Vineyard: Quail Hill

OwnersAnisya Fritz, Lynn Fritz
AppellationRussian River Valley
Dates Planted1974, 1996-2005
Acres47 (31.3 Pinot Noir, 15.7 Chardonnay)
LocationOn Frei Road in Sebastopol
SoilsGoldridge sandy loam
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir
Clones114, 115, 667, 777, 943, Calera, Faux 828, Swan, Wädenswil (2A)
Rootstock101-14, 16-16, 420A, Riparia Gloria

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 Lynmar Estate Old Vines Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $80. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Charming aromas of cherry, rose petal and baking spices. I love the floral aspect of the nose, like wild cherry sprinkled with flowers. Mid-weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, blackberry and dark chocolate address the palate without overreaching.The mouthfeel is luxurious, the tannins are in line and the finish is long and rewarding. Still exceptional when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. An old vine treasure. Score: 95. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Lynmar Estate Old Vines Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.60, 251 cases, $80. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 64% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Gorgeous aromas of black cherry, ripe strawberry and balsam. The wine floods the mouth with carnal energy, featuring flavors of black cherry and black raspberry. There is commendable harmony with both pleasing tannic power and uplifting acidity. There is only a dusting of oak. I sense that this wine needs a few years in the cellar to reveal all of its charms. Score: 93. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Lynmar Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 2,359 cases, $40. Sourced from six vineyards including the Quail Hill Vineyard and Susanna’s Vineyard. Aged 10 months in 42% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Still young and a bit shy on the nose with scents of black cherry and cake spices. Middleweight flavors of cherry pie glaze, strawberries, cola and spice are framed by modest tannins. Score: 89. Reviewed June 27, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.74, 843 cases, $30. BGR & SF. A blend of about 50% Quail Hill Estate (40-year-old Rued clone) and Sweeney vineyards (29-year-old Wente 4 clone), with a small amount from Zio Tony Vineyard (Dijon 76 and 95). Aged 15 months in 32% new French oak barrels. · Light gold color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, butterscotch, pineapple, green apple, baked pear and spice are echoed on the silky palate. Easy to like, with refreshing acidity, and complimentary oak highlights. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 843 cases, $35. A blend of Quail Hill Estaate and Sweeney Vineyard with a small amount of Zio Tony Vineyard. Aged 15 months in 32% new French oak barrels. Previously reviewed July 19, 2014. · Light gold color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, butterscotch, pineapple, green apple, baked pear and spice are echoed on the silky palate. Easy to like, with refreshing acidity, and complimentary oak highlights. Score: 89. Reviewed June 27, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Old Wente Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., $55. SF. · Light golden yellow hue and clear in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of lemon and honeycomb. A little more buttery and oaky, but not overbearing, with notes of caramel and honey augmenting the core of baked pear and citrus fruits. Very polished and soft on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.76, 623 cases, $55. BGR & SF. Primarily Rued clone. Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. A step up from the solid Russian River Valley bottling with more flesh, intensity and finish. Aromas of lemon curd, baked pear and white peach lead to a very smooth palate of baked apple and pear fruits accented with honey and caramel. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.61, 2,360 cases, $60. Available as a Collector Edition Magnum also. SF. A blend of 14 clones from the entire estate vineyard. Aged 10 months in 37% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of fresh Bing cherry and baking spice. Mid weight flavors of dark cherry, cola and sarsasparilla with a touch of oak in the background. The tannins are suave and noble, and the finish is outfitted nicely with generous black cherry and black raspberry fruits. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 2,360 cases, $60. A blend of 14 clones from the estate vineyard. Aged 10 months in 37% new French oak barrels. Previously reviewed July 19, 2014. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of fresh Bing cherry and baking spice. Mid weight flavors of dark cherry, cola and sarsasparilla with a touch of oak in the background. The tannins are suave and noble, and the finish is outfitted nicely with generous black cherry and black raspberry fruits. Score: 92. Reviewed June 27, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate La Serenité Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.76, 245 cases, $70. BGR. 50% Quail Hill Estate and 50% Suzanne’s Vineyard, old Wente clone. Aged 15 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Pale gold color and clear in the glass. Elevating aromas of lemon curd, pear, butter brickle and apple. A little reserved on the palate with flavors of yellow and green apple and lemon, backed by bracing acidity. A subtle herbal note brings up the finish. A tad bit tight and could benefit from more cellaring. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Old Vines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.60, 301 cases, $70. SF. Swan selection from a 1971-1972 planting of 2+ acres. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. I loved this wine! Enticing aromas of cherry, raspberry, spice and cola lead to a full-bodied entourage of fruit flavors including black cherry, dark berry, plum, cola and rhubarb. Layers of pleasure with nuances showing up with each sip. The tannins are still a little firm and grippy in this young wine which will benefit from cellaring. The finish is spectacular, with a velvety array of fruits fanning out in peacock fashion. A glorious old vine offering. Score: 95. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Bliss Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $70. SF. A massale selection of organically farmed fruit (? Dijon and Pommard). 10% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in 55% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The fruit is remarkably expressive in this wine but not overwrought. The aromas and flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and plum strike the mid palate with a vengeance, expanding to coat every nook and cranny, before departing with uncommon density and length. The tannins and oak are beautifully integrated and supportive. A decadent wine that I really liked. Score: 94. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Block 10 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $70. SF. Equal amounts of clones 667 and 777. 25% whole cluster fermentation. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Demure aromas of black cherry and sweet oak. Bright, redder fruits on the palate are backed by subtle, toasty oak, finishing long with plenty of cherry goodness. Good overall harmony without a notable personality at this early stage. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Lynn’s Blend Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $70. SF. Mt Eden clone and “828.” 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose draws you attention with aromas of black raspberry, plum, spice and graham. Plenty of plush fruit that is well sustained on the mid palate, offering tastes of black raspberry, blackberry and black plum with a hint of anise. Noticeable sinewy tannins and a sweetly fruited finish of numbing concentration. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Summit Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.58, 283 cases, $70. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Sourced from a specific block in the estate vineyard planted to Calera selection in the mid-2000s. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Copious black raspberry and cherry fruits show up on the nose and palate, accented with seasoned oak, spices and a touch of herbs. Still young, but giving, finishing long and mighty with firm tannins. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. 14 clones. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very enticing aromas of spiced cherry, clove, plum and vanilla. Layers of flavor arrive on the palate with aplomb, including black cherry, black plum, fennel, cola and black tea. Perfectly ripe and juicy with modest tannins and impressive power on the finish. Crafted beautifully and notable for its seamless qualities. Still enchanting the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc.. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of very ripe berries and cherries with a hint of cola. Full-bodied and lush, veering to the ultra ripe fruit side, offering flavors of black cherry and grilled stone fruits. Soft and plush on the palate with a firm tannic backbone, finishing with a little heat. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Lynmar Estate Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $20. Sourced from estate and selected contract vineyards. Fruit specifically choosen for this wine was de-stemmed, cold soaked for 2-3 hours before undergoing a gentle membrane press followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This wine was supplemented by the saiginée method in which lots of Pinot Noir and Syrah were bled from tank after de-stemming with some color and no tannins. The wine was aged in neutral French oak barrels and stainless tanks. Vinified by winemaker Hugh Chapelle. · Lovely orange-red salmon hue. Aromas of white peaches and oranges. The flavors are fresh and vivid, even flirty, echoing the aromas and finishing with some persistence. Among the top rosés every year in California. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.59, 694 cases, $40. 100% estate grown and bottled from the 42-acre Quail Hill Vineyard. Whole cluster pressed, 45% new French oak barrels, mostly native yeast fermentations, aged on the lees with weekly stirring, 100% MLF, aged 15 months. Winemaker Hugh Chapelle. · Light straw color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, vanilla custard, seasoned oak, buttered toast and Cracker Jack. Very tasty fruit core featuring prominent pear flavor with notes of white peach, creme brulee and tasty oak, finishing dry with a hint of caramel. Soft in the mouth, even slightly creamy. A thoroughly enjoyable wine that improves in the glass over time. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.62, 729 cases, $60. Composed of 14 clones including old Swan vines. De-stemmed, 7-10 day cold soak, native yeast fermentations, total skin contact 14-18 days, basket pressed, aging on light to full lees for 15 months in 55% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. Winemakers Hugh Chapelle and Bibiana Gonzalez Rave; consulting winemaker Paul Hobbs. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is very seductive with a perfume of fresh cherries and berries, spice and graham. Delicious essence of black cherry tart with hints of cola and Dr. Pepper and noticeable oak presence. Smooth on the palate with polished tannins and a lingering finish. A bold wine that is drinking beautifully now, but will last 7-10 years with proper cellaring. Source: tasting room, website, some retail. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., pH 3.38, 862 cases, $40. Aged 15 months in 45% new French oak barrels. 100% MLF. · Crisp and bright with aromas of lemon curd and green apple. Moderate density of apple and citrus flavors with a refreshing finish. Good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.63, 1,646 cases, $60. Only finest lots from the 47-acre estate Quail Hill Vineyard are included in this release with the core coming from a small block of old vine Swan selection planted in 1974 and a block of Dijon and Pommard clones. Aged 16 months in 60% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · A charming, delicate wine that seduces you with nuances. Lovely aromas of red fruits with hints of rose tea and baking spices. Discreetly concentrated core of red stone fruits and berries with a refreshing lift of aromatic fruit on the pleasing finish. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Bliss Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 329 cases, $60. The Bliss Block is from a unique part of the estate which is very cool. This is the first block designate from Quail Hill Vineyard since 1999. · A ripe fruit profile on the nose veering toward cardamonspiced cherries and raisins and oak spice. The flavors echo the aromas with an added loamy influence. A balanced wine with supple tannins and a dry finish. Well-crafted but not my cup of tea. Reviewed January 14, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.35% alc., 1,419 cases, $60. This wine represents the finest lots from the Quail Hill Vineyard home estate with the core being a small patch of old vine Swan selection planted in 1974. · Ramped up intense black cherry scent with dark chocolate, oak and white pepper lurking in the background. Flamboyant layers of cherry and raspberry fruit with a sidecar of oak and cola. Vivid and clean with no hard edges and leaving an incredibly long and memorable finish. This beauty delivers a little more fullness, richness and intensity than the Russian River Valley bottling and is flat-out great. Reviewed January 14, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Lynmar Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 1,459 cases, $60. Primarily Swan selection from the estate Quail Hill Vineyard. Aged 16 months in 45% new French oak. · Deep, dark ruby in color. A penetrating, rich nose with dark Pinot fruits, forest floor and restrained oak. Gamy and earthy with plenty of black fruit front and center. Very smooth in texture, seamless throughout with a healthy tannic structure. More body, more flavor, more of everything compared to the Russian River Valley bottling Reviewed January 20, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Lynmar Winery Five Sisters Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The Fritz family purchased the Quail Hill Vineyard in 1980 and founded Lynmar Winery in 1990. In 2004, the winery launched a five year investment plan to complete a phased replanting of Quail Hill. An impressive new winery and hospitality center has been added. Winemaker Hugh Chapelle (and consultant Paul Hobbs) have brought Lynmar to a world-class level. All of the wines in the portfolio are superb, including a fine Rosé, a classic Russian River Valley Chardonnay, and serious Pinot Noirs 2004 marked the return of the Five Sisters bottling which has not been produced since 1999. It represents the best barrels in the cellar and is a homage to Lynn Fritz’s five daughters. · This is a wine of great power with waves of sappy current fruit and notes of tea and stylish spice. The mouth feel is refined and the notable acidity provides a clean and refreshing finish. A Pinot Noir of great pedigree with verve and punch to spare. One of my favorite wines tasted during the event. Reviewed August 6, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Lynmar Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 976 cases, $50. This wine is composed from the finest barrels from the best vineyard blocks in each vintage. There is plenty of Swan selection grapes in the final mix, along with Dijon clones playing a supporting role. The wine is aged 18 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Tasted at home. · This is a Pinot Noir of great breeding - a thoroughbred. It is a big, plush wine that, like all great wines, keeps getting better and better in the glass with air time. It is sophisticated, complex and balanced. There is more earthiness, mushrooms and minerality than in the above Pinot Noir. The texture is velveteen. This is a serious wine with years of bottle development ahead of it and I recommend cellaring it. Reviewed November 26, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »