Vineyard: Lancel Creek

Lancel Creek
OwnerUlises Valdez
AppellationRussian River Valley
StoryPlanted by Ulises Valdez.
Dates Planted2002
LocationA rolling hillside near Occidental.
VarietiesPinot Noir, Zinfandel
ManagersUlises Valdez

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Friedeman Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.66, 170 cases, $35. Released March 31, 2018. Sourced from Lancel Creek and Catie’s Corner vineyards. Clones are Montrachet, Rued and Robert Young. Average harvest Brix 23.2º. Whole cluster pressed to 33% new French oak barrels for native fermentation and aging. Lees stirred bi-weekly. Full malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of yellow stone fruits, pastry cream and baking spices lead to a modestly flavored wine featuring yellow apple and subtle citrus highlights. The oak treatment is quite agreeable and the finish is cordial. Score: 88. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Friedeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.61, 165 cases, $45. Released May 31, 2018. Sourced from Campbell Ranch, Lancel Creek and Terra de Promissio vineyards. 60% 115, 20% 777, 20% Calera. 4 to 5-day cold soak, 5 to 7-day native fermentation, aged on the gross lees in French oak barrels, 50% new for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Complex aromatic display featuring scents of black cherry, earthy flora, bark and cardamon spice. The juicy mid weight cherry cola core makes an impression as does the glossy texture. A wine for upfront enjoyment that has a bit more tug of oak at present than I prefer. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Friedeman UV Lancel Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.66, 107 cases, $50. Release April 30, 2018. Montrachet and Rued clones. Average harvest Brix 23.2º. Whole cluster pressed to 67% new French oak barrels for native yeast fermentation and aging. Lees stirred weekly. Full malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A classy offering with aromas of lemon, graphite, cold steel and toast. Richly fruited with flavors of citrus and pear fruits and a subtle petrol note. The fruit is energized with good acidity and the wine’s comforting texture makes for a pleasurable experience. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Friedeman UV Lancel Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.61, 102 cases, $60. 50% Pommard, 30% Calera and 20% 777. Average harvest Brix 24.7º. 4-day cold soak, 6-day native fermentation, aged on the gross lees in French oak barrels, 50% new for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and underbrush. More sap and richness than the Sonoma Coast bottling and better oak integration. The silken mouthfeel is cordial as are the gentle tannins. The mid weight flavors of dark cherry, black raspberry and blackberry are infused with a compliment of toasty oak. The wine finishes with a seductive grip of cherry. Score: 93. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Ulises Valdez Lancel Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $60. Pommard and 777 clones. Aged in 40% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Primarily oak-driven aromas with subtle notes of dark fruits. Intensely fruity featuring blackberries and black plum flavors with an underpinning of dark chocolate, offering an appealing plush velvet mouth feel. A little softer and more gentle than the 2008 Silver Eagle Pinot Noir. Still a bit rugged and tannic and needs more time in bottle to mellow. Well-crafted in its style. Good (+). Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Thomas George Estates Lancel Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.59, 478 cases, $55. This vineyard is farmed by Ulises Valdez. 48% Pommard and 52% 777. Aged in 39% new French oak barrels. · Brooding aromas of plum sauce, cigar box and graham. The flavor in this wine strikes a chord with me. I liken it to a black cherry dark chocolate truffle without the sugar. Hearty but silky tannins support the generous dark fruits leaving a smooth impression on the palate as the finish lingers on and on. Very good (+). Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Valdez Lancel Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $48. · Moderately dark ruby color in the glass. Lovely, spirited nose brightly perfumed with black cherries and boysenberries accented with a floral note. Ripely flavored and muscular in style with prodigious black current, black plum and dark berry flavors wrapped in flamboyant tannins. Needs a big steak. Valdez wines are not bashful or demure, and reflect Ulises Valdez’s gregarious personality. Good (+). Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »