Littorai

Owner(s)	Heidi Lemon, Ted Lemon
Web site	www.littorai.com

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Ted Lemon’s story is quite unique among California winemakers. The origins of his interest in wine can be traced to a study-abroad program at the University of Dijon in Burgundy while still a high school student. The director was so impressed with Lemon, he offered him a job if ever decided to take up winemaking. After graduating from Brown University, he was awarded a fellowship to return to France in the fall of 1980 to study viticulture and enology. He apprenticed in several famous Burgundy domaines including Dujac, Roumier, and Bruno Clair. When funds ran dry, he returned to the United States where he worked with Josh Jensen at Calera Winery.

In 1982, while at Calera Winery, he was surprised by a phone call from Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac who asked him, “How would you like to make Meursault?” At Domaine Guy Roulot in Meursault, one of the oldest and most traditional wineries in Burgundy, Guy Roulot had died and his family was searching for another winemaker. The Roulot family sought the advice of Jacques Seysses. “Of all the apprentices I have had, and I have had many,“ Jacques Seysses told Madame Roulot, “none have been as bright and as capable as Ted Lemon. He has so many fine qualities, but there are two problems. He is 25-yearsold, and he is American.” Although Madame’s first reaction was “impossible,” after consulting with Aubert de Villaine, Patrick Bize, and others, she offered to make him the first (and to this day, the only) American winemaker and vineyard manager in Burgundy’s history. Lemon arrived at Domaine Roulot in 1983 (photo right).

Because lemon spoke French fluently, he was able to assimilate and overcome the initial surprise and skepticism of the village people. He said, “At first I had to prove myself physically to the cellar and field help. I had to prune as quickly, drive a tractor as well, and work as hard as they could. And I had to prove to Madame Roulot, who was so devoted to Guy, that I could keep up the reputation of his wines.” Lemon made very good wines and quickly became accepted by the locals.

After two years at Domaine Roulot, he was lured back to the United States by a French family that had purchased a vineyard on Howell Mountain above the Napa Valley. Their intent was to produce a French-style Chardonnay in California. The land here had been first planted in 1877 with vines from the Medoc region of France. Jean Adolphe Brun and W. J. Chaix were the original French owners and they built the Howell Mountain Winery on the property in 1866. It became Chateau Woltner in the mid-1980s and it was here, in 1985, that Lemon oversaw renovations of the aging winery and became the vineyard manager as well as winemaker. Chateau Woltner’s Chardonnays soon became a favorite among American wine connoisseurs.

With his winemaking skills honed and assured, Lemon and his wife Heidi founded Littorai in 1993. The first two wines released in 1993 were a One Acre Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and a Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Ted and Heidi had spent a summer with his wife driving up and down the Pacific Coast tasting local wines and learning about the soil and history of the local vineyards. Lemon had a firm belief in terroir inspired by his years in France. According to Lemon, “I believe soil is of major importance in a wine’s character. It’s clear there are tremendous differences between wines made from vineyards right next to each other even if they are vinified and treated exactly the same way.” Finally, Lemon settled on sourcing his grapes from vineyards in western Sonoma and western Mendocino counties. He believed the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were grown along the true coastal zone of the continent. He was convinced that the geology and mesoclimates of the extreme western portion of the continent north of San Francisco were diverse enough to create a series of unique terroirs, each with its own characteristics. He named his new venture Littorai which is a pleural noun formed from the Latin word litor-, which means the coasts. The word Littorai, with its reference to geography, reminds us that wine, the noblest agricultural product, arises from the weave of place (vineyard), time (vintage), and man.

His vineyard sources are all carefully supervised by Ted who is a strong believer in sustainability and biodynamie. Pinot Noir vineyards include Summa, B.A.Thieriot, Pratt, The Haven and Hirsch on the Sonoma Coast, Mays Canyon in the Russian River Valley, and Savoy, One Acre, Cerise, and Roman in the Anderson Valley. (Summa and Cerise were sold in 2010 so they may not be future sources). He is developing a couple of vineyards himself as well, including an estate vineyard adjacent the winery, The Pivot Vineyard.

Lemon has established a biodynamic farm on his estate property in Sebastopol. He says, "We believe that wineries will only be sustainable in the future as wine farms." Lemon plans to introduce cattle to his 30-acre biodynamic farm with the ultimate aim of making the farm as self-sustaining as possible with minimal input and output. Lemon dates his California biodynamic plantings to 2001 and considers biodynamic farming essential to his winemaking philosophy. "You can justify biodynamics without talking about the spirituality of it; you can simply justify it as an excellent method for sustainable farming. It forces you to think long-term, and it makes you react more slowly. You try to create as stable an environment as possible for the vines, with the right kind and amount of nutrients, without depending on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and other tenets of Western agronomy." Lemon largely keeps to himself about his winemaking except to say he modifies his whole cluster inclusion depending on vintage and vineyard, sometimes completely de-stemming, and sometimes using up to 60 percent whole cluster. The wines have enough flesh to be appealing when young, but show best after several years in the cellar. Littorai Pinot Noir typically have between 13 and 14 percent alcohol. A new hay-bale walled gravity-flow winery was opened in 2009 and future plans call for barrel storage caves. The winery is simple and functional, with no signage. Lemon says, "This is not an indulgence." Tasting is carried out on a table in the winery which has a notable absence of tee shirts, hats or other wine-related paraphernalia for sale.

Lemon's Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are highly lauded and age worthy. They are only sold through a mailing list and to restaurants. I consider some of the Pinot Noirs among the finest I have ever drunk from the New World. Ted now accepts visitors to his 10,000 case winery by appointment (707-823-9586). A thorough tour of the property and winery with a tasting takes well over an hour. Production is about 4,000 cases annually. The wines are allocated through a mailing list, with limited restaurant distribution and no retail availability.

Articles About Littorai

Reviewed Wines

2017 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $85. Sourced from vines that are farmed using organic and biodynamic principles. Littorai was one of the first purchasers of fruit from Hirsch Vineyard along with Steve Kistler and Burt Williams who first showed up together at Hirsch Vineyards in 1994. The three winemakers crafted startling good and age-worthy Pinot Noirs and spurred the notoriety of Hirsch Vineyards. The vineyard is planted to Pommard and Dijon clones and heritage selections including Swan, Calera and Mt Eden. This bottling includes 114, 777, Pommard clones and a Swan selection. Typically, Littorai wines are aged 16 months in French oak with about 25% new barrels.
Note: The winery’s website is www.littorai.com. Littorai wines are sold only through an allocated mailing list. The wines are also available at many fine restaurants.
· Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of mixed berries including strawberry framed by sandy tannins and bright acidity. Texturally of great interest but otherwise not exciting at this stage. Largely unchanged when re-tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Giving, but not yet generously, requiring patience. Score: 91. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $85. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of mixed berries including strawberry framed by sandy-grain, firm and focused tannins and bright acidity. Nicely composed, continuing to evolve and develop additional nuances over time in the glass. This one needs more time in the cellar. Score: 91. Reviewed July 29, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Littorai One Acre Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., $90. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. This wine was not appealing upon opening with the fruit seemingly underripe but really blossomed the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Delightful aromas of cherry, strawberry, spice and tilled earth. Mid-weight flavors of red cherry, strawberry, a dark red grape, showing a good attack and a satisfying finish. Very elegant in style with fruit flavors perched just under the peak of ripeness. This wine is a perfect example of the challenges judging a Pinot Noir just after the cork is pulled. This wine underwent a dramatic transition over night. Score: 94. Reviewed July 26, 2021 ARTICLE »

2016 Littorai Wendling Vineyard E Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $80. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple and black berry, earthy flora and spice cake arrive over time in the glass, showing more appeal the following day from a previously opened bottle. Very savory and earth-toned with fruit flavors of plum and spiced blackberries. A moderately firm tannic backbone supports the discreet fruit load. The most striking feature of this wine is the very long and glorious finish. Considerably more charming when tasted from a previously opened bottle the following day. Score: 93. Reviewed July 26, 2021 ARTICLE »

2015 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $75. This wine is from an iconic California vineyard planted in the early 1990s just north of the town of Philo. This is the only valley floor vineyard that Littorai works with anywhere. Located at the cooler end of the Anderson Valley, but protected on two sides so the site is warmer than one might expect. Several blocks that Littorai sources from are dry farmed. Littorai is the largest purchaser of Savoy Vineyard grapes since 1995. The vineyard is farmed organically. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The aromatic goodness explodes over time in the glass, offering hi-tone black cherry and spice cabinet aromas. Intense and sappy, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, blueberry, pomegranate, raspberry and spice, with a nuanced earthy underpinning. A sophisticated wine that satisfies from attack to finish, offering impeccable balance. This wine has that ephemeral Pinot quality that is the Holy Grail of vintners. Score: 97. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $75. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The aromatic goodness explodes over time in the glass, offering hi-tone black cherry and spice cabinet aromas. Intense and sappy, with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, pomegranate, raspberry and spice along with a earthy nuance. A sophisticated wine that satisfies from attack to finish and offering impeccable balance. This wine has that ephemeral Pinot Noir quality that is the Holy Grail of vintners. Reviewed January 2018. Score: 97. Reviewed July 26, 2021 ARTICLE »

2015 Littorai Wendling Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., $75. A newer source for Littorai. 23 acres located in Philo, in the deep end of the Anderson Valley, planted by Paul Ardzrooni (Ardzrooni Family Wines) and two winemaking colleagues in 2009 (I believe Ted Lemon is a partner). The vineyard is planted entirely to multiple clones of Pinot Noir and is organically farmed. The site is the most northwestern vineyard in the Anderson Valley AVA giving it close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers intriguing whole cluster nuances of exotic spices, pipe bowl, rose petal and earthy flora. Impressive attack of black cherry, plum and spice flavors with a savory undertone. Expansive in the mouth, with a very long, succulent and juicy finish. Beautifully composed with a firm structure taming the fruit. Score: 94. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Littorai The Pivot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $85. This is the Littorai Estate Vineyard located at the winery site. 3 acres located on a ridge top between Sebastopol and Freestone, just seven miles from the coast. Five different clones of Pinot Noir are planted (not specifically disclosed). Biodynamically farmed. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose only reluctantly offers black cherry, pomegranate, spice and underbrush aromas even two days later. Much more embracing on the palate, with mid weight flavors of purple grape, boysenberry, warm spices and a touch of oak. Rich entry, rich middle and rich finish. Seems a bit grouchy at this stage but hints at better days ahead. Score: 92. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Littorai The Haven Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $90. Another estate site lying northwest of the town of Occidental on a 1,200 foot ridge. Approximately 40 different rootstock and clonal combinations planted in 2001 within a 4-acre vineyard. Biodynamically farmed. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Upon opening, the nose is primarily barrel driven. When tasted the following day, the nose was exotically spiced, with plenty of blackest cherry fruit aroma and a hint of tobacco. A mid weight plus treasure with unctuous black raspberry and blackberry fruit, warm spices, and earthy, savory character. Flat out delicious with enviable harmony and an extraordinarily intense and persistent finish. Score: 95. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., Magnum. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry and dusty rose lead to a middleweight styled wine offering flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and a bit of oak in the background. Seductively silky in the mouth with balanced tannins and a finish bursting with fruit goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed July 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2013 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 709 cases, $70. Vines dating to 1995. Farmed using organic and biodynamic principles. Clones 114, 777, Pommard and Swan. Yields 2.74 tons per acre. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of cherry, sous-bois and shaved oak. Toothsome flavors of black cherry and cinnamon spice are accented with toasty oak. Rather delicate and elegantly styled, with structured tannins and a silky mouthfeel. Easy to drink now, with an appealing grip on the finish, but the wine is slightly sullen and withdrawn. Largely unchanged the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, although the tannins seemed more prominent. Give this wine some cellar time. Score: 90. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Littorai Platt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 613 cases, $70. Littorai section of vineyard planted in 2004 and are highest elevation blocks on the property at 750 feet. The vines are planted to a rootstock and clones specifically chosen by Littorai. Platt is only 6 miles from the coast and overlooks the town of Bodega. Goldridge sand loam over marine origin sandstone soils. Organically farmed. Clones “828,” 115, 777, proprietary, and Calera. Yields 4.67 tons per acre. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate cherry red color in the glass. A wonderland of aromas greet the drinker with notes of black cherry, blackberry, woodland and seasoned oak. Impressive attack of heady dark cherry and dark red berry fruits transition to a plush mid palate embossed with a woodsy, savory note, finishing with uncommon length and charm. A wine of special breeding with cohesive tannins and acidity. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine has somewhere to go. Score: 94. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., 565 cases, $70. This vineyard is located on the cooler end of the valley but is protected on two sides so it is warmer than most of its neighbors. Farmed using organic materials. Pinole and Boont loams over Franciscan shale soils. Vines planted in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Yields 3.16 tons per acre. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777, Calera and Pommard. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of compost, mushroom, cherry and blueberry lead to a smooth and suave palate of red cherry, red berry and blueberry flavors. Very satisfying, even uplifting, with pinpoint balance and a finish awash in vibrant fruit. The tannins are unusually tame in this vintage. Score: 91. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Littorai Roman Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 234 cases, $75. Roman is a hilltop vineyard situated at 1150 feet elevation northwest of the town of Philo. Soils are Boont loam over sandstone. Farmed using organic materials and biodynamic methods. Vines planted in 1999. Yields 2.48 tons per acre. Clones 114, 667 and a proprietary clone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Stunted aromas of red cherry, leather chaps, spice and woodland. Light to mid weight in style, with flavors of cherry, cranberry and strawberry and a slight herbal riff. Restrained, even too calm, but nicely balanced, with a slightly tart finish. This wine has the most under ripe fruit of the wines tasted here. Unchanged the following day when re-tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 186 cases, $80. The vineyard is located southwest of the town of Occidental, overlooking Bodega at an elevation of 900 feet. Goldridge over sandstone soils. Littorai has a long term lease on this site so that it is farmed as if it was an estate vineyard. Farmed for over a decade using biodynamic methods. Yields 1.99 tons per acre. Vines planted in 1991 and 1994. Clones are Swan, Pommard, 114, 777, Calera and a proprietary clone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. This has been my favorite Littorai bottling since I first discovered it 15 years ago. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Alluring, even intoxicating aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry, blackberry, sous-bois and spice. Gracious and sexy, with finesse rather than swagger, offering a mid weight core of nicely ripened black cherry and black raspberry fruits framed by a hint of tannic sinew, integrated juicy acidity and a deft touch of oak. A note of exotic spice sneaks in at the finish. A very seductive wine. Turn down the lights when you pull the cork on this beauty. Score: 94. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Littorai One Acre Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 143 cases, $80. Littorai’s original vineyarddesignated Pinot Noir. A hilltop vineyard situated at 1600 feet elevation in the mountains northeast of Boonville. The vineyard succumbed to phylloxera several years ago and was replanted in 2005 when the rootstock, row orientation and clones were changed. Soils are Bearwallow loam over marine origin sandstone. Yields 2.87 tons per acre. Clones are 114, 777, “828,” and Swan. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose has already developed complexity, offering scents of black plum, black raspberry, pungent earth, compost, char, and floral intricacy. This wine has considerable mid palate presence and finishing power, yet is light on its feet. The richest and ripest wine of those tasted, with mid weight plus flavors of black raspberry, purple grape and blackberry and a light imprint of oak. A charismatic wine that will be a joy to follow over time. Score: 92. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., Magnum. · Aromas of boysenberry jam, rose petal and tobacco oak become mind-blowing in the glass over time. A beautiful wine offering purple and black berry fruit flavors in a mid-weight package. Nicely balanced with a very suave texture, modest but not egregious tannins, and a beguiling finish filled with succulent fruit. Still of great interest when tasted the subsequent two days from the opened magnum. Built to last another ten years easily. Score: 94. Reviewed July 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2012 Littorai Platt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $65. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Vivid aromas of alpine strawberry, raspberry coulis, briar and vanillin oak. Delicious fruit charge featuring raspberry, strawberry and cherry with stylish spice. Crisp and clean with modest tannins and a cherry and raspberry fueled finish of notable length and vibrancy. Still young and will take on more complexity with aging. Even better later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. You will like this one. Score: 94. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Littorai The Pivot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $70. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose evolves nicely over time in the glass, offering scents of red cherry hard candy, black cherry coulis, dark chocolate, mulch and spice. Not particularly showy on the palate initially with a modest attack of mid weight, nicely ripened black cherry fruit. The wine picks up interest over time in the glass, building in intensity and complexity. The harmony is particularly appealing and the cherry-driven finish is quite refreshing due to its palate-cleansing acidity. Like so many Littorai wines, this one requires more time in the cellar for full expression. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $75. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Engaging aromas of fresh berries, black cherries, mushroom, conifer and subtle oak. A very refined and classy wine that offers an intense attack and length. Mid weight dark red cherry and berry, and blueberry flavors are featured with a touch of savory dried herbs in the background. The dark red raspberry finish is delightful. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating a promising future. This is always my favorite Littorai bottling. Score: 93-94. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Littorai One Acre Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $75. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A very young wine that will need patience for full enjoyment. Aromas of black raspberry, pipe smoke and sous-bois lead to a mid weight palate of dark red cherry, red raspberry and red plum flavors with a leafy, dried herb note playing in the background. The fruit is embedded in young tannins and oak at this point. The wine is much more expressive over time in the glass, and significantly more appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with more overt fruit expression and decreased savory input. Cellar this special wine for a few years. Score: 91-92. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Littorai The Haven Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $80. This site is northwest of Occidental on the southern shoulder of a 1200-foot ridge. The soils are very diverse including sandstone, shale and gravel. Planted in 2001, this is usually the latest ripening site in the Littorai vineyard family. There is about 40 different rootstock and clonal combinations within a very small 4-acre vineyard. It is farmed using agroecological and biodynamic methods but is not certified. Yields are tiny. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Delightful perfume of ripe berry mash. Delicious mid weight plus core of perfectly ripened dark red berry and black cherry fruits. A bit earthy and savory with a hint of cola. The suede-like texture is very appealing and there is a well-proportioned tannic backbone. Beautifully balanced, this classy wine is just now showing some appeal, but will certainly be more complex and purposeful with further cellaring. Score: 93-94. Reviewed August 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 Littorai Vin Gris Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., $26. · Pretty golden peach color with a pink highlight. The aromas really explode from the glass when the wine is first poured. Scents of peach, nectarine and nuts. Similar in flavor to a Pinot Noir Blanc with highlights of Rainier cherries and white peaches. Bright with good integrated acidity and no detectable tannins. Love to have a chilled glass of this wine with a fresh cut slice of peach in it on a sunny summer day. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Littorai Roman Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12-year-old vines farmed biodynamically since 2008. 13.1% alc., $65. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Soaring scents of black cherry, exotic flowers, and oak spice. Haunting, deep cherry and berry flavors with hints of spice, white pepper and vanilla. More body, power and length than the Savoy bottling, with a tannic structure that enhances the fruit, yet the wine is still perceived as elegant. A David Bowie wine that is neither masculine or feminine. Score: 92. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $65. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Welcoming scent of cherry, earthy flora, spice and balsam. Very elegant and demure, yet flavorful, with tastes of strawberry, cherry, and spice on the mid palate, and some rose water and spiced maraschino cherry on the bright finish. Very soft in the mouth with a subtle oak sheen and gossamer tannins. The most forward and feminine of the wines tasted here, but like red lingerie, delicate yet alluring. Score: 90. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., $75. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The chameleon of a nose unfolds slowly offering a wide array of aromas including black cherry pie glaze, black raspberry jam, tea leaf, smoked bacon, and exotic spices. Quite reserved, offering its charms slowly over time in the glass to reveal a hearty core of black berry and stone fruit flavors enhanced by subtle oak notes. The dry tannins tend to dominate at this young age, but I can see through that as I have drank plenty of bottles of Thieriot Pinot Noir. The big, lengthy peacock finish elevates this wine to another level. In the words of Jan McInerney, “I’m obsessed, crazed with lust, spending ridiculous amounts of money on the object of my desire. Because when she’s good, she’s very, very good.” Score: 95. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Littorai The Haven Estate Bottled Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $80. · This is a wine that will make you sit up in your chair. The darkest wine of those tasted here with a moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose offers brooding aromas of black cherries, black raspberries, black currant, seasoned oak and forest floor. Delicious, round, polished and sassy with plenty of enticing sappy dark red and black fruit. The velvety mouth feel is quite sensual and the juicy finish leaves the hair stand up on your nape. Terrific the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Littorai Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $40. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red fruits, damp earth, and wooded forest. Soft and smooth on the palate, with good richness and intensity, offering flavors of dark red cherries and raspberries that have a woodsy, earthy tone. Better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Littorai wines perform better with a few years of cellaring. Good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., $60. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Takes awhile to open in the glass, revealing aromas of black cherries, dried rose petals and sweet pipe smoke. Lightly endowed with cherry and raspberry flavor picking up some intensity over time in the glass. Very silky with supple tannins. A bit lean and under-ripe. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $60. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Nicely scented with aromas of fresh black cherry pie glaze, boysenberries and dark chocolate. Discreetly concentrated flavors of ripe cherries and berries with a riff of sauvage, supported by firm but not astringent tannins, finishing with some generosity. Solid wine but doesn’t emote. About the same the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $70. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine has one of those noses that brings you to your knees. Profuse aromas of perfectly ripe cherries and berries with an exotic spice and floral accent. Delicious middleweight flavors of cherry pie glaze, dark red berry jam, cola, spice and complimentary oak, finishing with impressive power and persistence. A very polished wine with everything in balance. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Thieriot Vineyard Pinot Noir is what first hooked me on Littorai years ago, and I relish the addiction. It just doesn’t get any better than this (although The Haven Vineyard bottling is very close). Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Littorai The Haven Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $75. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. A WOW! nose with effusive aromas of plum coulis, black raspberry and spice. Mouth-filling and mouth-coating flavors of black cherries, plums black raspberries and spice. Can’t say enough good things about this wine: perfectly anointed tannic structure, very slinky texture, and a big, big finish. The sauciest of the 2010 Littorai wines tasted here with the most intense finish. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine will give the Thieriot a run for its money. The best Haven Vineyard Pinot Noir to date and the most approachable early on. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Littorai B.A. Theiriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The bouquet reminds of a walk in the forest with added notes of black cherry and black raspberry. Rather bold, with plenty of sweet, concentrated boysenberry and black raspberry fruit flavor. A note of star anise and other spices add interest. Vigorous, yet lively acidity and balanced tannins. Notable richness of fruit on the finish. Still remarkable the following day with copious amounts of fresh black cherry, blackberry and spice flavors. Drink now to 2024+. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2009 Littorai One Acre Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc. · I have been dipping into my library of older vintages of Littorai Pinot Noir with considerable glee. This gorgeous wine is velvety in the mouth with layers of black cherry and black berry fruit flavors and a compliment of engaging spice. This wine is not all about fruit as there are aromas and flavors of underbrush and earthy flora. Score: 94. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2009 Littorai Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. David Bruce, La Tache selection and Dijon 828. · Floral and savory aromas with flavors of dark red and black berries. Mid-weight but powerful with bright acidity and a lingering finish. More subdued and earthy than the other wines in the lineup. More intense than Littorai’s Sonoma County wines. Needs time. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $60. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Slow to open, offering demure scents of black cherries and black raspberries with notes of brier, leaf and oak char. The mildly sweet core of fruit is clearly very classy but is immersed at present in tannin and oak. The tannins, however, are not oak-driven or astringent and should meld nicely over time. The wine’s hi-pitched acidity offers a very juicy, mouthwatering finish. Like many Littorai wines, it needs some cellaring and offers plenty of upside potential. Very good (+) Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Littorai One Acre Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $75. Replanted in 2005. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of red berry tart, wet leaves, hay bale, spice and a floral note. Prudent concentration of fresh, dark red berries and cherries backed by ripe fruit tannins and underlain with oak-driven flavors. Notable persistence on the silky finish. Impeccable balance. Cellar for another 2-3 years. Very good (-). Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose lacks expression, offering only demure aromas of plum, black cherry, oak spice and smoke. Guaiacol dominates the flavor profile with added black cherry fruit. Good tannic backbone and lengthy finish. Enjoyment will depend on tolerance for smoke taint. (When a bottle was reviewed in December 2010, the smoke taint was not evident) Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2008 Littorai Platt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $60. · Very shy and demure perfume of raspberry tart, vanilla and baking spices elevating over time in the glass. A curvy, saucy wine that is somewhat forward offering a lovely array of black cherry and berry fruits with subtle spice and citrus in the background. Seamless, with a good core of ripe tannins and balancing acidity that give the wine a caressing sensation in the mouth. The best comes last, as the generous fruits cascade on the amazingly persistent finish. Pick any superlative you want. My choice would be “heavenly.” Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Littorai The Pivot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $60. From young vines planted on the Littorai Estate property. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The alluring aromas black cherries and raspberries with a hint of toasty oak sends a welcoming message. Light in intensity but pleasing with flavors of cherries, red berries and oak-derived coffee. Demure and very approachable now, with silky tannins and a good grip of acidity that frames the fruit and lifts the crisp finish. I would drink this early on. Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Littorai Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $65. · Moderately dark reddish-purple robe. Very expressive forward nose that is constantly changing in the glass offering scents of spiced Bing cherries, alpine strawberries, cola, mocha and toast. Crisp and delicious on the palate featuring darker red cherries and berries with just the right amount of oak and spice in the background. A cherry delight on the bright finish. A kick-ass Pinot that displays the typically luscious Russian River fruit beautifully. Can drink it now, but will further reward patience. Flat-out great the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $70. · Moderately dark in color and in intensity. Very sexy perfume of rose petals and fresh Pinot fruit basket. Would love to bottle this aroma. I always find this wine seductive and this vintage is no exception. That is not to say that it is ready to drink, for it is still somewhat ponderous, the delicious core of purple berries and plums only teasingly apparent at present. Thick with fruit wrapped in velvety tannins, this beauty wows you now but will be more amazing in a few years. This wine is why Pinot is my paramour. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $80. · Moderate reddish-purple colorin the glass. Aromas of ripe strawberries and melons. Charming black raspberry and black cherry fruit with a silky smooth mouth feel. Notes of cola, grilled fruit, hard red candy and tar in the background. A lovely kiss of cherry on the finish. You have to love the soft texture, elegance and balance of the wine and it has charm with a capital C, but from a flavor perspective, it is not my favorite Littorai Summa bottling. Very good. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $80. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Flavorful fruit core of black cherries, black raspberries, but suffers from a subtle smoke, tar and creosote flavor. Well-crafted as always by Ted Lemon, but smoke taint ruins the experience for me. Reviewed July 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2007 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Somewhat muted aromas of dark berries, black currant, chocolate wafer, vanilla and sandalwood. Rich, concentrated and sappy black cherry and blueberry-pomegranate fruit core with toasty oak in the background. Good acid verve and plenty of structure to support the fruit load. About the same when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, with red (strawberry) and dark (blueberry-pomegranate) fruit and baking spice flavors still lively. Drink now to 2023. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2007 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. · Takes some time to open in the glass. The redder spectrum of fruits are featured in the nose with bright cherries and strawberries, lightly spiced, with herb, oak and floral notes as well. Slightly confected cherry and strawberry flavors with an earthy underpinning and a hint of citrus. I thought I could also taste edible flowers. Moderate tannins, and a refreshing grip of acidity on the finish. Drank beautifully the next day from a previously opened re-corked bottle. This wine will reward further cellaring. Very good. Reviewed December 16, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. · An impressive nose that builds and builds in intensity over time in the glass featuring black cherry fruit with a subtle hint of oak. Very tasty black cherry bombast with firm, fine-grain tannins, an appealing touch of earthiness, a silky mouthfeel and a memorable aromatic finish. This wine shows Ted Lemon’s signature: perfectly harmony. This brilliantly crafted wine continues to open in the glass over time demanding your attention. Approachable now, but patience will be rewarded. Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is closed for business initially, opening slowly in the glass to reveal scents of dark red berry fruit and spice. Relatively light in heft featuring flavorful red pie cherries. Prominent tannins tend to overwhelm the delicate fruit at this stage. Bright acidity and a silky mouth feel. About the same the following day from an opened and re-corked bottle, still showing aggressive tannins. Just doesn’t have a crescendo now and should be aged at least another 2-3 years. Not up to the level of two previous tastings of this wine. Good. Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2007 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $65. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex aromatic profile of black cherries, raspberries, fresh flowers, and earth (what I call muddy boots). Very tasty essence of black cherries and blackberries that really grabs your attention. Refined and delicate with moderate fine-grain tannins, perfect balancing acidity, silky texture, and pleasing aromatic persistence on the finish. Still marvelous and even better three days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A love letter to keep and treasure. Reviewed December 16, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $70. Divorce between the and wife owners of Thieriot required renaming of the source and B.A. was chosen as these are her initials. Littorai continues to have a 25-year lease on sections of the vineyard which Ted farms himselves. · The deepest colored wine of the three wines reviewed here. Beautifully perfumed with purple fruits and flowers with a hint of toasted oak. Delicious core of dark cherries, berries and plums with a touch of oak spice. A seamless wine with young dry tannins and bright acidity that is only hinting at its ultimate potential. Will need time to integrate the oak and shed tannins. A debutante with a promising future. Very good. Reviewed December 16, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $80. Cellared at 55º since release. I have tasted every vintage of Littorai Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir from 2002-2008 and the wines have been consistently top-shelf. The reviews are available in the PinotFile.
Note: the 2008 vintage was also sampled. That wine is still packed with fruit but is smoke tainted caused by the devastating California wildfires. One’s enjoyment will depend on one’s tolerance for smoke taint. N/R.
· Moderately dark garnet with slight bricking at the rim. Terrific nose infused with aromas of black cherry, exotic spices, dried herbs, tobacco and old cigar box. Velvety and comforting in the mouth featuring mid weight flavors of darker cherry and berry with an aged patina. Oak is not in the picture. The wine still presents heady fruit and holds up beautifully in the glass when sampled over the course of an hour. A marvelous, well-aged Pinot Noir that should be drunk now. Score: 94. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Fresh bouquet of cherry pie, rose petal, compost and toast. Flat-out delicious black cherry and black raspberry core. Elegantly composed in a light to mid weight style, with impressive attack, expansion and amazing long finish. Added tertiary notes of earth, fig and dried cherry bring joy. Juicy and vibrant. An exceptional, even amazing, aged Pinot Noir that was the most outstanding wine in this tasting of ten aged Littorai wines. Drink now to 2022. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai The Haven Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

The Haven Vineyard is three miles from the Pacific Ocean just south of Jenner. Aged in 50% new French oak. · The aromatics feature some reduction with dark fruits enhanced by exotic woods and a touch of char. A healthy core of black raspberry and blackberry fruit with charming highlights of anise and chocolate. Young, rich and still quite tannic, the memorable finish goes on and on. I would sit on this one for a few years. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Light cherry red color with very slight rim bricking. Inviting bouquet of cherry, pie spice and sandalwood, fading a bit over time in the glass. Light to mid weight styled with a delicious core of black cherry fruit engaged by immersed tannins. Excellent vibrancy, gorgeous balance, and a sustained cherry-driven finish. Still enjoyable the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, but fruit was faded and oak was showing up. Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Les Larmes Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 293 cases, $45. Composed of declassified fruit from Cerise and Savoy vineyards and intended for earlier drinking. · Subdued but very pleasing scents of cherries, hay and white pepper. Admirable richness with bright flavors of cherries and red apples flanked by bright acidity. Smoothly textured and easy to drink. I call the Les Larmes bottlings, which are a blend from the Anderson Valley appellation, “Baby Littorai” wines, as they are perfectly good daily drinkers that will show well at the table and demand no contemplation. Like babies, they are fun when they are young. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 379 cases, $60. From a vintage in which the wines are marked aromatically by fruit and flower, generally have less tannins, and earlier approachability. · Noticeably lighter and redder in color and lighter in weight than previous vintages from this vineyard. Delicious ripe strawberry and cherry fruit accented with baking spices and hay. Gossamer tannins create a soft and rather elegant wine that lacks a little punch on the mid-palate. A bright wine that will perform beautifully at the table. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 636 cases, $65. · Moderately deep garnet in color. Showy aromas of dark red stone fruits, slightly confected, with underlying baking spice and char. Medium-weighted and more elegant than the previous three vintages but with an admirable mid-palate attack of tasty dried cherries. Bright acidity, soft tannins and a slightly viscous texture come together in a very congenial package. Very appealing now but has the cajones and balance to age. Really sings with food (try it with a Pastrami sandwich, you will be surprised). Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 305 cases, $70. · Clearly the most approachable and most seductive wine in the lineup. Ted says, “As gentle a wine as Littorai can make.” Heavily perfumed with Bing cherries, strawberries and Provencal herbs with a hint of incense. The redder fruits explode in the mouth, finding every crevice and lingering for some time. Lovely richness of flavor with gossamer tannins and bright acidity. Very harmonious with charm to thrill. As sexy as this Pinot is now, it has the balance to go the distance, so did feel rushed to pull the cork now. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 121 cases, $80. · Lightest in color of the four vintages in this flight. Demure but enticing aromas of cherries and raspberries with a hint of Asian spices and oak. Veers a little more toward the redder fruit spectrum than the previous three vintages. Full-on generous flavors of creamy cherry and raspberry fruit. The flavors march in waves across the palate leading to a finish that won’t quit. Absolutely gorgeous and pure, and not propelled by high alcohol. A little lighter-weighted than the 2004 and 2005 vintages, yet equally, if not more satisfying with more finesse, yet possessing enough tannin to age. Close to a perfect California Pinot Noir and a sure fire First Team Pinot Noir All-American for 2009. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 121 cases, $80. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Exotic and nuanced aromas including cherries, earth, flowers and stainless steel. Middleweight flavors of savory deep red berries caressed by ripe, dry tannins and lifted by a good cut of acidity. Holding nicely. Reviewed July 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc.. · Pale golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Complex nose offering scents of lemon, poppyseed, oak and petroleum. Soft, smooth and seamless on the palate with flavors of lemon, burnt marshmallow and a flinty minerality. Score: 89. Reviewed August 25, 2014 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep bouquet of cherries, grilled beef, smoke, mocha java and oak spice. The mid weight flavors of red cherry, red currant, baking spice and nutmeg attract, as does the silk and satin mouthfeel. Very fresh and like able, with excellent harmony, gentle tannins, and welcome intensity of oak-kissed fruit on the sustained finish. Drink now to 2022. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc.. · Lightest golden yellow color in the glass of the wines tasted here. Aromas of yellow peach and vanilla wafer. Pleasing flavors of lemon, yellow peach and almond. Soft in the mouth with bright backing acidity and a shallow finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers medicinal aromas along with hints of acetone, white flower bouquet and plum. Fading and dry dark red berry and cherry fruit with noticeable tannin and barrel overlay. Still juicy, but not very charming. Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Mays Canyon Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc.. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Bouquet of grilled lemon, smoky toast, old book and woodshed. Delicious flavors of lemon curd, well-ripened pineapple, dried apricot, apple and Nutella. Slightly creamy in the mouth with impeccable balance and some finishing length. Also fantastic in more of an Old World style. Drink now to 2020. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai The Haven Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color with a brownish tinge and some rim bricking. Complicated bouquet featuring mocha java, wet mulch, cinnamon toast, oiled wood, clove, and dark berry fruits. I found the nose very ingratiating. Mid weight flavors of black cherry, blackberry, black tea and a prevalent earthiness. Still offering some fresh fruit that maintains over time in the glass. Beautifully balanced, with a good acid tang and staying power on the finish. A real treat. Drink now to 2022. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc.. · Moderately light copper color. Bouquet of dried apricot, roasted macadamia nut, bruised apple, agave syrup and yeast. Nicely balanced, with flavors of grilled pineapple, roasted nuts, caramel, and even botryitized white wine. Fantastic in a California style. Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color with very slight rim bricking. Plenty going on in this wine to attract your attention. The bouquet offers notes of dark cherry, savory and other spices, cola, pipe smoke and wet brick. The mid weight black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors are framed by noticeable toasty oak and there is also a vegetal riff. The fruit is a bit faded and dried out but still enjoyable. Elegantly composed, with silky tannins, finishing juicy with tastes of cherry, green pepper and oak. Drink now to 2020. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Les Larmes Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 303 cases, $42. Savoy and Cerise declassifications primarily. · Dark cherry red in color. Strong herbal and mineral bent to the aromas accompanied by reductive matchstick notes. Nice mouthful of black cherry fruit which is clean and pure with a green and citrus note. Something chemical or medicinal is present that I can’t put my finger on. Tasted two separate bottles and both were very similar. I would wait on this wine. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Les Larmes Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 303 cases, $42. A vintage marked by more tannins and concentration. · Moderately light reddish-violet color. This wine speaks of the earth throughout. Brambly red cherry and plum aromas and flavors with a hint of funkiness, hay, meat and tar. Bright acidity makes for refreshing drinking. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 84 cases, $63. · Really charming nose that is both floral and fruity with hints of leather and forest floor. Dark red and blue fruits are augmented by tastes of savory herbs and sweet oak. Notably structured with dry tannins perfectly balancing the lively acidity. Silky textured and quite harmonious. Very good. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 84 cases, $65. · Darkly fruited perfume with notes of hay and grass. Similar flavor profile with the fruit showing considerable restraint. Silky with powdery tannins and assertive acidity producing a short, tart finish. Needs patience. Reviewed October 1, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Mays Canyon Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $65. · Darker fruits from start to finish with prominent notes of herbs and wildflowers on the nose and oak and smoke on the palate. The tannins are reigned in, the wine is light on its feet, but the finish lacks intensity and length.. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Roman Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 36 cases, $65. A 1.87 acre vineyard exclusive to Littorai. · Very dark reddish-purple in color. The nose features deep, dark, super ripe berries, oak shavings, truffle and pine sap. In the mouth there are lovely oak-kissed dark fruits and herbs. Slightly jammy with a suave texture and fine-grained tannins on the finish. Decent but not extraordinary. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Roman Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 36 cases, $65. This vineyard, owned by Al and Lynn Roman, is located just above Esterlina Vineyard high up Holmes Ranch Road. Only 1.87 acres in size, it sits on a knoll facing due south with full sun exposure. The vineyard has been controlled and organically farmed since the start by Littorai and the fruit is exclusively Littorai’s. · Complex aromatic profile of black cherries, spice, grass and smoke. Woodsy cherries, cardamon and tea with a pleasingly soft texture, fine ripe tannins and a dry finish. This wine has a certain lightness, airiness if you will, making it enticingly elegant. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 48 cases, $70. · Predominant scents of straw and pine forest with berry fruit in the background. Earthy and herbal with a brooding red and blue fruit core, firm tannins and a silky mouth feel. Well-crafted, but doesn’t deliver enough Pinot love. Decent. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 24 cases, $80. · Similar to the 2004 vintage but a bit denser with more body. Alluring scents of black cherries, black raspberries, wood shed and mint. Luscious dark stone fruits with hints of herbs, earth and cola. Smooth, even creamy, with silky tannins. Perfectly balanced. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2005 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 24 cases, $80. · Medium reddishpurple color in the glass. Similar to the 2003 vintage but with more intense fruit aromas augmented by hints of wooded forest and savory herbs including sage. Discreetly concentrated core of vivid dark red berries wrapped in soft tannins. Very seductive with a satiny smooth mouth feel. Many years ahead. Reviewed July 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc.. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of blackberry, black cherry and sage. Middleweight flavors of dark cherries and berries with a touch of smoke, tar and black licorice. Silky, with fully integrated tannins and a very generous deep berry finish. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc.. · Strong aroma of burnt match (sulfur) upon opening that improves with air. Shy notes of lemon and hazelnut. More enjoyable on the palate with flavors of lemon and toasty oak, finishing with a vibrant lemon flourish and good acidity. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.4% alc.. · Moderate golden yellow and clear in the glass. Intriguing nose featuring a bouquet of cashew butter, caramel brittle, peach and walnuts. Soft on the palate with a smooth finish offering a vibrant flavor attack of yellow peach, baked pear, nuts and honey. Very enjoyable and impressive freshness for a ten-year-old Chardonnay. Can easily go another five years. Much better than a bottle tasted in April 2014. Score: 92. Reviewed August 25, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderate straw color in the glass. Shy perfume of lemon tart, espresso and oak toast with a hint of funk that dissipates with time in the glass. Tasty flavors of lemons, Asian pear and coffee with a subtle note of oak-derived burned marshmallow in the background. Plenty of finesse and well proportioned acidity. Like most of Ted Lemon’s wines, they don’t come to you, you have to seek out the nuances. Very good (-). Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Demure aromas of fresh black raspberry preserves and a hint of spice. Delicious, mid weight flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and cola which attack the mid palate with a vengeance, coating the mouth, and finishing with amazing juiciness, length and intensity. Great now, but would have been an exceptional wine in its prime a few years ago. This was a better bottle than tasted at the Littorai Tasting on March 3, 2014. Score: 94. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Interesting aromas of herb-kissed black cherries and eucalyptus. The luscious dark cherry core is alive and flavorful. Still sporting some firm, non-astringent tannins balanced with bright acidity. Quite enjoyable with the black cherry fruit returning in waves on the persistent finish. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark red cherry and blackberry jam. More austere than the 2003 version, with more savory notes of mushroom, herbs and old wood complimenting the cherry fruit core. Bright and lively with some finishing interest. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai The Haven Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black fruits, mocha java and toasty oak. Flavors of blackberry, black currant, anise and seasoned oak are backed by firm tannins which lend a bit of astringency to the finish. A little too much oak and tannin at play. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc.. · Moderately dark golden yellow color with a very slight orange cast in the glass. The aromas of honey, caramel, leather shoe and floral perfume were quite inviting. Complex flavor profile featuring pear, yellow peach, apricot, lemon pie and roasted nuts. Still plenty of fruit at play with vibrant acidity on a refreshing finish. Score: 93. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose starts out smoky, becoming less so over time with appealing ancillary aromas of black cherry, black tea and dried herbs. Mid weight core of black cherry and blueberry fruits with an undertone of smoke, mushroom and oak. Seamless and charming, with suede tannins and a long, dry finish. More contribution from oak in this wine but in a good way. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color with slight rim bricking. Sexy bouquet of leather, potpourri, dank cellar, sous-bois and dark fruits with staying power in the glass. Still admirable attack and length in the mouth of well-spiced, and very ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruits that have a slight roasted tone. Good lift, with silken tannins, complimentary oak driven notes of pine, tea leaf and tobacco. This beauty still has some swagger. Drink now to 2022. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc.. Brian’s favorite wine! Lemon says, “Great Chardonnay is one of the rarest and most exciting wines in the world.” By the way, Lemon also remarked in his recent newsletter that the current 2005 vintage may be the greatest for Chardonnay he has ever seen in 24 years of making it - equal or better than 1986, 1994, and 1995 in California and 1982, 1986, and 1996 in Burgundy! · Very Meursault-like. Beautifully balanced with an appealing mineral and citrus aftertaste. No buttery oak onslaught here. A charming wine that was drinking even better with more richness from the opened bottle eight hours later. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 300 cases, $55. · Heady aromas of black cherries, black currents, and spice. Delicious black cherries jump out on the palate with a hint of citric peel on the hi-pitched finish. This is a wine for those who say California Pinot Noir doesn’t have enough acidity. Very good. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $55, 360 cases. · A beautiful wine filled with pinotosity. Spicy red fruits (cherry and raspberry) compose the aromatics, bright and clean red fruits dance on the palate, and a nice acid lift completes the finish. Perfectly balanced. I liken this one to a fine tapestry where everything is beautifully organized and composed. I re-corked and finished-off this delicious wine the next day. Reviewed June 3, 2007 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 360 cases, $55. · saved the best for last. This was one of the best bottles of California Pinot Noir I have had this year and my notes fill up the best part of a page. This is one of those wines that when you pull the cork, sensual musk-like aromas waft up from the bottle immediately. Complex scents explode from the glass including black cherry, chocolate, coffee, smoke, earth, herbs, and barnyard. New aromas dart in and out with each swirl. In the mouth, there is juicy and succulent dark fruits enhanced by anise and tea notes. Bright acidity and gossamer tannins lead to a refreshing grip that draws you to a second glass. This is a tour de force for Anderson Valley. Tasted twice a couple months apart - same result. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 95 cases, $60. · Deep, dark ruby robe. Shy nose that needs swirling in the glass, showing dark fruits, toast, and medicine cabinet. A bruising and sinister Pinot that is loaded with rich, dark Pinot fruits and an underlying primal earthiness. Well-crafted and balanced. The soft texture is heavenly. Tasted the next day from a previously opened re-corked bottle and this wine tasted noticeably smoother and more integrated. I would suggest cellaring this wine further or decanting it if you plan to drink it now. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 95 cases, $60. This vineyard is planted to the Martini clone. · Moderately dark reddish-violet color. Initially shy, the nose explodes over time in the glass with volumes of black cherries and blackberries. Richly flavored but ephemeral in style with earth-kissed fruit, beet root and a hint of metal. The tannins have begun to melt away creating a very smooth and satiny mouth feel. Impeccable balance. Close to the One Acre in sensual pleasure. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 240 cases, $65. · They say that perfect Pinot Noir hasn’t been made yet, but this one comes darn close. Lovely cherry aromas complimented by subtle oak spice and loamy earthiness all carrying over to the palate. Demure yet potent with a persistent aromatic finish. Perfectly balanced and complete in every way. Thieriot Vineyard is a superstar among California vineyards and is clearly my favorite Pinot Noir year in and year out from Ted Lemon at Littorai. Reviewed October 1, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 200 cases, $65. · Lovely nose featuring fresh, sweet dark red cherries and berries and hints of straw and smoke. Discreetly concentrated black cherry and berry essence that is bright and clearly focused on the palate, ending with an aromatic and extended finish. Perfect in every way. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai One Acre Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 140 cases, $70. The final vintage from this vineyard which underwent replanting due to phylloxera. As Lemon says using an opera analogy, “The fat lady came out for one last belt.” This vineyard was planted on poor soils on the Dear Meadow Ranch owned and farmed by Rich Savoy. · Penetrating aromas of crushed black cherries, ripe berry jam and spice. A special wine that is layered with rich berry fruit and an appealing earthiness that reminds a walk in a freshly dewed forest. The smooth mouthfeel is very comforting and the finish would make Hollywood proud. A profound 100 point Pinot Noir that one could sip all night. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai One Acre Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 140 cases, $70. · I had a multitude of descriptors for this wine because it kept changing in the glass. Pinot Noir is, after all, a chameleon. At times I noted black cherry, raspberry, plum, sassafras, savory oak, char, violets and some minerality in the aromatic and flavor profile. A full mouthful of fruit but very smooth and light on its feet. Iron fist in a velvet glove comes to mind. Impeccable craftsmanship and a memorable wine. This too drank beautifully the following day indicating there are many good drinking years ahead for this wine. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 36 cases, $70. · Heady aromas of fresh cherry tart and forest floor. Pure, fresh and vibrant. Ambrosial flavors of loamy dark cherries with a sidecar of savory herbs. Seamless, soft and sensual in the mouth with gentle tannins and a clean, fruity finish. Excellent. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2004 Littorai The Haven Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $75. · Darkly colored, this wine offers a very unique aromatic profile of sweet smoke, tar, herbs, char and hay. The brooding fruit is darkly colored and there is a curious whiskey taste. Full-bodied, plenty of woodsy notes, soft tannins, and a lingering fruity finish. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.4% alc.. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aged aromas of stainless steel and toasted brioche. Less vibrant and fruity with more oak sheen. Flavors of pear grilled peach, vanilla cream and toasty oak. Slightly creamy, with a bit of heat on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.8% alc.. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Enticing aromas of pear, honey, bees wax and sawdust lead to a slightly creamy palate featuring flavors of poached pear, golden apple, lemon curd, burnt caramel and roasted nuts. Some finishing power and impeccable balance. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc.. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Secondary aromas of black licorice, black tea leaves, menthol and vanilla. Rustic, with slightly roasted fruit flavors of black cherry, black plum and blackberry. Full-bodied with muscular tannins and a big, fruity finish. A bad boy that is not a typical Littorai wine in this vintage. Score: 86. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens beautifully over time in the glass revealing aromas of wild berry jam, strawberry, rose hips tea, leather, earth and slight oak. Still fresh, with deep berry and black cherry flavor. The fruit is on the riper side with noticeable length and persistence. The suede-like tannins make for enjoyable drinking. Remarkable vitality for an 11-year-old California AVA Pinot Noir. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc.. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of beet root, sassafras, hazelnut, vanilla and a bit of funk. Well-endowed with luscious dark berry fruit, with added flavors of prune, mushroom and truffle. Has the firm tannins to support the big fruit, but lacks vitality. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 660 cases, $50. · Very dark reddishpurple color. Ultra-ripe aromas of cooked cherries, raisins, black currents and a touch of porto. Rich and meaty on the palate, with a plethora of ripe, dark raisiny fruits with notes of earth and sassafras. Soft in the mouth with supple dry tannins. Too ripe and chunky for me. Decent. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 220 cases, $50. · A subdued nose of cherries and hay field. Tasty ripe strawberry, black raspberry and black cherry fruit that is vivid and penetrating. Admirable finesse with mild dry tannins and a persistent meatiness and earthiness to the finish. Beautifully composed wine with still plenty of life for the long haul. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $60, 160 cases. · This wine needs some air time to blossom. The aromatics are rich with cassis and sweet oak. Spicy cherry flavors are sleek and the finish echoes with lively acidity. As usual with Littorai wines, the balance is spot on. Reviewed June 3, 2007 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 100 cases, $60. · Appealing scents of black cherries, cinnamon, wet stone and old oak barrel. Plenty of luscious cherry and black raspberry fruit with a mineral and woodsy edge. A notable tannic backbone. Nicely composed and weighted and perfectly harmonious. An excellent wine that would charm anyone’s heart, but the 2002 version can STEAL your heart. Reviewed November 20, 2007 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 100 cases, $60. · Strikingly pure with aromas of intense dark red cherries, strawberries, straw, grass, incense and mahogany. An appealing richness with a mid palate attack of delicious fruit that has a liquor-like lift to it. Despite its appealing hedonism, the wine has class and elegance displaying a very smooth texture and caressing tannins. You can’t say no to this one. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 85 cases, $65. · Darkest in color of the four vintages in this flight. Aromas of black cherries, plums, black currents, Guiness and a hint of oak. Black fruited, intense and very ripe, almost syrupy with a slight raisiny flavor. So much fruit, it seems cloying. Very smooth and silky with a good acid underpinning. Decent Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2003 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 85 cases, $65. · Medium reddishpurple color in the glass. Very fragrant with scents of dark berries and cherries, spice, and conifer. Delicious core of dark red raspberries and blueberries with a hint of baking spice and herbs. Soft tannins and velvety on the palate. Outstanding, showing the balance to last another 10 years. Reviewed July 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2002 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 205 cases, $55. I have a few thousand bottles of Pinot Noir in my cellar (duh, what a revelation), and a Littorai wine from Ted Lemon is often my choice on special occasions. This was my Thanksgiving Day dinner wine. Ted says that the 2002 vintage was perhaps the greatest vintage at Littorai. “The Pinot grapes were as perfect as anything we have ever seen. The Pinots are a wonderful expression of perfectly ripe fruit with full but integrated tannins.” He felt the 2002 Pinot Noirs were entering adolescence and required a few more years of patience. I just couldn’t wait. · A wine that defies description. As you sip it, you just shake your head and say, “This is great.” Precise descriptors don’t do it justice. Heaven sent from start to finish with plenty of charisma that only Pinot Noir can deliver. Imagine this wine when it grows up! Reviewed November 20, 2007 ARTICLE »

2002 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.25% alc., 205 cases, $55. · My favorite year for this vineyard. I have had this wine more times than I can count, and each time it was stunning. Unfortunately, this bottle did not quite match up to other lofty memories. Teasing, forward aromas of Bing cherries, wild strawberries and raspberries, and faint oak char. Tasty cherry and berry core with a hint of cola, tobacco, char and wood. Some lingering tannin and plentiful acidity for a refreshing finish. Very good. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2002 Littorai Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $65. Sampled a week after the tasting (the wine was misplaced in my cellar and I found it after the tasting). · Nicely perfumed with aromas of exotic dark berries, old book, pipe smoke, oak and dried rose petals. Very intensely flavored with waves of wild red berries, caressed by notable but balanced tannins, finishing strong and long with a hint of smoky, herbal oak and a touch of heat. Still fresh and alive and will last several more years. Very good. Reviewed July 22, 2012 ARTICLE »

2001 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass with slight yellowing of the rim. Complex nose with scents of marzipan, black licorice, brown butter and caramel. Mid to full bodied flavors of black cherry, sassafras, brown spices and dark chocolate. A beautifully aged Pinot Noir with fully integrated tannins. A touch of heat shows up on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2001 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 357 cases, $55. · Very fresh for an older wine with vibrant aromas cherries, berries, and sweet oak spice. Lip-smacking juicy cherry flavors dominate with a subtle hint of confection. Still young at heart with supple tannins, a silky mouth feel and a long and lush finish. Everything is in perfect harmony. Very good. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

2000 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. Littorai was one of the first and most important purchasers of the famed Hirsch Vineyard and came to Hirsch at the same time as Burt Williams and Steve Kistler in 1994. Most producers who source fruit from Hirsch Vineyard do so from different blocks that are scattered over the hilltops and hillsides on the 1,100 acre Hirsch property. This arrangement means that no Hirsch Vineyard wines from different producers can be tasted and contrasted in the context of a proper terroir tasting in the Burgundian sense of the word. · A typical Hirsch with a big and expressive nose of dark stone fruits, exotic spices, and cinnamon. Big-boned and well-muscled, it is nevertheless, beautifully balanced and composed. The tannic edge to the finish will soften with further cellaring. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »

2000 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $50. · Deep color with a slight orange tinge to the rim in the glass. The nose is brimming with black cherry fruit enhanced with a gorgeous secondary bouquet of coffee, cardamon spice and leather. A plush and creamy palate of roasted plum, root beer, brown spice and tobacco flavors robed in supple tannins and finishing with a lively grip on the persistent finish. This wine is showing its age beautifully and will be orgasmic for lovers of older Pinot Noirs. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

1999 Littorai One Acre Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. Alas, One Acre Vineyard had to be replanted and the 2004 vintage was the last for several years. · This Pinot is a showoff. The alluring aromas of dark cherries, barnyard and dark chocolate lead you to plenty of dark Pinot extract in the mouth. The mid palate flavors are big and powerful, yet the wine finishes on a lengthy and delicate note of cherry fruit. This is truly a complete wine with everything in symphony. This wine makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »

1999 Littorai Theiriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. Thieriot is my perennial favorite and the 2001 Littorai Theiriot Vineyard Pinot Noir was my Littorai epiphany several years ago. · A big, rich nose followed by a panoply of dark stone fruits, spice and a little tobacco. Reminds me of a wine from Nuits-St-George. This winner has a very plush mouth feel. Still a Lolita. Thieriot Pinots are like a Prom Queen: she smells great, is beautiful and is someone you could dance with all night. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »

1998 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. · Very potent and intense aromas of ripe black plums and black currents with hints of herbs, oak, cigar box and black olives. A big-boned, potent wine with a hint of roasted flavor to the dark, earthy fruits. Still sporting well-structured tannins. The least refined wine in this vertical tasting and the most out of character for a Littorai wine. Decent. Reviewed October 15, 2009 ARTICLE »

1998 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. Littorai was the first winery to make a vineyard designate from Savoy Vineyard. Now there are multiple producers who purchase fruit from this special site. Lemon was also the first producer to clearly demonstrate the potential for fine Anderson Valley Pinot Noir beginning in 1993. He found that world-class production could be achieved here with low yields, proper clones, vertical trellising, leaf removal, and other farming techniques. · Very light in color and body, this wine blossomed beautifully with air time with more nose and punch than the ‘96. Soft and sweet red fruits are accompanied by dried herbs. The wine finished nicely with a hint of oak and cashmere tannins. Savoy reminds me of the shy and demure young lady in the corner, who, when she takes her glasses off and lets her hair down, everyone goes wow! Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »

1997 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · The Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noirs are the biggest, boldest, earthiest, and most sinewy and tannic of the Littorai lineup. This 1997 Pinot still has perceptible tannins on the back end but they are dusty now. There is still plenty of flashy , ripe fruits with a definite underlying earthiness smokiness and minerality. I think this wine could go another 10 years. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »

1997 Littorai Theiriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc.. · This wine is showing a touch of yellowing around the rim. There are sweet dark fruits here highlighted by pepper, wet leaves and anise. The tannins have softened considerably and the finish is very clean with brisk acidity. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »

1996 Littorai Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. · The two Savoys tasted here were lighter, more austere with a more notable acid spine than the wines from other vineyards. With swirling, the shy nose opened to bright and rich raisins, currents and exotic woods. A small touch of herbs highlighted the back end. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »

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