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: Hellenthal

AppellationSonoma Coast
VarietiesPinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $55. Sourced from the Elliott Block planted in 1981. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry and rose petal lead to a discreetly concentrated wine featuring riveting flavors of black cherry, kirsch and spice. The satiny mouthfeel is highly seductive and the gracious tannins make for easy access. The wine's harmony and vigor impress as does the waves of fruit echoing on the glorious finish. This wine takes time to reveal itself. A truly invigorating wine from a great vintage. Score: 95. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $55. Field blend of Pommard, Mt. Eden and Swan. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding and rustic aromas of black fruits, wet mulch and barn initially. Not particularly charming, even grumpy when first opened, with a mid weight plus core of purple and black berry fruits framed by firm but not aggressive tannins. This wine typically needs time in bottle and was more giving when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, when it showed more aromatic promise, a satiny texture and an agreeable savory aspect. My deserve a higher score in three to five years if you are patient. Score: 91. Reviewed March 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 WesMar Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 250 cases, $40. A blend of grapes from Hellenthal and Balletto vineyards. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas arrive slowly in the glass, but peaking with interest as notes of purple and black berries, mulch, earth and underbrush show up. An array of earth-kissed purple berry and plum flavors are offered in a mid weight plus style. Very savory and earthbound, with only a hint of nutty oak. Highly engaging mouthfeel, with some finishing generosity. Score: 91. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 200 cases, $50. 14.66 acres located on Bohan Dillon Road in Cazadero in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Vineyard has three interplanted clones planted at 1053 feet elevation. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is primary, even when checked the following day. More expressive on the palate, with opulent flavors of blackberry and boysenberry, as well as iron and earth. Good harmony, with slick tannins and power to spare on the finish. A bit of an enigma now, this wine will need more time in the cellar to unleash its aromatics and nuances, but its nobility is evident. Score: 92-93. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Ceritas Old Shop Block Hellenthal Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., $72. · No other grape variety can give you a nose like this one. Soaring aromas of black cherry, sous-bois, spice and toast. Very silky on entry with perfectly ripened flavors of dark cherry and raspberry with just a hint of dried herbs. Beautifully balanced with pliant tannins and bright acidity, and a, taunting, orgasmic finish that goes on and on. This wine has all the things you look for in a Pinot Noir. Score: 96. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

4,661 cases, $34. Sourced from vineyards in the Sonoma Coast AVA, including Champlin Creek and Wildcat Mountain in Petaluma Gap, Hellenthal in Fort Ross-Seaview, and Dutton-Winkler Ranch in the Russian River Valley. 100% de-stemmed, 3- day cold soak, inoculated yeast, punchdowns and pumpovers, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is both fruity and savory with scents of cherry, strawberry, spice, dried herbs and turned earth. The flavors echo the aromas with some added raspberry notes. Light to mid weight in style and very pleasant, with good vibrancy and silky tannins, finishing modestly with red cherry goodness. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 4,174 cases, $34, screwcap. Sourced from Champlain Creek and Wildcat Mountain vineyards in the Sonoma Coast, Hellenthal Vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview, and Dutton-Hallberg Ranch in the Russian River Valley. 100% de-stemmed, inoculated yeast fermentation, punch downs and pump overs, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which were new. · Moderately light ruby color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of cherry, plum and huckleberry with a complimentary touch of spice and oak. Soft and smooth in the mouth with balanced tannins and some finishing fruit presence. Easy to drink. Score: 89. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 WesMar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $39. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Deep cherry aromas with hints of sous-bois, oak spice and floral bouquet. Soft and sleek in the mouth with a pleasing mix of cherry and cranberry flavors accented with spice and cola. A top notch Russian River Valley appellation blend that begs to be enjoyed now. Score: 90. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 WesMar Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $39. A blend of Hellenthal and Balletto vineyards. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Elevating aromas of fresh dark berries, brewed tea and (? whole cluster) spice lead to a very satisfying mid weight mix of nicely ripened cherry and berry fruits that are snug with youthful tannins. Not terribly complex, but highly enjoyable, with impeccable balance. Score: 90. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $45. · Moderately light reddishpurple color in the glass. Shy initially, but teases over time with vibrant aromas of wild berries, potpourri, spice and conifer. Delicious mid weight flavors of mixed berries, dark cherries and black plum with an appealing conifer note in the background. Highly nuanced, with plenty to discover over time including hints of sarsaparilla, cola, earth and smoke. Softly textured with a very long and engaging finish that demands contemplation. The pick of the litter. Score: 93. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Banshee Marine Layer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 200 cases, $50. A blend of the best Sonoma Coast vineyard sources including Coastlands, Rice-Spivak, Hellenthal, Emmaline and Jack Hill. Winemaking consultant is Ross Cobb. Aged 15 months in 10% new French oak. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and coffee-scented oak. Satisfying mid weight core of dark red cherry and raspberry fruit with some finishing length. Impressive balance and harmony with good integration of oak and juicy acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Slightest hint of oxidation (acetone) recedes. Fruit never shows up on the nose, but seasoned oak does. Much better on the palate, with flavors of blackberry, cassis and dark chocolate. Good harmony in a wine offering prodigious sweet fruit, balanced tannins, good freshness, and some length on the finish. Drink now to 2022. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $42. 8 clones. Unfined and unfiltered. Always the most backward wine in the WesMar lineup, needing a few years to blossom. · Very difficult to pull out much on the nose. Brooding darker berry jam aroma shows up after an hour in the glass. Full-bodied flavors of blackberries and black plum sauce with a note of loamy earth. Structurally sound with balanced firm tannins. Almost creamy on the palate with impressive length on the fruit-driven finish. This wine has a long way to go before it reveals itself. Decant if you must drink now. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was much more aromatic and appealing. Very good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 W.H. Smith Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 226 cases, $48. This vineyard is owned and farmed by Gard and Lori Hellenthal and lies only 5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Clones are Pommard and 777. Extreme growing conditions were challenging in 2010. Aged 9 months in new and used French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry, cranberry and smoky oak. Gentle and light in weight in this vintage, with delicate flavors of spiced cherry, red berries and oak-driven toast and smoke. Welcoming finesse with less tannin presence in this vintage and some finishing length. The wine showed more oak presence the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deposits in the neck of the bottle. Aromas of acetone, sweet smoke and horse. Full-bodied flavors of black raspberry and blackberry with a carry over of the horsey note. Silky tannins, with some finishing fruit presence. Oxidative character overwhelms. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 315 cases, $50. 8 clones. A fickle vineyard that yielded exceptional grapes in this vintage. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A complex, nuanced wine with exotic aromas of dark berry jam, spiced black plum, dark red rose petals, clove and lemongrass curry. Moderately intense black and purple stone bruits with a hint of black cherry cola, sassafras, and nutmeg with a riff of citrus peel on the finish. Velvety in the mouth with well-behaved fine-grain tannins and admirable length on the back end. Even more spicy the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good (+). Reviewed January 11, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Bjørnstad Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 194 cases, $40. Released 11/10. · Moderate reddish-purple color with slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass. Earthy black stone fruit and berry aromas and flavors predominate with an exotic bent. Well-mannered sinewy tannins beautifully frame the fruit and the whole package is seamless. This wine has that rugged, musky, wild appeal common to true Sonoma Coast bottlings and is a joy to drink. Hellenthal Vineyard Pinot Noir typically takes a few years to reach its full expression and this wine should follow that theme although it is hard to resist now. Source: mailing list, website. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Bjornstad Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. · A bit exotic with aromas of ripe plum, wild berries and toasty oak. Richly fruited and flavorful with husky tannins but with a marvelous velvety texture and a refreshing spark of acidity on the lingering finish. Very good. Reviewed April 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Bjønstad Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 152 cases, $40, released March 1, 2010. Gard and Lori Hellenthal first planted this vineyard in the true Sonoma Coast in 1980. Bjornstad directed the planting and farming of a newer block developed beginning in 2000 from which Bjornstad is the sole recipient. · A savory aroma profile showing intense plum fruit, forest floor, and a hint of oak. Wellendowed with a hearty core of dark red and black fruits, game and earth. You can almost taste the soil in this wine. Healthy, but ripe tannins, a satiny mouth feel, and impressive persistence on the feral finish. Hellenthal Pinot Noirs can be monolithic and tannic, but this wine shows none of these traits. The best Pinot Noir I have ever had from this vineyard. Still singing the next day from an opened and recorked bottle indicating balance and age ability. A California classic. Reviewed May 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 262 cases, $50. · Darkest in color in the glass. Attractive aromas of blackberries, dark plum, mocha and seasoned oak. On the palate the wine is well-structured, displaying mouth-coating plum and dark berry fruits with underpinnings of dark chocolate and loamy earth. The fruit is brooding initially, but picks up character and charm with time, changing like a chameleon in the glass. The velvety texture is very sensual. This wine demands contemplation. Very good (+). Reviewed October 29, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. · Dark reddish purple color with slightest bricking of the rim. Bouquet of black raspberry, damp oak, old sock and slight acetone. A funky wine on the palate, with mid weight plus musty flavors of strawberry, black cherry and black raspberry framed by firm tannins, ending with some length. Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 115 cases, $50. Severe spring coastal weather conditions reduced the fruit yields to 80% of average. A field blend of many clones. The vineyard is located on a ridge top near Cazadero above the fog belt overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Average yields are only one and a half tons per acre. She (Denise) said, “Dark in color, dense and concentrated, packing a lot of wallop.” · I say, dark ruby in color. Effusive aromatics of dark cherry, black raspberry, smoke, oak spice and toast. Dark stone fruit profile featuring prominent plum flavors with a little sweetness or syrup inflection to the fruit. Full-bodied, sinewy and earthy with soft tannins. Not as showy now as when released. Next day the fruit attack had softened. Wait a little longer on this one. Reviewed February 18, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 115 cases, $50. · Lovely exotic scents including berry patch and mushrooms. Loaded with dense, darker fruits including flavors of plum sauce and cassis. Rugged and wild, even showing sauvage and meatiness. I have a love-hate relationship with this vineyard. It always produces a chameleon of a wine that can be rough, rustic and tannic at times, and at other times, charming and seductive. Right now this wine is leaning toward the seductive side. No hurry to drink up, but why wait? Very good. Reviewed October 6, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 154 cases, $50. Inaugural vintage from this vineyard. · The aromatics are spectacular showing spicy cherry, black raspberry and nutmeg scents. The nose is a dead ringer for the 1992 Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir. Beautiful Pinot fruits engulf the palate with velvety richness leading to a long, soft and clean finish. The character of this Pinot Noir is more Russian River Valley than Sonoma Coast. My notes say unbelievable, a great, great Pinot Noir. I guess that pretty much sums it up. Boo, hoo, sold out. Reviewed July 17, 2006 WINERY »

2003 Radio-Coteau Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 100 cases. · Tasted last year, this was a bruiser that needed a lot of air time. Now it is flat-out terrific. The aromatics are rich with dark cherries, dark plum, rhubarb, tea and oak. Beautiful dark Pinot fruits with earthy undertones which are mouth-coating. With air time the wine becomes as soft as a Pinot Noir marshmallow. I would match this against any Burgundy any time. One of the best Pinot Noirs I have drank this year and the stuff that Pinot dreams are made of. Reviewed November 27, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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