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: Wiley

AppellationAnderson Valley
VarietiesPinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Bravium Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.65, 1,934 cases, $34. Released September 1, 2016. Valley Foothills, Donnelly Creek and Wiley Vineyards. Aged 11 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry and cranberry are pressed by more notable aromas of toast and cigar. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and cranberry shot through with a citrus note. Plenty of oak char and tobacco flavor intervenes. Demurely fruited with a tightlywound, tart cherry finish. The oak continues to dominate the fruit when tasted the following day. Score: 87. Reviewed November 12, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Gris

14.2% alc., 1, 437 cases, RS 0.35%, $25. Released May 1, 2015. A blend of fruit from Wiley Vineyard, Filigreen Vineyard and Donnelly Creek Vineyard. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Whole cluster pressed, fermented in a 900 gallon French oak oval, small neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. · Light golden yellow with a faint pink caste in the glass. Don’t underestimate Pinot Gris - there is plenty to like in this wine. Aromas of nectarine, peach, melon, pine, herbs and floral bouquet. Bright, crisp, clean and refreshing with flavors of apple, stone fruits, melon, lychee and herbs. The flavors really cling to the palate. A very complex wine that changes over time in the glass, and will perform beautifully at the dinner table. Score: 92. Reviewed May 4, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 2,634 cases, $38. Release April 1, 2016. A blend of clones including Pommard, Mt Eden, Martini and Dijon from Donnelly Creek, Savoy, Wiley and Ferrington vineyards. Harvest Brix 24.6º. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of darker fruits including black cherry. Robust and full-bodied on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, Asian 5- spice, and tobacco. Very much a big and riper wine in this vintage with noticeable tannins that ameliorate over time in the glass. The fruit-driven finish lingers with purpose. Score: 90. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Bravium Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.63, 960 cases, $39. Vineyard is located in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley and is one of the coolest sites in the region. Shallow topsoil over Franciscan sandstone (Bearwallow-Wolfey series). Clones are Pommard (planted in 1982), 37, 115, 538, 667 and 777. 15% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak. Feral yeast fermentation in open-top one-ton fermenters, basket pressed and aged 10 months in Francois Frères 4-year, air-dried barrels, 16% new. Winemaker Derek Rohlffs. · Light ruby red color in the glass. The nose is particularly engaging, with hi-tone aromas of cherry, dried rose and burnt tobacco. Lighter in weight, but highly flavorful, with tastes of cherry, cranberry and raspberry. A thread of savory herbs and oak plies the background. The wine sports balanced, unobtrusive tannins, and a bright, slightly tart cherry finish. Score: 91. Reviewed July 8, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Terragena Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.69, 72 cases, $39. Released July 28, 2016. Inaugural release from this iconic vineyard located in the deep end of the Anderson Valley. Clones 777, 667, 115, 37, 538 and Pommard. Aged in Hungarian and French oak barrels. · Light ruby red color in the glass. The perfume of cherry, oak spice, forest and pipe smoke is appealing. Light in weight with a core of red cherry and red cranberry fruit laced with a burnt tobacco note. Exquisite balance, with a satiny mouthfeel, and a modest finish. The fruit seems to have been harvested a little short of full ripeness but that may be the intended style. Score: 89. Reviewed October 8, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Bravium Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Oak Barrel Aged Pinot Noir Blanc

12.7% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.77, $49. Pommard, 37, 115, 538, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, immediately separated from skins upon arrival at the winery. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel drums followed by aging in neutral French oak barrels. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of citrus oil, white stone fruits and vanilla. Rounder and more polished than the steel tank aged version, with spirited flavors of yellow stone fruits and citrus, and a finish flush with fruit. Score: 88. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Bravium Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.77, 190 cases, $49. Yield 1.58 tons per acre. Pommard, 37, 115, 538, 667 and 777. 15% whole cluster. 5-day cold soak, spontaneous fermentation in 1-ton fermenters, pressed into Francois Frères 4-year air-dried French oak barrels, about 15% new. Aged 10 months and bottled in July 2014. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, strawberry and earthy flora with a significant oak overlay. Light weighted and elegant, this wine features delicate red cherry and berry flavors framed by suave tannins. The wine is a bit dilute, under ripe and oak-driven with a somewhat short finish. Score: 87. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Bravium Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Steel Tank Aged Pinot Noir Blanc

12.9% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.77, $49. Pommard, 37, 115, 538, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, immediately separated from skins upon arrival at the winery. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel drums followed by aging in stainless steel tanks. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Pleasant but highly unusual nose sporting aromas of mashed banana, bergamot, citrus, green leaf and pecans. Similar to a white Rhone wine on the palate, with flavors of pear and peach set off by a subtle herbal tone. Slightly plush in the mouth with good vibrancy on the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 150 cases, $32. Aged 12 months in a combination of French and Virginia American oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Smells of a walk in a redwood forest with scents of timber, balsam, and dark cherries. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry, blackberry and umami pick up intensity over time in the glass. Modest in weight and quite charming, with fine-grain tannins and a lengthy finish. I suspect this wine will benefit from more time in bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Skewis Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.80, 185 cases, $50. This vineyard was first planted in 1972 in the deep end of the Anderson Valley. Over the years the plantings have increased to 20 acres of Pinot Noir. This wine was made from grapes planted in 1982 and 2002; Pommard and Mt. Eden clones. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Released September 8, 2014. Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens gradually to reveal inviting aromas of black cherry, sous-bois and complimentary sweet oak. Very smooth in the mouth with gossamer tannins, offering a joyous mix of black cherry and black raspberry flavors that attack the mid palate with purpose and hold on through a generous finish. A whisper of oak plies the background. Delightful. Score: 91-92. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Drew Gatekeepers Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.64, 242 cases, $28. Sourced from a 30-yearold Pommard 5 block at Wiley Vineyard (55%) and the Akin Vineyard clones 115 and 777 (45%). 40% whole cluster fermented, 55% native fermentation. Aged 11 months in 10% new and 90% seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of wild berries, cherry glaze and brier picking up some intensity over time in the glass. Lighter weighted flavors of cherries and dried herbs with a hint of oak and a citric peel lift on the finish. An easy drinking wine with a prominent herbal bent which may appeal to some. More fruity and expressive the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good. Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Woodenhead Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.55, 296 cases, $60. 28-year-old vines (Pommard 5 and Romanee-Conti 37). Unfined and unfiltered. This wine really caught my attention at the Grand Tasting at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Definitely some pennyroyal on the nose with added scents of blackberries, tea, and spice. Very dark fruited, this wine is flush with black raspberry, black cherry and black tea notes that envelope the palate. The dreamy tannins offer a fine-grain texture and the oak hits all the right notes. This wine has the stuffing to age beautifully, but is very hard to resist now. A magnificent wine from one of Anderson Valley’s most esteemed vineyards. Score: 94. Reviewed July 28, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Phillips Hill Estates Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.55, 380 cases, $38, released December 1, 2011. This vineyard is located in the cool deep end of the Anderson Valley and is often the last Pinot Noir vineyard harvest in this AVA. Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777. Yields 2 tons per acre. Aged 11 months in 35% new, 30% 1 year and 35% seasoned French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Smoky, toasty nose with a hint of cherry. A lighter, elegant style with pleasing flavors of red cherries, vanilla, cinnamon and oak. Solid but not remarkable, leaning a little too heavily on oak for me. Good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Harrington Mendocino (Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley) Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.61, 48 cases, $40.Sourced from a vineyard planted to the Martini selection in 1968. A 2-acre block of this old vineyard was sold to developers 15 years ago and farming ceased. In 2008, this block was cleared of brush, pruned and an organic dry-farming program established. It is located on a stony, west sloping benchland at an elevation of 1,000 feet. Aged 10 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex perfume of red fruits, wooded forest, mushrooms, spice and seasoned oak. Soft and smooth on the palate with a light weight array of red berries and cherries with a savory hint of herbs. A little rustic with mild tannins and vibrant acidity. A gentle wine for current drinking. Good. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Harrington Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.63, 261 cases, $40. Release September 1, 2011. Wiley Vineyard is one of the westernmost Anderson Valley vineyards. Located in the deep end, it is often the last Pinot Noir vineyard harvested in the Anderson Valley. Sourced primarily from the 30-year-old Pommard block (90% Pommard, 10% 777). Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Moderate reddish-purple color and clear in the glass. · Very nicely perfumed with bright aromas of strawberries and sandalwood. Soft and smooth on the palate with medium-weight flavors of dark red berries, savory herbs, oak and earthy mushrooms. A thoroughly charming wine yet to reach its full potential but approachable now. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Woodenhead Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 296 cases, $60. Primarily Pommard clone with a little Mt. Eden selection. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine is in a class by itself. The knockout nose is alive with flavors of fresh, perfectly ripe berries. Earthy and serious, with discreetly concentrated flavors of dark red and black berries that have a delicious sappiness that really sings. Beautifully balanced with well-honed tannins and a very long and generous finish. Many call this vineyard a California Grand Cru and that title is well earned. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Harmonique Elegancé Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.65, 247 cases, $36. A blend of fruit from Conzelman, Ferrington, Klindt and Wiley vineyards. Clones are primarily Pommard and Wädenswil. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of cherries, baking spice, sandalwood and a new Prada leather coat. Mid weight flavors of cherries and savory herbs. Juicy, with mild tannins and crisp acidity. Seemingly quite fresh albeit six years old. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Harmonique The Noble One Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.59, 434 cases, $39. The core of this wine came from vineyards in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley including Klindt Vineyard (115, 777 and Pommard) and Wiley Vineyard (115 and Pommard). · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of black cherries, dark berries and briar initially. Over time the nose opens up considerably to a deep black cherry perfume. The biggest (but not big) of the three Harmonique wines with the most tannic backbone, but also the most satisfying. Beautifully balanced with intense dark stone and berry fruit flavors that make an impression on the mid palate, finishing with one of those peacock tail endings that Pinot Noir is famous for. Fresh as a daisy. All the Harmonique Pinot Noirs are well crafted and notable, but this one emotes. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Harrington Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 227 cases, $40. Released April 2009. Wiley Vineyard is one of the westernmost Anderson Valley vineyards located in the deep end of the valley and often the last Pinot Noir vineyard harvested in the Anderson Valley. This wine is sourced from the vineyard’s 25-year-old Pommard block and some 777 clone from younger plantings. Harvested at 23.5º Brix. Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Alluring nose of black cherries with forest floor and stem spice. Very tasty dark berry and plum fruit with edible flower and chocolate overtones. Comforting in the mouth with soft tannins and bright acidity. Bottled in August of 2008 and now reaching a perfect drinking window. Reviewed June 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Harrington Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.59, 227 cases, $40. This vineyard sits 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most westerly Anderson Valley vineyards. This cool area, known as the “deep end,” is often the last Pinot Noir vineyard harvested in the Anderson Valley. The old vines are rooted in fractured sandstone and dense loam. Integral to this wine is the 25-year-old Pommard block. Clones 37 and 777 complete the composition. Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak. · A big nose replete with black fruits, oregano and green garden. Blue and red fruits on the palate with a citric tang on the finish. Pleasant, but seems dull at present, lacking punch and finish. Not typical of what I have come to expect from this vineyard and I suspect this is an off bottle. I reviewed this wine at the 2009 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival and said, “Alluring nose of black cherries with forest floor and stem spice. Very tasty dark berry and plum fruit with edible flower and chocolate overtones. Comforting in the mouth with soft tannins and bright acidity.” Reviewed November 17, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Harmonique Elegancé Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.65, 675 cases, $36.50, released spring 2011. Winemaker Robert Klindt. Aged 19 months in 70% new French oak barrels, and aged in bottle until release. Four vineyard sources (Conzelman Vineyard Old Block, 21% Cerise Vineyard, 16.5% Wiley Vineyard and 12.5% Klindt Vineyard). 7 Pinot Noir clones. · Very light in weight, featuring red cherry and berry flavors with underpinnings of oak and savory herbs. Fruit has faded and is swallowed up by tannin. I have had this wine before and do not believe this was a representative bottle. Withhold judgment. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Harrington Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $40. This vineyard is a little-known gem and the wines I have sampled from here are terrific. · A nose of great interest featuring ripe cherry compote, newly-sawed oak and a touch of good barnyard funk. Dark cherry and berry flavors with riffs of loamy earth and oak, fine-grain tannins, finishing with a fruity persistence as it slips off the back of the palate. This wine held up beautifully in a sampling throughout the day. Reviewed September 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Harrington Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $40. · Aromas of black cherries, newly sawed oak and a touch of barnyard are enticing. Black cherry and dark berry fruit flavors that are earth-kissed. Seamless with an impressive finish that seems to never end. This is a little-known vineyard gem and the wines I have sampled from the unique terroir have been stellar. Reviewed June 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Woodenhead Vintners Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 358 cases, $60. · This is as different from the Morning Dew bottling as night and day. A big, big wine, dark and brooding, loaded with tannin. Impenetrable now. Wiley Pinots from past vintages have been outstanding indicating patience is required with this one. Reviewed June 9, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Woodenhead Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 358 cases, $60. When I tasted this almost a year ago, it was impenetrable and brooding. It has now opened up. · Medium ruby color. Flashy and expressive aromas of cherries and raspberries. Mouth filling richness with oodles of raspberry fruit, some Asian spice, and a long, chewy and aromatic finish. Really lovely wine with deft use of oak and impeccable balance. Expensive, yes, but worth it if you want the full experience. Reviewed June 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Woodenhead Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.46, 358 cases, $60. Released in the fall 2008. 26-year-old vines. Pommard 5 and Romanee-Conti 37 clones. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately deep reddishpurple color in the glass. Polished cherry and stylish spice aromas. Delicious essence of fresh plums and black cherries with an underpinning of oak-driven root beer flavor with a potpourri of savory herbs. Impressive body and richness with nicely balanced tannins. Very good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Woodenhead Vintners Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

15% alc., $45. · The subdued dark red fruits and subtle oak overtones in the nose are overshadowed by cinnamon-infused cherry, cola and baking spices on the palate. Despite the high alcohol, the fruit holds its own, and the whole package very enjoyable. This one grows in your mouth until you are smiling from ear to ear. Reviewed June 3, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Woodenhead Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

305 cases, $46. The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine come from 24-year-old vines, Pommard (5) and Martin Ray (37). It is one of the Anderson Valley’s heritage vineyards, the fourth planted after Edmeades, Husch and Van Hoorn. This vineyard is the closest to the ocean of any valley floor vineyard resulting in a very long growing season. · Reviewed November 27, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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