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: Keefer Ranch

OwnersCraig Strehlow, Kosta Browne, Marcy Keefer
AppellationGreen Valley of Russian River Valley
StoryKeefer Ranch is located in the headwaters of Green Valley Creek, with gently sloping, well-drained, south-facing exposure. The vineyard offers fruit that profits from a long, cool hang time resulting in outstanding color and extract with both power and grace due to perfect tannin ripening conditions.

Green Valley is one of the smallest appellations in Sonoma County and actually lies in the southwestern part of the Russian River Valley appellation. It is, however, distinctly delineated both geographically and climatically from the Russian River Valley. It is consistent in terms of soil, climate and flavor characteristics.

Defined by fog, Green Valley is the first place where the fog comes in and the last place where it burns off, making it the coolest, foggiest part of the Russian River Valley. The predominant soil type of Green Valley is Goldridge loam, noted for producing high quality Pinot Noir grapes. Keefer Ranch wines exhibit the typical flavor profile of Green Valley. Pinot Noir shows ripe cherry and cranberry fruit, spice, lively acidity, soft tannins, supple texture, and beautiful structure. Chardonnay presents a clean, fresh, crisp, Gravenstein apple, complex citrus flavor profile, with a core of minerality, a long finish and great focus.

Keefer Ranch was started in 1989 on the site of a former apple orchard in Sebastopol, California and is farmed by Marcy Keefer and her son Craig Strehlow. They currently sell grapes to many notable wineries (A.P. Vin, Failla, Freeman, Kosta Browne, Loring, Pali, Siduri), and have now begun the adventure of producing their own wine under the label of Keefer Ranch.

In 2013, Kosta Browne purchased its first vineyard, a 20-acre block known as k2 block. Kosta Browne has been sourcing Pinot Noir from Keefer Ranch since 2005. Marcy Keefer will continue to farm the remaining 30 acres. UPDATE THE KEEFER RANCH PROPERTY WAS LISTED FOR SALE ($5,530,000) A FEW YEARS AGO AND I DO NOT KNOW WHO THE CURRENT OWNER IS.

Dates Planted1989-1996
Acres50
LocationSouthwestern corner of the Russian River Valley in Green Valley, near the headwaters of Green Valley Creek.
AspectGently rolling hills, well-drained slopes.
SoilsGoldridge
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir
Clones114, 115, 777, Mariafeld (23), Pommard (UCD 5), Pommard 4, Wädenswil
ManagersMarcy Keefer

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Senses MCM 88 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 315 cases, $85. Fruit was sourced from the famed vineyard formerly known as Keefer Ranch and now known as Perry Ranch, and the block originally farmed by Kosta Browne. MCM stands for Max, Chris and Myles and doubles for the Roman numerals of 1900, which when added to ’88 marks the founders birth year of 1988. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is oak-driven, with aromas of tobacco and toast, along with an added aroma of earthy flora. Robust in a mid weight plus style, featuring deep, dark and very ripe black fruits underlain with toasty oak. The fruit is stellar and holds onto the finish with intensity. The tannins are well integrated and the satiny texture pleases. Score: 90. 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 Loring Wine Company Keefer Ranch Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.60, 500 cases, $54, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of earth, forest floor, and marzipan. The fruit flavors of black raspberry, black currant, blackberry compete with oak-driven flavors of anise, spice, tobacco and nuts. The tannins and acidity are in harmony and the satiny texture is welcome, but this wine has a tart, lemony finish, and lacks the Keefer Ranch signature. It could be from anywhere. Score: 87. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Siduri Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 438 cases, $55, screwcap. Released September 2017. Vineyard is in the cool Green Valley of Russian River Valley. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pedigreed fruit runs through this wine that features aromas and flavors of strawberry and black cherry fruits with a thread of tobacco oak. Impressive length in the mouth and a drawn out finish in a middleweight style that is welcoming and forward drinking. Score: 91. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 1,008 cases, $44. The largest part of this wine comes from the winery’s Gloria Estate Vineyard and includes all five clones planted there (Calera, Pommard, Martini, Swan and 115). There were also contributions from Thorn Ridge Vineyard (Swan clone) and Sexton Vineyard (clone 2A). Only a few barrels of Keefer Ranch contributed due to low yields in that vineyard. 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, hand punch downs, free run juice sent directly to barrel, press wine barreled separately. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Complex nose that builds over time in the glass offering aromas of cherry cola, blueberry, sous-bois, baking spices, grape must and timber. Cherry driven with accents of oak and spice and nicely composed with balanced tannins and modest finishing power. Rather elegant and aims to please in a typical Russian River Valley style. Score: 89. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Loring Wine Company Keefer Ranch Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.64, 400 cases, $50. Released September 2015. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Red fruits drive this wine which is typical of this cool-sited vineyard. Flavors of iced cherry and strawberry are framed by juicy acidity and suave tannins. The wine’s velvety mouthfeel is very seductive. More flavor intensity arrives over time in the glass, including more generosity on the oak infused cherry scented finish. Wines from this special vineyard always captivate me. Score: 91. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Domaine Della Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.57, 250 cases, $70. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of very ripe, slightly confected cherries, spice, raisin and maple lead off. Luxurious core of black cherry and blackberry fruits push the ripeness envelope, crossing over to a prune note. Well-composed, with silky tannins, and an oak-driven caramel and brown sugar accent. The Keefer Ranch seemed to give riper fruit in the 2014 vintage. Score: 89. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.62, $90. An Estate vineyard (Kosta Browne bought 20 acres of Keefer Ranch in 2013, but Marcy Keefer continues at the helm of Keefer Ranch) located in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley planted in Goldridge soils. Clones are 115, Wädenswil 2A, 777, “828,” Pommard, Swan, Calera, 114 and 23. Grapes are destemmed, fermented in 5-ton stainless steel and wood open top tanks after a 5-day cold soak. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed, with enticing aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam and oak spice. A mouthful of well-spiced and fully ripened dark stone and berry fruits engage the palate and fan out on the finish. The oak is beautifully married, the texture is silky, and the fruit-driven finish has good length and satisfying intensity. Score: 91. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 DELLA Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

A real standout and not surprising as this vineyard is the source of so many grand Pinot Noirs that it is deserving of grand cru status. This wine is very polished and appealing with mid weight flavors of iced cherries, spice and sandalwood. Still a bit tightly wound, but promises a great future. Score: 92-94. Reviewed April 4, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Cellar 33 Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.0% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.70, 120 cases, $39. Wente clone 4 planted in 1996. Harvest Brix 23.2º. Aged 10 months in 100% neutral French oak barrels. Filtered. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. Inviting aromatic profile with scents of preserved lemon, baked pear, and marzipan. Crisp flavors of lemon, lime and green apple, with a touch of nutty oak. Largely acid-driven with a tight vibrancy and a cleansing finish. Score: 90. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Cellars 33 Katie’s Cuvee Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.60, 72 cases, $45. Released February 17, 2015. Harvest Brix 23.9º. Calera and Swan clones planted in 2006 at Keefer Ranch. Katie’s favorite barrels. Aged 10 months in once-used Francois Frères oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of black cherry, dark rose and peat. Mid plus flavors of black cherry and raspberry with a hint of savory herbs in the background. Well-structured, with pleasant oak seasoning and some giving power and length on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Cellars 33 Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.60, 120 cases, $45. Release date August 25, 2015. Harvest Brix 24.2º. Older blocks of Swan clone planted in the late 1980s. Aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new Rousseau oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Elegant and expressive, this wine offers aromas of cherry, baking spice and mushroom. Relatively light in weight and feminine in style, with flavors of red cherry and red berry accented with spice, herbs and a hint of oak. Very supple tannins and easy accessibility Score: 88. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Loring Wine Company Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.61, 300 cases, $50, screwcap. Released September 2014. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Rather typical for Keefer Ranch, with fresh aromas of strawberry, red cherry and sandalwood. Extravagant flavors of cherry, ripe strawberry, spice, and cocoa dust with the right touch of oak. Refined and sophisticated, with a huge, extremely long finish that nearly brings you to your knees. Score: 94. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Furthermore Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.62, 204 cases, $55. Harvest Brix 24.7º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Delicate aromas of cherry, dried herbs and sandalwood. Plush, suave and easy to cozy up to, with a core of bright cherry fruit encased in soft tannins. The finish is remarkable for its lengthy trail of spiced cherry. Great vineyards always show up. Score: 92. Reviewed June 5, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 MacRostie Russian River Valley Chardonnay

406 cases, $32, screwcap. The majority of the grapes were from Keefer Ranch and Dutton-Jewell Ranch, both in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Whole cluster pressed, partial MLF, aged on the lees for 9 months in French oak barrels, 21% of which were new. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. A solid offering featuring aromas of lemon-lime, fresh-cut apple and mango. Slightly viscous on the palate with flavors of citrus, apple, brioche and butter toffee, finishing with a wealth of apple flavor. Score: 88. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 900 cases, $48. 100% de-stemmed, aged sur lie in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Vibrant aromas of fresh cherries, baking spices and sandalwood. Juicy and crisp, like biting into an iced cherry. Subtle touches of spice, earth and oak add interest. Very forward and easy to cozy up to with a long, aciddriven, mineral-laced finish. This wine really shows off the terroir of this Green Valley vineyard and could be a poster child for that cool-climate appellation. Will age beautifully. Score: 94. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Loring Wine Company Keefer Ranch Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., $50, screwcap. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of red cherries and berries with hints of bramble, sandalwood and sous-bois. A tasty, moderately rich wine strutting an array of red fruits accented with spice, red licorice and hazelnut. Very soft tannins and easy to drink, but brings a bit of heat on the finish. Likable, but I believe this vineyard lends itself to earlier harvesting which can fully reveal the crispness that the vineyard is known and revered for. Score: 88. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Siduri Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.59% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.63, 517 cases, $52. From six separate sections of the vineyard. Each section was treated differently, using whole clusters on some but not on others, adding yeast to the must on some, but not on others, etc. The ultimate blend includes five out of the six sections. Clones are Pommard, 2A, 777, 115 and 114. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh cherry pie glaze, baking spices and sandalwood. The delicious and seductive core of juicy iced cherry and red berry flavors is wrapped in gossamer tannins. Beautifully composed and harmonious with a refreshing finish of cherry goodness. Keefer Ranch terroir really shows through in this wine. Score: 94. Reviewed October 27, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 1,266 cases, $84. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Love this nose which has big-time volume with swirling. Aromas of cherry, cranberry and nutmeg lead to mid weight flavors of cherry, strawberry, cola, mocha and baking spices. The brightest wine in the 2012 KB lineup with a good cut of underlying juicy acidity, and a substantial peacock finish. This is one remarkably provocative wine. Score: 94. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

350 cases. 23% Sexton, 18% Campbell, 18% La Cruz, 11% Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Jones, 6% Keefer, 6% Harmony Lane, and 6% O’Connor. · Modest reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of darker fruits with hints of oak spice and rose petals. Dances on the lean side, but still quite flavorful, featuring both red and black berry notes finishing with focus and purpose. Will need more time to integrate the vanilla-infused oak and fully express itself. The characteristic finesse showed by the Akiko’s Cuvée wines is apparent. An impressive effort in this difficult vintage. Drink or hold mid term. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 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 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 425 cases, $42. Very cool growing season. 25% of grapes were fermented in concrete egg vessels and 75% in 33% new French oak barrels. · Pale yellow color and clear in the glass. Appealing aromas of pear, applesauce, pastry cream, toffee and vanilla wafer. Slightly creamy and plush on the palate with vivid flavors of poached pear, baked apple, finishing with a caramel apple note and a charge of bright acidity. This wine has the apple by the tail. Score: 94. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Siduri Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 320 cases, $52. · A classy wine with a velvety array of red cherry and strawberry fruit accented with baking spices and oak, which last through the generous aromatic finish. The acidity stands out in this wine. Adam likes to point out that the best 2011 wines have concentration without weight and this wine personifies that. My only nit is that there is a green thread running through this wine in the background. Good (+). Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Kosta Browne 4 Barrel California Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.62, 98 cases, $78. Kosta Browne’s smallest lot but requires the most attention to detail. The four barrels are identified from 70 different lots, whittled down to the final four. There are no appellation or vineyard restrictions. 25% Gap’s Crown 667, 25% Koplen 667, 25% Keefer Ranch Pommard 5 and 25% Garys’ Pisoni. Average yield 2.1 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Patience is needed with this wine and decanting is recommended if you open now as it is the least approachable wine in the 2011 lineup. Slowly evolving nose, offering aromas of black cherries, black raspberries, and plenty of extroverted spice, reaching a crescendo after 30 minutes in the glass. Like all the 2011 Pinots from Kosta Browne, this wine is very soft in the mouth. Still a bit monotone and closed, the potential is obvious. Layered flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, blackberry and cassis with a dusting of oak and spice. Seamless, with excellent balance and length. This will be one helluva wine in a couple of years. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.59, 900 cases, $78. From a 30-acre vineyard in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley appellation. Farmed by Marcy Keefer and her son Craig Stehlow. Yields 2.4 tons per acre. Clones 115, Pommard, Wädenswil, Mariafeld, 777, 114 and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. This vineyard always delivers and this vintage is no different. Deep aromas of fresh red cherries and raspberries with a hint of sandalwood. Flavors of wild cherries sprinkled with spice caressed by reserved fine-grain tannins. Vivid and juicy with an assertive and refreshing finish. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Sandler Wine Co. Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., From 1 acre budded over to clone 23, a favorite of winemaker Ed Kurtzman. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very appealing hi-tone aromas of fresh-picked cherries, baking spice and sawdust. A cherry bombast with gossamer tannins, and a refreshing citrus-kissed cherry note on the finish. This wine really grows on you over time in the glass. Still stellar two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A striking contrast to the Bien Nacido bottling, displaying more vibrancy and acidity, and equally appealing. Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Loring Wine Company Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., $48, screw cap. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of hi-tone black cherries with pie spice. Lush black cherry fruit with hints of herbal oak and cola. Seductively soft in the mouth with reasonable length on the finish. Lacks the usual tension of wines from this cool vineyard and overplays the fruit angle, but is still a very alluring drink. This vineyard consistently outperforms many others from this region. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Siduri Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 395 cases, $50. Six clones separately fermented and barrel aged. The ultimate blend was 43% clone 23, 31% clone 114, 19% clone 2A and 7% clone 777. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose features redder fruits with a nice whiff of spice and sandalwood. Very typical for this vineyard with a nicely spiced black cherry flavor, good crispness, and fine, dusty tannins. Oak adds a complimentary accent. In two words, very charming. Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 1,177 cases, $78. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Characteristic Keefer nose of cherries, strawberries, bark and spice. Delicious earth-kissed dark red cherry and berry flavors with a hint of minerality, oak and tutti-fruiti. Restrained tannins, bright acidity, and a very long finish that offers an encore of bright fruit. Very good (+). Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Siduri Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 247 cases, $48. · Subdued but alluring perfume of strawberries, red cherries, cream soda and dried rose petals. Delicious and vivid cherry and berry flavors with hints of baking spice and oak. A hi-collared wine with a lovely mouthfeel, comforting finesse, and a bright pop of cherry on the finish. This vineyard continues to impress. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 816 cases, $72. · Reddish-purple hue in the glass. Lovely scent of just picked red cherries and red berries, baking spices and sandalwood. Bright and juicy flavors of spiced red cherries with a savory herbal note on the finish. The most demure of the 2009 wines with plenty of charm and elegance and a refreshing riff of acidity running through. Offers a clear sense of cool Green Valley terroir. Very Good (+). Reviewed August 13, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

420 cases. 38% Keefer Ranch, 24% Rayhill, 24% Guidici, 9% Horse Ridge, and 5% Sexton. Aged 11 months in 38% new, 33% 1-year-old, and 29% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine reflects more Green Valley influence from Keefer Ranch. The aromas jump out of the glass with swirling, offering enticing notes of fresh cherries and crushed wild raspberries with a touch of spice. Impressive mid palate presence of an array of dark red fruits that are vivid and juicy. Like chewing on iced cherries. The oak is beautifully integrated, the tannins are well-mannered, the acidity is bright, and the finish is delightful. A lip-smacker. Drink or hold long term. Score: 95. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc.. · Redder fruit profile with a melange of spices. A pretty wine with soft tannins and a smooth finish. Very approachable now. Always the most feminine wine in the KB lineup. Very good (+). Reviewed April 9, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Loring Wine Company Keefer Ranch Vineyard Green Valley Pinot Noir

15.1% alc., screw cap. · Aromas of black cherries, huckleberries, baking spices, oak and a whiff of alcohol. Intense purple fruits with a big acid spine. Fruitdriven but not jammy with a silky mouth feel. Develops interest in the glass over time. Tasted the next day from a previously opened and re-screwed bottle the aromas and flavors had become raisiny. Good, but drink up now. Reviewed April 23, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Keefer Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 241 cases, $42. Released June 20, 2010. Swan, Pommard 5 and Dijon clone 115. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 12 months in 40% new French oak. · The nose blossoms over time offering lovely scents of black cherries, nutmeg, cut flowers, and underbrush. A little darker and more intense than the 2007 offering, but remains a feminine style with pleasing delicate dark red cherry fruit, gossamer tannins, an alluring silkiness, with an intense cherry flavored finish. Beautifully balanced. Not offering all it is capable of now, this wine deserves further cellaring for at least a year. Very Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Pali Wine Co. Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 225 cases, $44, screw cap. Clones 777 and Pommard 4. Aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Enticing aromas of redder fruits including cherries and strawberries with accents of sandalwood and baking spices. Soft and smooth in the mouth, displaying a medium-weighted core of tasty red berries slipping off the back of the palate with a bright finish of admirable persistence. An exemplary wine that is typical of Pinot Noir from this venerated vineyard. Very good. Reviewed July 15, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 445 cases, $48. Aged 11 months in 35% new French oak. · Bright scents of strawberry and raspberry tart with hints of baking spice and orange tea. Tasty panoply of redder fruits with herbs and tea leaves mixed in. Silky smooth with soft tannins, bright acidity and an appealing elegance. A sweetheart wine that is very approachable now and quite easy to drink. Very good. Reviewed April 9, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Siduri Wines Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 247 cases, $48. · Lightest in color in the lineup of 2008 Pinot Noirs tasted. Starts off shy, picking up more fruit intensity in the glass. Aromas of ripe strawberries, cherries, raspberries, red licorice, crushed rock and subtle oak. Oakkissed dark red fruits are a bit flat and linear. Juicy with lively acidity, supple tannins, and pleasing finesse. A definite oak influence should resolve with more aging. This wine hasn’t come together yet but is promising. Good. Reviewed April 9, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.63, $72. Keefer Ranch is owned and managed by Marcy Keefer and her son, Craig Strehlow. Clones 23, 114, 115, 777, Pommard 5. Located in the cool Green Valley. · Along with the Rosella’s, the most feminine wine in the Kosta Browne lineup. A bit brooding but opens slowly to reveal pleasing aromas and flavors of dried black cherries, plums and a melange of fresh berries with a hint of minty oak. Discreetly concentrated with restrained tannins and a welcoming soft and smooth texture, this vintage offers a darker fruited interpretation of this vineyard. Very good. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

440 cases. 28% Thorn Ridge, 19% Rayhill, 17% Sexton, 15% Morris, 11% Guidici, 4% Horse Ridge, 2% Connell, 2% O’Connor and 2% Keefer. Aged 10 months in 52% new and 48% 1, 2 and 3-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose lacks fruit, offering instead an herbal oak theme. The fruit core, although nicely ripened and featuring dark red and black cherry fruits, is immersed in oak creating a strong dried herb finishing flavor. The texture is smooth and the tannins are well-balanced. Drink. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 A.P. Vin Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 250 cases, $40, Stelvin screw cap. Clones 777, Pommard 4, 2A and 23. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Redder fruits that are pure and bright with a touch of herbs and baking spices on the nose. Intense cherry and raspberry core with noticeable persistence on the finish marked by a touch of citrus tang. Well-proportioned with perfect balance. The tailback in the lineup: not the biggest player, but flashy, in control and wellsculpted. Very good (+). Reviewed November 13, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Keefer Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.42, 243 cases, $42. Swan and Pommard 5 clones. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 12 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Bright Bing cherry aromas with a complimentary accent of spices including nutmeg leading to crisp and satisfying flavors of black cherries, strawberries, and raspberries with hints of spice box, cola and green tea that fan out nicely on the pleasing finish. A seamless wine with silky tannins and no discernible oak. A treasure of a wine that really delivers the goods. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Keefer Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 243 cases, pH 3.45, $42. 9 day cold soak, 11 day fermentation, 20% whole cluster, aged 12 months in 25% new French oak. · A gently perfumed, ethereal style of Pinot Noir, very feminine in character, but not delicate in flavor. The nose is quite charming featuring crushed strawberries and raspberries, summer herbs and violets. Fresh and juicy raspberry juice in the mouth with some gregarious spice and marzipan. Soft and silky with powdery tannins and a refreshing edge on the finish. A perfectly composed wine with great purity of fruit. You will want to dance with this one. Reviewed May 7, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Loring Wine Company Keefer Ranch Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 900 cases, $46. · This wine really stands out from the pack. I would love to bottle the scents of Bing cherries, strawberries, and baking spices. This wine has the reddest fruit profile in the lineup, showing off crushed strawberries in particular. Modestly weighted and easy to drink due to polished, dry tannins and an uplifting, tangy and dry finish accented with grapefruit. Reviewed January 1, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Pali Wine Co. Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 289 cases, $50, released spring 2009. Clones 777 and Pommard 4. Aged 10 months in 50% new French oak. · The nose starts out earthy and oaky but evolves nicely in the glass revealing hi-tone Bing cherry and raspberry fruit with an oak underpinning. Crisp flavors of dark red cherries and berries with an earthy bent. Smoothly textured and finishing with tangy acidity and bright fruit. The pedigree of the vineyard shows through. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.55, 615 cases, $72. This 50-acre vineyard (30 acres of Pinot Noir) is in the Green Valley appellation farmed by Marcy Keefer and Craig Strehlow. Planted to nine clones, six of which are in this wine. · Lighter and redder in color in the glass. Marvelous nose of bright Bing cherries, baking spice and cherry cola. The fruit is beautifully framed by supple tannins and lively acidity creating a satisfying finish. A knockout paired with the duck. Reviewed January 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

505 cases. 30% Rayhill, 25% Thorn Ridge, 15% Guidici, 7% Connell, 5% Sexton, 5% Bailey, 5% Keefer, 5% O’Connor and 3% Meredith Estate (at least one barrel from each of Freeman’s vineyards included). Aged 10 months in 30% new and 79% seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Inviting aromas of fresh dark red cherries and berries with hints of briar, forest floor and vanillin. This wine has an appealing savory riff, adding interest to the middleweight core of dark red cherries and raspberries. The oak is complimentary, the tannins are quite modest, and the finish is juicy and refreshing. Drink or hold mid term. Score: 93. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 143 cases, $42. · Light reddish-purple in color. The nose offers fresh savory herbs with red berries and cherries. Delicious delicate red fruits that are sweetly spiced and elegantly presented. Soft and silky like red lingerie. A delight to drink. Naomi Campbell on a Victoria Secret runway. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $45. · Confected cherries, exotic spices, and dried herbs fill the nose. Delicious and juicy black cherry flavor with a sidecar of anise and savory herbs. Silky smooth and seamless with diaphanous tannins. A little bigger than the Keefer Ranch label, but hard to choose between them. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $46. · Moderately deep ruby color. The nose is a showy cherry bombast - rich and deep with damp earth accents. Substantial black cherry core, smooth, clean and tangy with a lengthy finish. A woodsy, earthy touch adds interest. A stellar wine from a top Sonoma County vineyard that is worthy of its own designation. Reviewed May 26, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $46. · Moderately deep ruby color. A cherry bombast on the nose. Saucy, fat and lush black cherry core. Appealing earthy touch. Clean, crisp and tangy finish that lasts and lasts. Naomi Campbell in hiking boots. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Green Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 556 cases. $68. Six clones including Pommard 5, Dijon, and Wädenswil. Michael says this wine usually exhibits plenty of acidity due to its very cool location. Refer to feature on Keefer Ranch Vineyard on page 13. · This is an outstanding Pinot Noir that has a rich core of red berries and cherries that expands in the mouth, coats the tongue, and proceeds to a lengthy and refreshing finish. This one has the whole package. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

375 cases. 44% Keefer Ranch, 20% O’Connor, 18% Thorn Ridge, and 18% Rayhill. Aged 10 months in 35% new, 41% 1-year-old and 24% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very aromatic, offering hi-tone scents of Bing cherries black raspberries, and Asian 5-spice. A bigger, more intensely concentrated wine in this vintage, yet has the backbone to balance the fruit. Delicious layers of deeply colored stone fruits and berries with hints of cola and spice. Finishes with impressive richness. Will easily hold another five years. Score: 93. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 117 cases, $62 · Medium light reddish-purple in color. Enticing aromatics offering Bing cherry, sweet spice, brown sugar, herbs and toast. Plenty of concentrated cherry flavor with wild herbs that leap out. Complimentary oak char. Nice finesse and lively acidity on a clean finish. The alcohol is submerged. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch Vineyard Green Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 117 cases. $62. Clones are Pommard 5, 23 and 777. · Sexy nose of red strawberries, red raspberries and spice. Vivid and flamboyant fruit flavors that echo the aromas. Fine texture, svelte tannins and a lingering finish. Reviewed November 20, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

280 cases. 62% Meredith Estate, 23% Bailey, 8% Thomas Road and 7% Keefer. Aged 11 months in 38% new and 62% 1-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The wine leads off with earth-kissed aromas of ripe, dark fruits with a hint of spice. Strikingly flavorful on the mid palate with an array of dark red and black stone fruits and berries. Very silky in the mouth with suave fine-grain tannins, bright acidity, and a substantial finish that really hits all the high notes. Drink or hold short-term. Score: 94. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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