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: Charles Heintz Vineyard

Charles Heintz Vineyard
OwnerCharles E. Heintz
AppellationSonoma Coast
StoryHeintz Ranch has been family owned since 1912. Heintz Ranch grapes are featured in many of California's finest wines including DuMOL, Freeman, Flowers, Littorai, Pierson Meyer, Kosta Browne, Williams Selyem, Heintz & Dutch Bill Creek wines.
Dates PlantedChardonnay 1982; Pinot Noir 1996, 2000; Syrah 2002.
AcresProperty: 100, Vineyard: 55; 25 acres Chardonnay, 22 acres Pinot Noir, 3 Acres Syrah
LocationSecond ridge in from Pacific Ocean at 900 ft. elevation.
AspectVineyard sits upon a ridge top with gentle sloping sides. Pinot Noir and Syrah north to south rows, Chardonnay east to west rows.
SoilsGold Ridge sandy loam, 24" to 36" of topsoil over layers of clay.
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah
Clones113, 115, Beringer field selection, Pommard, Swan
Rootstock3309, 5C
ManagersCharles E. Heintz

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 LaRue Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

12.5% alc., 50 cases, $ Allocated. Clone 4 planted in 1982. Aged for 17 months in French oak barrels. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of yellow citrus and peach draw you into the glass. A wine of sophistication and breeding that pleases on entry, in the middle and on the finish. There is plenty of lemon and yellow apple flavor but the wine does not veer to tropical California ripeness. A spear of acidity adds vitality, the bashful oak adds nuance and the uplifting, lip-smacking finish is memorable. A perfect marriage of pristine and invigorating natural acidity. Score: 95. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., $40. Sourced from Running Creek Estate, Charles Heintz, Orsi , Sullivan and Jewell vineyards. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new and 65% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of canned peaches, honey, butter, yeast and toasty oak. Modest flavors of lemon-lime and pineapple, with a clean mouthfeel, a touch of oak and spirited acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., $55. A cool, high elevation site with Goldridge sandy loam soils. Old clone 4 vines planted in 1982. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in 90% French oak barrels, 35% new and 65% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. The aromas arrive slowly in the glass with air exposure, revealing lemon curd, yellow apple and artichoke. A flashy wine with vivacious flavors of lemon, pineapple and nori. Nicely composed with energetic acidity, folded in oak, and some pleasing aromatic persistence on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 LaRue Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 50 cases, $60. Released March 2018. Barrel fermented in once-used French oak barrels and aged for 17 months. · Moderately light but bright golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, stone fruits and alfalfa set the stage. Crisp and fresh in the mouth, with engaging flavors of lemon, white peach, buttered toast and pastry cream. Nicely composed, with some lingering fruit charm on the impressive finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Senses Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.4% alc., 275 cases, $65. Clone 4. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon creme, yeast, wet parchment and nutty oak. Solid harmony and richly flavored in the mouth, with tastes of lemon, pineapple, mango and vanilla. Nicely composed, yet a bit reserved. Score: 91. Reviewed October 12, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Ryo-Fu Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc, 615 cases, $40. A multiple vineyard blend (Keefer Ranch, Heintz Ranch, Black Emerald, Searby and Dutton Mill Station vineyards). Aged 15 months on lees in French oak barrels, 12% new and 88% used. Apparently full malolactic fermentation. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of buttered toast, lemon curd, honey, pineapple and slight matchstick initially. Rich and ripe fruited in a highly flavorful style that retains good vibrancy. Flavors of lemon, pineapple, yellow peach, burnt caramel and vanilla build over time in the glass. Slightly creamy in mouthfeel with some finishing length. The label says, “Burgundian-style,” but this wine is clearly California in style. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 La Rue Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 22 cases, $60. (allocated to mailing list customers). Aged 17 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Heady aromas of orchard fruits, butterscotch, and floral goodness that reminds of a walk in an orchard in blossom. The wine really perks up the senses with flavors of lemon, peach, pear and subtle vanilla. A floral note and saltiness chimes in as well. Very comforting, with a velvety mouthfeel and a quenching finish. I can just taste the Wente clone in this classy wine that embraces with perfect harmony. Still terrific when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Heintz=Hightz. Score: 95. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Charles Heintz Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.65, RS 0.1%, 250 cases, $19. This rosé is made from Dijon clone 113 farmed intentionally for a rosé wine. Aged 4 months on lees with no stirring in neutral French oak barrels and 60-gallon stainless steel drums. · Moderate pinkish red color in the glass. Highly fragrant with scents of cranberry, orange peel, marzipan and vanilla. Soft and smooth with good richness of flavor on the palate, offering tastes of strawberry, cranberry and peach. Thoroughly satisfying, with a dry, somewhat lengthy finish. Score: 90. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Charles Heintz Vineyards Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

$19. I think winemaker Hugh Chappelle has a gift for producing Pinot Noir Rosé as I find his offerings at Heintz and previously at Lynmar to be California’s best examples. The wine sells out quickly. · Modest pink in color in the glass. Aromas of fresh wild strawberries, blood oranges and peaches echoed on the palate that is vivid, bracing and thirst-quenching. Maybe the most versatile wine on the planet. Score: 90-91. Reviewed April 4, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 DeLoach Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.55, 8,926 cases, $25. Sourced from BCD Vineyard, Becnel Vineyard, Heintz Vineyard and Murray Vineyard.Fermented in wooden open-top vats, hand punch downs, basket pressed, and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 10% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas arrive over time in the glass revealing notes of Bing cherry, cranberry and oak spice and toast. Light to mid weight in style, with flavors of spiced Bing cherry, cola and tobacco. Satiny mouthfeel, with a bit of shallow impression on the mid palate, finishing with modest length. Easy to drink, but leans a bit too much on oak. Score: 87. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 235 cases, $55. Released March 2016. Clone 4 planted in 1982. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A restrained, but pleasing style with aromas of lemon, pastry creme and chalk dust. Nicely balanced, with juicy citrus and green apple flavors. Highly satisfying but I would have liked a tad more depth and dimension. Score: 91. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Peirson Meyer Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 200 cases, $55. Indigenous yeast fermentation and barrel aged for 14 months on the lees in about 40% new French oak. Old Wente clone in Goldridge soil. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Appealing aromas of fresh cut apple, citrus, white peach, rain-dampened grass and nutty oak. Wonderful parade of citrus, apple, pear and tropical fruit flavors that have uncommon length and persistence. Slightly viscous in the mouth, thoroughly seamless, with a high-flying finish that tempts the drinker to return to the glass. Special in every way. Score: 95. Reviewed January 16, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 LaRue Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.1% alc., 50 cases, $60. Vineyard planted in 1982 to Wente clone 4. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Scents of golden apple, wildflower honey and oily oak lead to a bright core of golden apple flavor enriched with notes of white peach and table grape. Nicely composed, with briny acidity and a comforting baby oil mouthfeel. Score: 91. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Ultramarine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.0% alc., $85 (secondary market). This is a highly acclaimed cult producer of both sparkling wines and still Pinot Noir sourced from Charles Heintz Vineyard, crafted by The San Francisco Chronicle’s 2016 Winemaker of the Year, Michael Cruse. · Light red ruby color in the glass. A similar aromatic profile to a Pinot Noir Rosé, with scents of strawberry, cranberry, blood orange, herbs and spice. Rather light in weight and lean in style, with flavors that echo the aromas. Bright and lifted with good acidity, but the attack and finish lack sustenance. Seems like a still wine made with grapes ripened for sparkling wine. Score: 89. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Heintz Vineyards Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.64, 125 cases, $19, screwcap. A blend of two clones field sorted and hand picked followed by de-stemming with a gentle “berry popping.” Grapes are cold soaked for 3 to 4 hours and then gently pressed. Aged 4 months on lees without stirring in neutral French oak and 60 gallon stainless steel drums. Bottled January 2014. · Light pink orange color in the glass. Love the nose offering a perfume of fresh strawberry, blood orange and complimentary floral array. Interesting and complex, with flavors of red berries, melon, pear, and vanilla cream. Slightly creamy on the palate with a dry, refreshing finish. An exceptional Rosé. Score: 92. Reviewed May 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Charles Heintz “Valentina” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.54, 100 cases, $48. This wine is named after, and is a tribute to, Charles Heintz’s grandparents who first settled Heintz Ranch in 1912. This is a blend of clones and field selections grown on the Heintz Estate. Aged 11 months sur lie in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Aromatically pleasing, with scents of strawberry, cranberry, cherry, and sandalwood. Middleweight flavors of red berries and cherry are complimented by a welcome touch of spice and oak. Composed in a soft, seamless and easy to like format, the wine finishes with plenty of upbeat, red fruit goodness. Score: 90. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Kesner Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., $60. The proximity to the coast and the cool microclimate of the site make this the last harvested fruit of the year as time was needed for the acids to calm in the cool coastal evenings leading up to the picking. Native fermentation in barrel, natural acids, aged in 20% newer French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A tightly wound wine with aromas of lemon oil, lees and peeled bark along with flavors of lemon, grapefruit and white peach. Acid-driven on the palate, with a refreshing hi-pitched finish. Score: 90. Reviewed November 22, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Heintz Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.52, 200 cases, $45. Clone 4 (Wente) on AXR1 planted in 1982. Barrel fermented, 11 months in barrel on lees with stirring 1 to 2 times per month only until malolactic fermentation complete. Aged in 35% new French oak barrels. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. A reference wine for California Chardonnay. High brow aromas of lemon, Granny Smith apple, marzipan and toast lead to flavors of lemon curd, honeyed nuts, toasty oak and a hint of tropical fruits. Polished and seductive with perfect harmony between California fruit hedonism and bright, mineral-driven acidity. Still invigorating the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed May 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Charles Heintz Vineyards Sonoma Coast Syrah

13.8% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.59, 200 cases, $46. Aged 11 months on lees in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of purple and black berry compote with a subtle pine forest and floral scent. Very soft, smooth and elegant on the palate, with driving flavors of blue and purple berries, plum and peppery spice. Mid weight plus in heft with soft tannins, juicy acidity and a lengthy finish of impressive intensity. Score: 93. Reviewed August 25, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Heintz Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.56, 200 cases, $48. 100% Swan selection. Aged 11 months on lees in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Highly aromatic, with bright scents of perfectly ripened cherry, cranberry and spice. A cherry bomb in the mouth that finds every nook and cranny, saturating the palate and holding tight through a long and mighty finish. Power without weight. Accents of spice, cola and oak add interest. The whole harmonious package. Score: 94. Reviewed May 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Migration Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 510 cases, $55. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of dried papaya, guava, apple and oak. Soft and slightly viscous on the palate with flavors of citrus and pear. Elegant and gentle, even a bit shy in fruit intensity. Easy to drink, but lacks a spark of acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed August 25, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kosta Browne One Sixteen Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.61, $58. Grapes sourced from Boudreaux, Charles Ranch, El Diablo, Heintz, Searby, Ulises Valdez and Zio Tony vineyards. Multiple clones. 93% barrel fermented and aged in 41% new French oak, 7% concrete fermented. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, orange blossom, lychee and buttery brioche. Creamy and full on the palate, with layers of flavor including lemon cake, lime, nectarine, caramel, and honey, finishing with some length and uplifting acidity. A decadent, succulent style that will find appeal. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Freeman Ryo-fu Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 450 cases, $40. A blend of two vineyards with the largest component from Keefer Ranch and a lesser amount from Heintz Vineyard (vines dating to 1982). Aged 14 months sur lies in 21% new and 79% 1, 2 and 3-year-old French oak barrels. · Light yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon, apple and slate lead to crisp, vivid flavors of citrus, apple, white peach and oak. Plenty to like with forward fruit flavors reigned in by lively acidity, finishing on a high note with lemon-drop memories. Still fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed September 29, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Williams Selyem Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.70, $55. Aged 14 months in 25% new French oak. · Moderately deep yellow corn color and clear in the glass. The nose offers aromas of buttered brioche, nectarine, baked apple and grilled pineapple. The wine already has a somewhat aged character, with flavors of lemon, banana, grilled yellow peach and nutty caramel. Smooth and somewhat rich in the mouth, with modest acidic vibrancy. Score: 87. Reviewed August 25, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL isobel Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., 955 cases, $60. Released November 2012. Sourced from Charles Heintz Vineyard, UCD 108. Yield 3.5 tons per acre from wines that are 29 years old. Complete malolactic fermentation and 15 months aging in 40% new French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very fresh scent of lemon, grilled peach, pear and savory herbs. Remarkable palate presence with impressive energy and a vibrant lift of acidity on the extended finish. The peach, lemon and nutty flavors are complimented by a touch of caramelized oak and really grab your attention. Very flavorful, but has the balance and restraint to pair beautifully with food. Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay is my paramour. Reviewed February 27, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 DuMOL isobel Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 1,174 cases, $60. Sourced from old-vine Charles Heintz Vineyard in the Green Valley. Aged 18 months sur lie. · Light golden straw color in the glass. Aromas of quince, lychee, baked apple, flint, and subtle oak-driven scents of buttered popcorn and toffee. Delicious flavors of apple pan dowdy, honey, citrus and toffee with a slight tropical fruit riff offered in a discreet and charming style. Impressive finishing show for a Chardonnay. Still great two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. I had a second bottle at a restaurant a week later with lunch and it was even better accompanied by a persimmon-studied very lightly dressed salad. I have had more great Chardonnay drinking experiences from Charles Heintz Vineyard than any other vineyard in California. Reviewed January 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Suacci-Carciere Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.70, 200 cases, $35. The winemaker is Ryan Zepaltas (Zepaltas Wines). Owners Andy Carciere and John D. Suacci. 50% fermented in stainless steel and 50% fermented in French oak. 100% MLF with aggressive lees stirring. Aged 11 months in barrel. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Appealing scents and flavors of tropical fruits including pineapple and an array of lemons. Slightly rich and creamy, with just the right dose of oak to add a subtle brioche, vanilla and butter undertone to the sprightly and minerally citrus notes. Heintz Vineyard, regardless of who is making the wine, consistently produces some of California’s greatest Chardonnays. The name of this vineyard on a bottle is a badge of quality. Reviewed May 15, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Peirson Meyer Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.4% alc., 450 cases, $55. The companion label of l’Angevin named after the two proprietor families, Robbie (winemaker with stints at Lewis Cellars and Peter Michael) and Shannon Meyer, and Alan and Lesley Warner Peirson. Barrel fermented, wild yeast fermentation, 100% MLF, aged 15 months in 50% new French oak, unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate straw color in the glass. The aromas really come at you over time in the glass showing lemon curd, creme brulee, vanilla wafer and wet stones. Flat-out delicious flavors of golden apple, pear, melon and freshly buttered brioche that are palate staining and hang around on the finish for what seems like a minute. Very smoothly textured with perfect integration of oak. This wine would make any Frenchman green with envy. My favorite Chardonnay from California and one I buy by the case and in magnums when my wife isn’t looking over my shoulder. Wowza! (Also drank a bottle in 2012 and was equally wowed). Reviewed May 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc.. · Pale golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Complex nose offering scents of lemon, poppyseed, oak and petroleum. Soft, smooth and seamless on the palate with flavors of lemon, burnt marshmallow and a flinty minerality. Score: 89. Reviewed August 25, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc.. · Strong aroma of burnt match (sulfur) upon opening that improves with air. Shy notes of lemon and hazelnut. More enjoyable on the palate with flavors of lemon and toasty oak, finishing with a vibrant lemon flourish and good acidity. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.4% alc.. · Moderate golden yellow and clear in the glass. Intriguing nose featuring a bouquet of cashew butter, caramel brittle, peach and walnuts. Soft on the palate with a smooth finish offering a vibrant flavor attack of yellow peach, baked pear, nuts and honey. Very enjoyable and impressive freshness for a ten-year-old Chardonnay. Can easily go another five years. Much better than a bottle tasted in April 2014. Score: 92. Reviewed August 25, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderate straw color in the glass. Shy perfume of lemon tart, espresso and oak toast with a hint of funk that dissipates with time in the glass. Tasty flavors of lemons, Asian pear and coffee with a subtle note of oak-derived burned marshmallow in the background. Plenty of finesse and well proportioned acidity. Like most of Ted Lemon’s wines, they don’t come to you, you have to seek out the nuances. Very good (-). Reviewed May 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.4% alc.. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aged aromas of stainless steel and toasted brioche. Less vibrant and fruity with more oak sheen. Flavors of pear grilled peach, vanilla cream and toasty oak. Slightly creamy, with a bit of heat on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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