Vineyard: Red Dog

AppellationSonoma Mountain
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2013 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Dijon Clones Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.62, 413 cases, $68. Released October 1, 2016. This vineyard, planted in 2000, is located high on the northwestern flank of Sonoma Mountain at 800 feet elevation and is exposed to cool air and fog from the Pacific Ocean through the Petaluma Gap. Clones are predominantly Pommard with lesser amounts of Dijon 115 and 777. After feral fermentation, the wine underwent extended maceration before pressing and barreling. Aged 19 months in French oak barrels, 62% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, mushroom and toasty oak. Intense attack of black cherry fruit with impressive palate presence. Weight and weightlessness combined with generous intensity on the finish. The satiny texture seduces, the tannins are well integrated, and the charming cherry fruit delights. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the fruit continued to charm and the wine had opened further. This bottling needs more time in bottle to integrate the oak. Score: 92-93. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $52. Released October 2014. This vineyard is located high above Bennett Valley at 800 feet elevation on the northwestern side of Sonoma Mountain. A very low yield site. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is captivating, with hi-tone aromas of red plum, red currant, suis-bois, red hots and peppery spice. Light to mid weight flavors of dark red fruits accented with hints of spice and toast. The balance is impeccable, with soft, supportive tannins and bright acidity. The wine develops more interest over time in the glass and was clearly better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed October 21, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 241 cases, $52. Released October 2013. This vineyard is located high above Bennett Valley at 800 feet elevation on the northwestern side of Sonoma Mountain. A very low-yielding site. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of red cherries, cinnamon and other spices, and old cask. Round and polished on the palate, featuring flavors of black cherries with a hint of tobacco and oak in the background. The most rustic, earthy and savory of the lineup. A noticeable lift of acidity on the finish is refreshing. Score: 92. Reviewed March 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 335 cases, $48. This vineyard is located high above Bennett Valley at 1200 feet elevation on the northwestern side of Sonoma Mountain. 100% Pommard 4 clone. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. An array of perfectly ripe purple and black fruits rise from the glass. Savory and earthy, edgy and raunchy, with a subtle tarry note in the background. Moderately dense with ripe, well-proportioned tannins and a dreamy finish. A wine of character that shows its individuality in each vintage. Very good (+). Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Dijon Clones Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 256 cases, $46. Dijon clones 115 and 777. 25% whole cluster, wild fermentation, post-fermentation maceration, aged 20 months in 69% new French oak barrels. This vineyard is located high above Bennett Valley at 1,200 feet on the northwestern side of Sonoma Mountain. · Deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing perfume offering many nuances including crushed dark red fruits, smoked meat, spice and subtle oak. Striking flavors of raspberries, black cherries, ripe strawberries and smoky oak. Smooth and seductive in the mouth, lingering with a refined aromatic finish. The more I tasted it, the more I liked it. Reviewed April 11, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Pommard Clone Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.87, TA 0.51, 218 cases, $46. Most years, the Pommard and Dijon clone blocks are co-fermented or blended before barreling. In 2007, the Pommard (UCD 4) was picked much later than the Dijon clones and the wines made from the two clones were interesting enough to stand on their own. 25% whole cluster, wild fermentation, post-fermentation maceration, aged 20 months in 86% new French oak barrels. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued fruit aromas with a loamy bent. Brimming with boysenberry and cassis flavors becoming more charming over time in the glass. Deep and generous, with complimentary oak notes and well-endowed fine-grain tannins creating a pleasing textural experience. Very good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 502 cases, $46, released September 2009. This vineyard is located above Bennett Valley at 1200 feet on the northwestern side of Sonoma Mountain where it is impacted by cold Pacific Ocean air. Clones are 115, 777 and Pommard. · Appealing nose of black cherry, blackberry and plum, forest floor, herbs and toasted oak. The flavors echo the aromas. Hefty tannins and bright acidity with a smooth mouthfeel. Raw, grippy and still very tight. Picked up richness and interest the next day from a previously opened re-corked bottle. Definitely a cellar candidate. Very good. Reviewed December 16, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. Talisman always pours wines which are a vintage or two behind others. · Deep, dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of sweet, ripe plums and sugared berries. A masculine, muscular wine featuring ripe dark fruits, moderate tannins and an earth-toned fruity finish. This wine has many years ahead of it. Very good. Reviewed April 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »