas feels this wine becomes more like the Old Vines bottling every year. For me, it is an excellent wine but relies a little bit more on fruit impact and less on complexity than the Old Vines Summa. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Highly expressive nose, offering scents of dark pie cherries, black raspberries, plum and a hint of vanilla and toast. Mid-weight plus in concentration, offering a charge of black cherry fruit that saturates the palate and holds up in generosity through an extended finish. A little more oak shows up on the nose and palate but dissipates with swirling. Gracious tannins make for easy approachability. Still fine when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed May 25, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 210 cases, $80. Harvest Brix 23.8º. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The enticing nose is a wonderland of aromas including cherry, spice, forest floor, and pine needles. The dreamy texture makes an impression immediately. Very enjoyable upon opening in a light to mid-weight style featuring a core of well-spiced redder fruits. A stellar wine with engaging freshness and gossamer tannins, finishing unusually long. There is something about this wine that is hard to put into words but you know it is special. Perhaps it is the fact that it offers complexity rather than brute sap. Most certainly, it is the forty-year-old vines speaking. In any case, this beauty has the balance to age for many years and I am sure it will bring many oohs and aah down the line. Still magnificent when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed May 25, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 210 cases, $80. Harvest Brix 23.8º. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The enticing hose is a wonderland of aromas including cherry, spice, forest floor and pine needles. The dreamy texture makes an impression immediately. Very enjoyable upon opening in a light to mid-weight style featuring a core of well-spiced redder fruits. A stellar wine with engaging freshness and gossamer tannins, finishing unusually long. There is something about this wine that is hard to put into words but you know it is special. Perhaps it is the fact that it offers complexity rather than brute sap. Most certainly, it is the forty-year-old vines speaking. In any case, this beauty has the balance to age for many years and I am sure will brings many oohs and ahas down the line. Still magnificent when tasted the following day from a previous opened bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Rivers-Marie Summa Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 70 cases, $75. 1.25 tons off of 1.75 acres. Aged in 100% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is initially replete with aromas of woodland, smoke, smoldering embers, grilled mushroom and spice, presumably due to 100% new oak still relatively soon after bottling. When tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the oak was more subdued and the sexy fruit aromas were beginning to arrive. Much better on the palate with a mid weight core of charming black cherry and black raspberry flavors. Very silky in the mouth, with gentle tannins. Not as sappy as the other 2015 Rivers-Marie wines and thereby more sophisticated and alluring. This wine definitely needs a few years in the cellar and will reward your patience. It will turn out to be the best wine in the 2015 lineup. Score: 94. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Rivers-Marie Summa Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $75. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas and flavors of cherry, cranberry relish, dried herbs, sandalwood and pine sap are quite appealing. A charming wine that fills the mouth with fruit goodness, and recedes very smoothly on the finish which has good grip and length. Not a blockbuster, and not the best Summa Old Vines I have had, but a very suave wine that satisfies. Score: 92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 450 cases, $50. Vineyard dry farmed for the first time ever. · Moderately deep reddish purple color in the glass. A sexy nose of black cherry, spice, root beer, toasty oak and iron and is a chameleon in the glass. Middleweight, refined flavors of dark red cherries and berries that expand in the mouth and leave an impression on the glorious finish. Suave tannins, juicy acidity and a judicious touch of oak add charm to the experience. This beauty leaves a lingering message of spiced plum and raspberry on the finish. Score: 94. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Rivers-Marie Summa Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 275 cases, $75. · Moderately dark, very pretty garnet color in the glass. The aromas pull you into the glass with a fascinating array of scents including dark berry coulis, forest floor, molasses and even pulled pork. A delicious onslaught of dark plum and black raspberry fruit engages the palate with hints of earthy goodness and exotic spices. This wine has an exceptional presence on the palate. Beautifully composed, with supple, balanced tannins and integrated acidity, finishing with length and aplomb. An argument for old vines. Wines like this make you want to go to church to give thanks. Score: 97. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 204 cases, $50. A combination of all blocks at Summa Vineyard. Aged in 75% new French oak barrels. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Red fruited on the nose and palate showing its usual spice and orange peel highlights, but offering an uncharacteristic and curious savory and smoky note. Very good acidity and brisk on the palate and finish. A skeleton of its usual self. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good at best. Reviewed May 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. · Dark reddish purple color with slight yellowing of the rim in the glass. Aromas of oak, leather saddle, soot and floral bouquet lead to mid weight plus flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, olive and toast. Plush in the mouth, with a good attack but less impressive finish. Unchanged when tasted the following day. Drink up to 2020. Score: 87. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 200 cases, $50. 10% whole cluster. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very unusual array of aromas and hard to pin down with proper descriptors. I get some aromas of cherries, orange pekoe tea, spice and vanilla wafer. Middleweight flavors of cherries, raspberries and blueberries with the slightest oak in the background. A well-mannered, but not exciting wine, with balanced tannins and crisp acidity. Good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Rivers-Marie Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 137 cases, $75. Aged in 80% new French oak. Yields just shy of 1 ton per acre. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Big, bold aromas of dark berry jam and black cherries with a hint of dark caramel. Luscious and creamy on the palate with a wave of rather exotic ripe dark berry and plum flavors with hints of spice and toasty oak. Well-balanced tannins and acidity with a long, layered, fruit-filled finish so typical of this vineyard. Tempting now, but best to wait another 3 to 5 years. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 137 cases, $75. Aged in 80% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, orange peel, exotic spices and espresso-laced oak. Sumptuous, long and full on the palate featuring flavors of ripe cherries, citrus flavored cranberries, and spice. Picks up interest and intensity over time in the glass. This wine offers obvious sophistication in a gentle, more demure style in this vintage. Very good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Rivers-Marie Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 106 cases, $60. Aged in 80% new French oak. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Restrained aromas of black cherries, black plums and seasoned oak. Richly flavored red and black fruits accented with notes of spice, herbs and oak. Very soft in the mouth with a bright cut of acidity on the very long finish. Makes a lasting impression. Still young and hasn’t reached its full potential. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Rivers-Marie Summa Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 106 cases, $60. Aged in 80% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. An enticing and aromatically exotic nose featuring mixed berries and black cherries with a hint of toasty oak. Clearly the most intoxicating perfume in the lineup. Smooth and polished on the palate with ripe flavors of red plums and cranberries with an underpinning of savory herbs and oak. Similar to the Sonoma Coast bottling in its flavor profile, but with more body, flavor, mid-palate impression and nuance. A delicious wine that has the balance to age extremely well. There is really nothing else quite like a Pinot Noir from these old vines in the Summa Vineyard. Reviewed September 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Rivers-Marie Summa Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color with slight yellowing of the rim in the glass. Robust aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, rose petal and hazelnut with a slight oxidative note. Rather bold with a copious core of very ripe cherry and berry fruits and a subtle riff of smoke taint in the background. Still giving of plenty of fruit, but offering little tertiary character. Drink now to 2020. Score: 89. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Off aromas of root beer, medicine cabinet and oxidative notes. The mid weight core of black fruits has noticeable nutty and toasty oak support. There is a hint of rubber that spoils the experience. Flawed. Not rated. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 200 cases, $45. · Enticing perfume of fresh red stone fruits and berries with exotic spices and baked apple. Delicious melange of dark red cherries and berries with nuances of dark chocolate, Moroccan spices, anise, smoke, and savory herbs. The fruit is robust, virile and mouth coating and persists through a generous finish. A whisper of tannin makes for approachability now. A top-shelf Pinot Noir that has the goods and balance to improve in the cellar over the next several years. Reviewed June 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Rivers-Marie Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 175 cases, $60. Aged in 100% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. On the nose, dark fruits are featured including plums and black cherries with a hint of ash and lime. Delicious black cherry core with very slight creosole and smoke flavors. Moderate dry tannins and very impressive length on the finish. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Rivers-Marie Summa Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 175 cases, $60. · Intoxicating aromas of wild berries and black cherries and other pheromone scents that make you giddy. Structured and stuffed with an entirely seductive and ever-expanding arsenal of dark red cherries, berries and currants underlain with a subtle smokiness, haunting earthiness and a hint of mushrooms on the grill. Enough tannins for the long haul and balancing acidity to hold the fruit in check. The finish goes on and on, leading to a veritable winegasm. Still tightly wound but considerable upside potential long term. Reviewed June 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $80. · Moderate reddish-purple colorin the glass. Aromas of ripe strawberries and melons. Charming black raspberry and black cherry fruit with a silky smooth mouth feel. Notes of cola, grilled fruit, hard red candy and tar in the background. A lovely kiss of cherry on the finish. You have to love the soft texture, elegance and balance of the wine and it has charm with a capital C, but from a flavor perspective, it is not my favorite Littorai Summa bottling. Very good. Reviewed January 27, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Exotic scents of wild berries, spices, and graham. Plummy dark fruit with sinew which is brooding, rich and plush, but retains a degree of finesse. Tangy acidity provides juiciness. A wine to contemplate. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Young Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Touch reduced at present. Sweet red stone fruit charge with herbal and orange peel highlights. Immensely satisfying finish that won’t let go. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 225 cases, $25. Sourced from clone 667 from Occidental Ridge, the youngest block of Summa Vineyard and three barrels of Willow Creek Vineyard that didn’t make the vineyard cut. Aged in 25% new French oak. · Very pretty aromas of red and black cherries, wildflowers and cardamon spice. Tasty potpourri of layered fruits including black cherries, black raspberries, plums and pomegranate with hints of oak and earth. A lift of acidity on the moderately persistent finish makes for easy drinkability. A good wine in its own right that would compete with many wines priced significantly higher, but outclassed by the other wines in the Rivers-Marie lineup. Drinkable now. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 120 cases, $45. Aged in 60% new French oak. · A wowzer nose featuring flamboyant aromas of cherries and berries enhanced with subtle smoky oak. Beautiful core of cherry and berry fruits with hints of pine tar, earth and cola. Packed with flavor yet nimble and harmonious. Smooth in texture with a hint of citric peel on the pleasing finish. Accessible now but will reward patience. A sixty-minute wine: rock ‘em, roll ‘em, all night long. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Rivers-Marie Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 100 cases, $60. Aged in 100% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Beguiling aromas of fresh black cherries and spice. Very soft in the mouth, with a delicious core of medium-weight flavors of perfectly ripe cherries and baking spices. Really impresses with depth of flavor which seems to expand into every crevice in the mouth. Well-proportioned tannins and acidity with amazing length on the glorious finish. Poised for many years of exceptional drinking ahead. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Rivers-Marie Summa Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 100 cases, $60. Aged in 100% new French oak. · The nose is similar to the regular Summa bottling but with a magical and penetrating Asian spice scent that smells like the most erotic pheromone in the world. Unbelievably delicious sappy cherry and berry fruit with wisps of sassafras, cola, and exotic spices. The velvety texture is enough to bring you to your knees. An incredible wine that defies adequate description. Suffice it to say that this is a winegasm - one of those Pinot Noirs with such a powerful charisma, that it drives men to do practically anything to get another bottle. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $80. Cellared at 55º since release. I have tasted every vintage of Littorai Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir from 2002-2008 and the wines have been consistently top-shelf. The reviews are available in the PinotFile.

Note: the 2008 vintage was also sampled. That wine is still packed with fruit but is smoke tainted caused by the devastating California wildfires. One’s enjoyment will depend on one’s tolerance for smoke taint. N/R.

· Moderately dark garnet with slight bricking at the rim. Terrific nose infused with aromas of black cherry, exotic spices, dried herbs, tobacco and old cigar box. Velvety and comforting in the mouth featuring mid weight flavors of darker cherry and berry with an aged patina. Oak is not in the picture. The wine still presents heady fruit and holds up beautifully in the glass when sampled over the course of an hour. A marvelous, well-aged Pinot Noir that should be drunk now. Score: 94. Reviewed May 25, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Rivers-Marie Summa Old Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Light cherry red color withsome yellowing of the rim in the glass. Lovely bouquet of dried cherry, tinder box, pipe smoke, old leather and walnuts. Light to modest in weight with fading fruit flavors of dried black raspberry and blackberry with a hint of vanilla. Gossamer tannins with bright acidity and an uplifting finish. A tired warrior that still offers charm. Drink up. Score: 92. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 121 cases, $80. · Lightest in color of the four vintages in this flight. Demure but enticing aromas of cherries and raspberries with a hint of Asian spices and oak. Veers a little more toward the redder fruit spectrum than the previous three vintages. Full-on generous flavors of creamy cherry and raspberry fruit. The flavors march in waves across the palate leading to a finish that won’t quit. Absolutely gorgeous and pure, and not propelled by high alcohol. A little lighter-weighted than the 2004 and 2005 vintages, yet equally, if not more satisfying with more finesse, yet possessing enough tannin to age. Close to a perfect California Pinot Noir and a sure fire First Team Pinot Noir All-American for 2009. Reviewed October 15, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Brogan Cellars Michaela’s Reserve Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $110. The last Brogan Cellars Pinot Noir from Summa Vineyard. Crafted from young vines. Named for Margi’s granddaughter born in 2006. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry liquor and vanillin oak. Layered and flashy on the palate with delicious flavors of well-spiced redder fruits which cling to the lengthy finish. Beautifully balanced with a dreamy mouth feel. A special wine with years of life ahead. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 24 cases, $80. · Similar to the 2004 vintage but a bit denser with more body. Alluring scents of black cherries, black raspberries, wood shed and mint. Luscious dark stone fruits with hints of herbs, earth and cola. Smooth, even creamy, with silky tannins. Perfectly balanced. Reviewed October 15, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Brogan Cellars Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.9% alc.. · Dark reddishpurple color in the glass. Aromas of toasted oak. High-strung with bright acidity and a citrus-laden finish. Shy fruit and a slight vegetal tone on the finish. Disjointed. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Rivers-Marie Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 60 cases. Aged in 100% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of oak spice, wood shavings and conifer. Tasty core of black cherry fruit with a complimentary hint of oak. Well-structured and still showing some fine-grain tannin, finishing dry with a tart cherry flourish. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Dark reddish purple with slight yellowing of rim in the glass. Tertiary bouquet of earth, mulch and toast woven together with fruit input. Still retains some dark strawberry and black cherry fruit flavors that are hanging in there. The dry tannins are well integrated and there is some length to the dry, cherry finish. Really quite nice for a 13-year-old Pinot. Drink up. Score: 90. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 180 cases, $50. Sourced from Summa and Joya vineyards. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · This wine has a gorgeous nose of crushed plums, cherries and baking spices. A elegant Pinot lover's wine, it is beautifully composed with a silky mouth feel and a lively kick of acid on the pleasing finish which features cherries, mushrooms and a hint of oak. An extremely well-bred Saturday or Sunday wine. Reviewed June 12, 2006 WINERY »

2004 Brogan Cellars Summa Vineyard Young Vine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $60. · This baby is a deep dark purple color. The aromas of toasty oak and plump dark cherries waft in the glass. The body of the wine is rich and offers dark black cherries, earth and sage. The smooth finish is outrageous. This is a big wine that is beautifully composed and complete in every way. Delightful! Reviewed January 29, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Brogan Cellars Summa Vineyard Young Vines Sonoma Coast

14.1% alc., $60. · This is a deep dark purple Pinot Noir that draws you in with a sumptuous dark cherry and toasty oak aromas. The lush fruit fills the mouth and the outrageous finish is brimming with dark cherries and spice. This is a brilliantly crafted and regal wine. Reviewed April 30, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Brogan Cellars Summa Vineyard Young Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 150 cases, $60. · Deep, dark reddish purple color in the glass. Earthy and savory with scents of grilled plums and mushrooms with notes of old cask and smoke. Exotically flavored dark fruit with accents of anise and black olive. Still has notable tannins and considerable life ahead. A distinctive wine that holds your interest. Good. Reviewed September 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Brogan Cellars Young Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 150 cases, $60. · Moderate reddish-purple color with slight bricking of the rim in the glass. Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of grilled plums and toasty oak. Flavors of dark cherries and plum sauce with hints of raisin, fruit leather and oak. Excellent acid spine, but the tannins dominate the fruit. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 36 cases, $70. · Heady aromas of fresh cherry tart and forest floor. Pure, fresh and vibrant. Ambrosial flavors of loamy dark cherries with a sidecar of savory herbs. Seamless, soft and sensual in the mouth with gentle tannins and a clean, fruity finish. Excellent. Reviewed October 15, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 Brogan Cellars Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. Aged in 75% new French oak. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruit profile with aromas of black plum sauce blackberry jam, and spice. Full-bodied flavors of cassis and currant with notes of brown spice and sassafras. Still showing adequate tannic support for the prodigious fruit. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 85 cases, $65. · Darkest in color of the four vintages in this flight. Aromas of black cherries, plums, black currents, Guiness and a hint of oak. Black fruited, intense and very ripe, almost syrupy with a slight raisiny flavor. So much fruit, it seems cloying. Very smooth and silky with a good acid underpinning. Decent Reviewed October 15, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2002 Brogan Cellars Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc.. · Very light reddish-purple color in the glass. Fresh and holding well with vibrant aromas of dark cherries and toasty oak. Moderately rich flavors of dark red berries and cherries, wrapped in gossamer tannins, and finishing with a fresh, uplifting note of cherries and peppercorns. Still has several years of life ahead. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2002 Rivers-Marie Old Vines Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 44 cases. Aged in 100% new French oak. · Very light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, red berry, orange peel, leather and oak. Light and elegant flavors of red strawberries, blood oranges and a hint of oak with slight tannin and bright acidity. Holding, but fruit is beginning the downslope. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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