Vineyard: Riddle

OwnerJames Riddle
AppellationRussian River Valley
Dates Planted2008
LocationStoetz Lane on the second ridge inland from the Pacific Ocean, in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA.
SoilsGoldridge and Franciscan
VarietiesPinot Noir
Clones115, 828, Mt. Eden (UCD 37), Pommard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Sojourn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.60, 900 cases, $42. Released spring 2018. A blend of five vineyards, primarily Wohler Vineyard with some Riddle and Pratt vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, open-top fermentation using native yeast after a 5-day cold soak. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of ripe Bing cherry, ripe strawberry and oak barrel. Mid weight plus flavors of well-ripened dark stone fruits, black raspberry, cola, dark chocolate and dark toffee. The fruit is rich and mellow, with accompanying streamlined tannins and a modest finish. A good introduction to a bolder style of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Score: 89. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Sojourn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.60, 775 cases, $42. Primarily sourced from Wohler Vineyard, with lesser contributions from Riddle, Pratt and Reuling vineyards. 100% destemmed, native yeast open-top fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of fresh cherry, dark red grape, spice and a back note of oak. The middleweight flavors of cherry, spice and herbal oak have good vibrancy and complimentary support from modest tannins. A refined, easy to like style. Score: 89. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Hibou Riddle Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

23 months · Wonderful expressive nose offering aromas of purple grape and berry, blooming rose, pine needle and earthy flora. Mid weight flavors of blackberry and black raspberry framed by imposing oak. Creamy in texture, with balanced tannins and some finishing intensity. Seems to be showing more oak than when reviewed originally. Previously 96 Score: 92. Reviewed February 4, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Young Hagen Riddle Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.57, 149 cases, $50. Released February 2017. Clones 115 and Pommard. 10% whole cluster included in de-stemmed fermentation. Aged 11 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark purple color in the glass. Very similar in style and character as the 2013 Sonoma Coast bottling, but with more compatible oak management. Aromas of blueberry-pomegranate, rose petal, white pepper and vanilla lead to a mid weight plus core of sweet purple and black berry fruits framed by gentle tannins. The wine enters better than it finishes, with a welcome attack of well-ripened fruit, but finishes only modestly. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Hibou Riddle Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.60, 144 cases, $58. Released October 1, 2015. Harvest Brix 24.8º. 50% 115 and 50% Pommard. The Pommard block was fermented with 100% whole clusters so the final blend is 50% whole cluster. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new Remond. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of fresh black cherries, spice, underbrush and a sweet floral intricacy. The perfectly ripened Bing cherry core is flat-out delicious, accented with a bit of spice, cola, dark chocolate and a trace of umami for good measure. Enviable composure and uncommon drink ability, with matched tannins and acidity, judicious use of oak, and a long, cherry-infused finish. This is one of a few exceptional Pinot Noirs that illicit emotion to the point that your excitement fuels a need to tell someone about it. I told my spouse who tasted the wine and absolutely loved it, and together we finished the wine quickly later in the day with dinner. Sublime. Score: 96. Reviewed February 26, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Sojourn Riddle Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.58, 350 cases, $59. Released fall 2016. Vineyard is located north of Occidental on the second ridge from the Pacific Ocean in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA. Clones are 115, Mt. Eden and Pommard planted in sandy loam Goldridge soils in 2008. 100% de-stemmed. Open-top fermentation with native yeasts, aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with hi-tone scents of dark berry jam and Asian 5-spice. Mid weight plus in style with a strong physique, yet charming and nimble. The dark berry core really grabs on to the mid palate and holds through a fruit-laden finish. The wine has a trim oak compliment and a thick yet lubricating texture. Score: 94. Reviewed May 11, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Red Car Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc.,TA 0.57, $45. Sourced from several vineyards: Red Car Estate (21%), Platt (19%), Bohemian Station (18%), Falstaff (12%), Riddle Ranch (12%), Hagan (11%) and Clary Ranch (7%). Average harvest Brix 22.5º. Calera, “828,” 777, 115, Pommard and Schoolhouse clones. Aged in 10% new and 90% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Dark red berries and cherries are featured in this mid weight wine that is smooth on the palate, nicely balanced, and offers a lip-smacking cut of acidity on the finish. An admirable reflection of the Sonoma Coast in this vintage. Score: 90. Reviewed November 22, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »