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: Van der Kamp

AppellationSonoma Mountain
StorySome Pinot Noir plantings are said to date to 1952 making them along with Hanzell the oldest producing Pinot Noir vines in California
Dates Planted?1952
Acres30
Aspect1,400 feet elevation
VarietiesPinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2018 Dutton-Goldfield Van Der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.64, 253 cases, $68. “La Tache,” “Old” and "828" blocks. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day cold soak, hand punch downs, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, poultry spices and vanilla. Generous earth-toned black raspberry and boysenberry fruits are accented with savory dried sage. The sappy fruit is backed by moderately firm tannins but the finish is not astringent. The silken texture is particularly agreeable. When tasted the following day from a previously decanted and re-corked bottle, there was a subtle green herbaceous note that had been covered up by the fruit load on the first day, but otherwise the wine was stellar. This wine will benefit from time in the cellar to placate the tannins. Score: 93. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 POE Van Der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $45. Said to be from original planting30% whole cluster, native yeast fermentation. Aged 12 months in 30% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Complex nose displaying aromas of black cherry, spice, white pepper, rose petal and earthy flora. Light to mid-weight in style, offering flavors of dark cherry and purple berry with undertones of dried green herbs and pastoral flora. Silky in texture, with modest tannins that leave a slight astringency on the finish. I like this wine for its uniqueness. Score: 92. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Tongue Dancer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.62, RS 1 g/L, 328 cases, $49. Released March 8, 2019. Clones are Pommard, 777, 115, 667, 23 and a secret clone. Sourced from Placida, Van der Kamp and Putnam vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in small open-top tanks, 5-day cold soak, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Savory aromas of underbrush and spice combine with fruity aromas of cherry on the nose. A charming light to mid weight style, offering elegantly composed fruit flavors of red cherry and berry with not even a touch of oak. Nice harmony, with congruous tannins and an uplifting cherry-driven, aromatic finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 19, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 La Pitchoune Van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.55, 48 cases, $58. Dijon clones 777, “828,” and a La Tache selection. Harvest Brix 22.0º and 25.5º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, 25% once used and 50% more than three years old. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of purple berry and seasoned oak. Sleek and silky on the palate, with vigorous flavors of blackberry and blueberry-pomegranate that persist through a lengthy finish. There is a savory, earthy component to the flavor profile as well. This wine has the most tannins of the four 2015 Pinot Noirs tasted, but they are not aggressive and should serve this wine well as far as age ability. Score: 92. Reviewed February 23, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Soliste Ulysses Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

“828” Monoclone® from Van Der Camp Vineyard. 0% whole cluster. Aged 28 months in one new French oak barrel. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A savory nose offers aromas of red cherry and dried herbs. Light to mid weight in concentration, with flavors echoing the aromas. A bit shallow on the mid palate and finish, and soft in texture due to shy acidity. No change was evident over time after decanting. Score: 89. Reviewed November 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 la pitchoune VDK Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.54, 48 cases, $58. Sourced from Van der Kamp Vineyard. Dijon 777 and “828,” and a La Tache selection. Harvest Brix 22.0º-24.8º. Aged 24 months in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% once used. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. You will want to go on sniffing this wine that offers very pleasing aromas of cherry and earthy flora. Beautifully composed, with a succulent core of cherry fruit enhanced with notes of cola, spice and earth. Fresh and juicy, with pedigreed fruit flavors, an age worthy tannic backbone, impeccable oak integration, and a satisfying finish. Score: 93. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri Van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Meunier

14.1% alc., 123 cases, $27, screwcap. · Moderately light ruby color in the glass. A lovely, nicely balanced wine, with aromas of cherry and baking spices, and flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and grape. Modest tannins and easy drink ability with the added bonus of lush finishing goodness. Score: 89. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Rogstad Van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 66 cases, $42. This 30- acre vineyard is located at 1,400 feet elevation just below the summit of Sonoma Mountain. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely fusion of black cherry fruit aromas and savory aromas of game and earth. A middleweight styled wine with a core of black cherry, dark raspberry, plum, savory spice, black tea and iron flavors supported by very fine-grain tannins. Excellent vibrancy and an uplifting finish that leaves the drinker reaching for more. Score: 92. Reviewed March 6, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 POE Van Der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $45. This iconic vineyard, located at 1,400 feet elevation at the top of Sonoma Mountain, was planted in the late 1950s. · Moderately light crimson color in the glass. Seductive aromas of fresh cherry pie glaze, cranberries and a touch of oak. The bright black cherry core lifts the senses and the vibrancy is thirst-quenching. Nicely spiced, with modest tannins, as well as welcome elegance and balance. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing more flavor intensity on the palate. Impressive wine from a celebrated vineyard! Score: 93. Reviewed August 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri Van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.,149 cases, $49, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose upon opening and somewhat reserved on the palate initially. I was disappointed until I re-tasted this wine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when it really charmed me. Aromas of darker berries, shrub and iron led to a mid weight palate of darker red and purple berry fruits including ripe strawberry. Somewhat rustic and earthy with a riff of exotic spices in the background. A unique wine that offers plenty of discovery for the adventurous. Patience advised. Score: 90-91. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 la pitchoune Van Der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 100 cases, $58. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Muddled cherry and forest path aromas lead to a mid weighted forceful attack of pleasing black cherry and blackberry flavors that show length and persistence through the mid palate and grand finish. Very tasty, with impressive balance. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Siduri Van Der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 207 cases, $44. Release May 2014. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose unfolds slowly in the glass to reveal bright aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, tea and wet leaves. Very tasty, with a classy core of black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate fruits backed by sweet oak. The tannins are firm but refined and the finish is spectacularly long. The higher alcohol is evident in the background, but this is a trade off for the sweet, luscious fruit presence. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 La Follette Van Der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Meunier

14.2% alc., 94 cases, $37. At 1400 feet, one of the oldest Pinot Meunier plantings in California. Whole cluster fermentation, raised 10 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Rustic, very restrained aromas of dark raspberry, tobacco and tea leaves. Much more appealing on the palate with a hardy core of plum, black raspberry, black grape, cola and spice flavors with a faint note of smoke and tar in the background. Well-managed tannins with bright acidity on the finish where the fruit returns repeatedly for an encore. Good (+). Reviewed February 27, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 La Follette Van Der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.64, 429 cases, $39.99. The Van Der Kamp Vineyard sits at 1,400 feet above sea level overlooking the hamlet of Kenwood. The soil types include loam with volcanic material and decomposed river bed. Six clones are planted, dry-farmed, and cared for with organic treatments. Some whole cluster fermentation. Bottled unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Subtle, but pleasing perfume of dark red fruits, spice, musk and oak. Remarkably flavored with an array of dark red stone fruits and berries matched perfectly with a firm backbone of ripe, dusty tannins. Very long in the mouth and juicy. This venerable vineyard delivers a unique old vine mountain experience. Very good (+). Reviewed January 11, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Bjørnstad Van Der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 175 cases, $40. Released 10/10. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding nose offering shy aromas of blackberries and cassis with a touch of toasty oak. Another beautifully crafted wine with a luscious core of berry flavors, well-integrated oak, supple tannins, satiny mouth feel and a hint of savory herbs on the silky finish. Mountain Pinots can sometimes be daunting, but this one is unplugged and very charming. I suspect cellaring will bring the nose to life. Very good. Source: mailing list and website. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Bjørnstad van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.5%, 128 cases, $40, released October 1, 2009. This cherished vineyard, farmed by the van der Kamp family, has some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Sonoma County. · Pinot Noir from this mature vineyard always possesses distinctive and interesting nuances. The aromas are more savory than fruity and feature wild berries, smoky oak and a hint of barnyard. On the palate, darker fruits are underlain with an appealing earthiness and meatiness. The tannins are reigned in and there is a good nip of acidity on the bright finish. My notes say, “Love the texture!” The wine picks up interest and intensity as it opens in the glass over time. Still drank beautifully the next day from an opened and re-corked bottle. You need some of this. Reviewed May 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Vergari Van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 104 cases, $39. The Van der Kamp Vineyard is located at an elevation of 2100 and is composed of heritage clones and Dijon 777. This Pinot has been slow to come around and wasn’t released until 1 year after bottling. · The wine is burgundy in color and mildly cloudy (David chose not to filter, preferring to preserve the delicate flavors). There is an attractive perfume of spiced cherry-rhubarb pie. The wine is sleek and refined on the palate with elegant fruit flavors underpinned with wet leaf and mushroom notes. The tannins are supple and the finish is clean and lively. Reviewed December 4, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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