Vineyard: Bootlegger's Hill

OwnerMichael Browne
AppellationRussian River Valley
StoryPlanted for Patz & Hall by Charlie Chenoweth. Combination of California heritage selections and Dijon clones. A very cool site where there is just enough warmth from the first rays of the morning sun to fully ripen the grapes while still maintaining acidity.
LocationBetween Sebastopol and Occidental - 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
SoilsShallow Goldrige
VarietiesPinot Noir
ManagersCharlies Chenoweth

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Chenoweth Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 303 cases, pH 3.50, RS 0.6 g/L, $75 (mailing list only). A noteworthy grower’s designate wine sourced from three meticulously developed and carefully farmed vineyards (Chenoweth Ranch, Treehouse and Bootleggers) managed by Chenoweth Vineyards. The Chenoweth family has lived in the Sebastopol area for more than a century and have farmed everything from wine grapes to apples, prunes and cherries. Charlie Chenoweth is well known as one of California’s most renowned vineyard managers. Clones are 667, 777, 115, 37, 23, Pommard and a Calera selection. 8% whole cluster. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Energetic perfume of black cherry, raspberry and sous bois. A deeply flavored cherry core is framed by gracious tannins, spirited acidity and a welcome oak compliment. The wine is exquisitely balanced with a lingering finish that has good snap that demands another sip. Fresh as a mature barrel sample and everything you can ask for in a Pinot Noir. Score: 94. Reviewed October 12, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 CIRQ. Bootlegger’s Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.58, 694 cases, $125. Clones 23, 37, Calera, CC, Elite and Pommard. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring aromas of fresh dark red and black stone and berry fruits with a sexy spice component. A glamorous wine that offers impeccable balance between sweet, sappy purple fruits and firm structural integrity. The mouthfeel is seductive, the acidity gives energy and lift to the prodigious fruit, and the extraordinary finish defies description. Still wonderful two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A masculine wine with a sensual side. Score: 95. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »