Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Black Kite Cellars, Santa Rosa, CA
Black Kite Cellars focuses on producing small lots of Pinot Noir from the varied blocks at the estate Kite’s Rest
Vineyard in Anderson Valley, as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from other expressive vineyard sites in the
Santa Lucia Highlands and the Sonoma Coast. Visit www.blackkitecellars.com.
2015 Black Kite Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.6% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.65, 116
cases, $58. Dijon 76, 95 and 96. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Light golden yellow color in
the glass. Aromas of lemon creme, white flower blossom, spice and brown sugar increase in intensity over time
in the glass. Flavors have a unique profile, including lemon, spiced apple, pineapple and various warm spices
as well as a floral tone. Nicely balanced, with a clinging, citrus-driven finish.
Score: 90
2015 Black Kite Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.70,
135 cases, $48. Went clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Light golden yellow color in the
glass. Subdued aromas of lemon zest, wet earth, toast, and coffee. An acid-driven style, with bright flavors of
citrus and green apple. Slightly creamy in texture, with a burst of oak in the background. When tasted the
following day, the oak had integrated better but the wine still had a buttery popcorn and toffee tone framing the
lemon core.
Score: 89
2015 Black Kite Sierra Mar Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.26, TA 0.66,
188 cases, $48. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass.
Nicely perfumed with aromas of yellow apple, yellow grapefruit and buttery brioche. Rich and creamy on the
palate in a fuller-bodied style offering flavors of lemon, yellow grapefruit, , grilled pineapple, yellow peach, and
nectarine with a subtle note of toasty oak. I like this wine not so much for its rich and seductive flavor, but for its
balance. Well-crafted in this style.
Score: 92
Briceland Vineyards, Redway, Humboldt County, CA
A boutique winery producing small amounts of Pinot Noir and other varietals from vineyards in Humboldt,
Mendocino and Lake counties in Northern California. The winery was originally founded in 1985 by winemaker
Joe Collins and his partner Maggie Carey. Today, Andrew Morris has assumed ownership and winemaking
duties. The winery has been a long time contributor of wines for review to the PinotFile.Visit
www.bricelandvineyards.com.
2014 Briceland Ronda’s Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., 97 cases, $35.
Vineyard is situated at 1600 feet elevation a few miles from Briceland. Organically grown grapes.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of interest include earthy flora, dark cherry pie
filling, warm spices and a hint of oak. Light to mid weight in style, with a crisp, bright core of red
cherry fruit accent by savory dried herbs and a hint of toast and vanilla. Modest tannins with
good Pinot character, finishing with a slightly tart, cranberry note.
Score: 89
2014 Briceland Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 71 cases, $35. Organically
grown grapes. Aged more than one year in French oak barrels. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, sweet oak and terra-cotta lead to a mid weight wine featuring
flavors of black cherry, dark berry, spice and disagreeable oily note. Welcome generous fruit on the finish, but
also significant fine-grain tannins that stick out.
Score: 88
2014 Briceland Alderpoint Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
12.7% alc, 98 cases, $35. Vineyard
planted in 1991 and tended by Rey Sanchez.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. There is noticeable oak
overlay in this wine offering aromas of chocolate cherry, pipe smoke and underbrush, and flavors of strawberry,
cherry, raspberry and a woody, ash thread. The wine has smooth tannins, bright acidity and a pleasing finish
with some length. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the oak was
still pushing for dominance over the fruit.
Score: 88
Brick House Wine Company, Newberg, OR
Founded in 1990 by former CBS foreign correspondent Doug Tunnell, this is one of the few Oregon wineries I
have never really connected with or visited. Tunnell was a pioneer in certified organic and biodynamic grape
farming in Oregon. His 40-acre Brick House Estate Vineyard is planted to both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in
the Ribbon Ridge AVA. A small amount of Gamay Noir is also planted and produced. Tunnell crafts 3500 cases
annually in a converted barn winery and are consistently highly lauded by the wine press. The winery is open
by appointment and on Memorial Day and Thanksgiving weekends. Visit www.brickhousewines.com.
2014 Brick House Cuvée de Tonnelier Ribbon Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $48. The name of the wine
roughly translates to “barrel maker’s cuvée.” The wine is
blended from the oldest vines on the farm, a 10-acre block
of Pommard clone just south of the brick house planted in
1990. Natural yeast fermented.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. Clean and fresh aromas of black raspberry and
blackberry build in the glass over time. Light to mid weight in character
in a beautifully elegant and masterfully crafted wine offering flavors of
black cherry and black raspberry. Everything is in sync with an
impressive attack and glorious finish. Submerged tannins make for
easy approachability.
Score: 94
2014 Brick House Les Dijonnais Ribbon Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $52. Sourced from Dijon
clones planted on the farm in 1995. This bottling represents the best barrels from this site. Natural yeast
fermented.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark berry melange and peppery spices yield
increasing charm over time in the glass. Silky and refined on the palate, with a mid weight core of dark grape,
blackberry, boysenberry and pomegranate flavors underpinned with welcome notes spice, savory herbs and
earth. Vivid in the mouth due to juicy acidity, modest tannins and a complimentary oak sheen in the
earth.
Score: 93
2014 Brick House Evelyn’s Ribbon Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $68. A barrel
selection of equal parts Dijon and Pommard clones. This bottling is the finest wine the estate
vineyard has to offer. Named in honor of the winemaker’s mother. Raised on gross lees in barrel
for a minimum of 16 months. A larger percentage of new French oak and whole cluster
fermentation give this wine its long term age ability.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Clearly a special wine on encountering the seductive aromas of fertile earth, black strawberry,
raspberry and oak spice. The best nose in the lineup. The charge of mid weight plus blue and
black fruits is mouth filling and the result is an impression of boldness and ripeness. A sturdy backbone of
tannins matches up well with the sappy fruit, a slip of oak adds character, some earthiness chimes in, and the
finish lingers indefinitely. the wine can be enjoyed now, but has the balance and structure to age magnificently.
Score: 95
Burn Cottage Vineyard, Central Otago, NZ
This 68-acre estate near Cromwell and close to Felton Road has 27.5 acres planted to primarily Pinot Noir
vines. Ted Lemon, owner and winemaker at Littorai, has been a partner with the Sauvage family, Americans
hailing from Kansas. The property’s vines began setting fruit in 2006 and the first commercial wine followed in
2009. I have reviewed Burn Cottage Pinot Noir from four vintages from 2009-2013. Claire Mulholland, former
head winemaker at Martinborough Vineyards and Amisfield is the associate winemaker. The interesting images
on the label are from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s biodynamic allegory, “The Green Snake & the Beautiful
Lily,” appropriate since the Burn Cottage Vineyard is biodynamically farmed in keep with Lemon’s firm
commitment to this form of viticulture. Imported by Classic Wines LLC, Denver, CO. Available at K&L Wines.
Visit www.burncottage.com.
2014 Burn Cottage Central Otago New Zealand Pinot Noir
13.4%
alc., $55.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry,
pomegranate juice, muddy earth and a hint of whole cluster lead off.
Bold flavors of blackest cherry, blackberry and Hoison sauce flood the
mouth with goodness. Ostentatious fruit expression yet not jammy, with
balancing acidity and immersed tannins. Some oak-driven tobacco and
toast notes ply the background. The wine offers advanced fruit maturity
at a modest ABV. I sense the whole cluster inclusion in this wine by the
texture and structure. The grand finish is a fitting climax.
Score: 93
Cutruzzola Vineyards, San Luis Obispo, CA
Pinot Noir from a 5-acre vineyard seven miles east of the town of Cambria on California’s Central Coast.
Located on predominantly south-facing broken hills, the vineyard is now between 9 and 14-years-old allowing
the vines to flourish with minimal irrigation. The winemaker is Stephen Dooley of Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. A
tasting room is located on Main Street in the town of Cambria where Riesling and Chardonnay are also offered.
Pronounced “Koo-troot-ZOL-a.” Visit www.cutruzollavineyards.com.
2014 Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548,
123 cases, $48. Released September 2017. This bottling includes all clones planted in vineyard (Pommard 5,
667, “828,” 115 and 23). 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with 20% whole cluster using
Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in
the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of dark red fruits, damp flora and pasture. Satisfying mid weight flavors of
boysenberry, blackberry and candied plum framed by modest tannins and supportive tannins. A solid, but not
exceptional wine that is ready now.
Score: 89
2014 Cutruzolla Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548, 156 cases, $42.
Release spring 2018. Clones are Pommard 5 and 115. 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with 20%
whole cluster using Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Harmonious aromas of black cherry and tobacco oak. Middleweight styled,
with the essence of black cherry and lesser notes of blueberry, pomegranate and toasty oak. Impeccable
balance, with supportive tannins and bright acidity. The finish is quite generous and fulfilling. Maybe a skosh
too much oak for my personal taste, but otherwise an outstanding wine.
Score: 90
2014 Cutruzzola Giacomino Reserve San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548,
108 cases, $55. Released September 2017. Heavy bottle. 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with
20% whole cluster using Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new.
Four favorite barrels selected from the 2014 vintage.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas
of cherry, spice, sandalwood and nutty oak arrive over time in the glass. An explosion of purple and black fruits
drenches the mouth on entry, offering layers of sappy fruit and bracing tannins. A bit of salinity shows up over
time. Silky in texture, noticeable barrel treatment, and some finishing power. The wine is relatively closed, even
when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Needs time.
Score: 90-91
Domaine De La Côte, Lompoc, CA
This project owned by sommelier Rajat Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman in the Sta. Rita Hills consists of
six vineyards developed in 2007. The vineyards are planted entirely to California heritage selections at
extremely high vine densities, unprecedented for the AVA. The six vineyards are Memories (3.5 acres), Bloom’s field (7.5 acres), Siren’s Call (3 acres), Clos Juliet (1 acre), La Côte (9.5 acres) and 15.5 acres of appellation
Sta. Rita Hills. The wines are sold through a mailing at www.domainedelacote.com. I must admit that the
Domaine de la Côte is one of the few wineries I buy from each year for the wines are truly revelatory.
The 2015 vintage marks the fifth vintage from the Domaine and is the smallest vintage ever bottled. A fourth
bottling from Siren’s Call Vineyard is not reviewed here. Environmental stress was high at this site leaving very
little of this wine. Siren’s Call is only available as a dedicated case with a limit of 1 case per person. All wines
are estate grown, produced and bottled by Domaine de la Côte, Lompoc, CA.
Memorious Vineyard reportedly developed a new dimension in the 2015 vintage. Natural concentration forced
by low yields produced a Memorious with greater depth of expression and complexity than was evident in
previous vintages. This was clearly evident to me even though I was unaware of the owners’ realization until
after I had sampled the Domaine’s wines.
The 2017 harvest marks ten years since Memorious was planted and ten years since the owners embarked on
the generation-long project of planting Pinot Noir from seed. This is a very rare undertaking in the world of
viticulture, because planting Vitis vinifera from seed is fraught with challenges and impossible where phylloxera
is present.
Recently, the story of the planting of seedlings at Domaine de la Côte was related to followers of the winery. To
plant from seed, the vine from which you collect seeds cannot be hybridized, the seedlings must be planted
where phylloxera does not exist, and the seedlings must produce perfect flowers so they may successfully selfpollinate.
The high pH soils, cool temperatures and dry conditions at Domaine de la Côte are inhospitable to
phylloxera. The seedlings were sourced from an isolated vineyard in the Sonoma Coast, the Carl Meyer
Vineyard at the end of Taylor Lane near Occidental. Planted to Dijon clones and Swan selections of Pinot Noir,
this solitary vineyard offered fruit with a low likelihood of hybridization from cross-pollination.
In the de-stemming and sorting process, thousands of seeds were harvested from the Carl Meyer grapes.
Sashi saved seeds in buckets by his feet. The seeds were then thoroughly cleaned with water. The seeds went
into cold storage (refrigerators) encased in dirt. In 2007, when the vineyards of Domaine de la Côte were
planted, 1 acre of seedlings was sown along Memorious’ windward edge. It is from these seedlings that
Memories takes its name. Of the 7,000 seedlings planted, 5,000 survived. Of the 5,000 living ones, roughly 500
produced and are producing grapes. Those 500 vines produced perfect flowers, capable of self-pollination.
Among the 500 are red grapes, pinkish (gray) grapes and white grapes. Likely Pinot Noir, Gris and Blanc.
Marking of the vines producing red fruit came next and removal of pink or white grapes from the selection pool.
Over the subsequent three vintages, the plan is to tag a narrowing selection of vines whose fruit offers a
consistent expression of Pinot Noir. By 2020 the owners hope to isolate a small number of vines from which to
fulfill the ultimate promise of the seedlings. From the precious few vines, cuttings will be taken for new
plantings. From 2020 forward, additional cuttings will be taken from the selection of vines, replanting the
cuttings and building up a new vineyard at the Domaine.
If success is achieved in finding vines whose fruit consistently expresses Pinot Noir, then there will be a refresh
of the genetic material of 2,000-year-old Pinot Noir. Refreshing the genetic material of Pinot Noir portends a
healthier, less vulnerable variety, capable of thriving another 2,000 years.
There is also an incredible long shot that by planting from seed and propagating a vineyard on its own roots,
phylloxera-resistant Vitis vinifera may be found. The owners remark, “This would be the viticultural equivalent
of winning the PowerBall.”
2015 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 508 cases, $70. 100% whole
cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 45% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Embraceable aromas of
cherry, pine sap, exotic spices, rose petal and burnt tobacco. Mid weight flavors of cherry and boysenberry
accent with a pleasing smoky tobacco (not oak tobacco) note. Forward drinking, with integrated tannins and
very lively acidity. Whole cluster character is dominant in this wine. The very long finish is both fruity and
refreshing.
Score: 92
2015 Domaine De La Côte Memorious Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 376 cases, $60. 50% whole
cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. The nose is alive with the
scent of black cherry reduction, spice and timber. Intense
attack of fresh cherry fruit flavor lifted by bright acidity, and
backed by silky tannins. The exquisitely balanced wine just
keeps opening and opening, finishing with a extremely long and
gregarious finish that is cherry-fueled. Whole cluster character is more
moderate and for me, just perfect.
Score: 95
2015 Domaine De La Côte la Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 370 cases, $90. 100%
whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 45% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The
whole cluster inspired nose offers aromas of cherry, burnt tobacco and smoked paprika. Brimming
with red fruits, this middleweight styled wine has refined tannins, vital acidity, an extra bit of
sophistication, complexity donated by whole cluster inclusion, and a perky finish that inspires
another sip.
Score: 94
FEL Wines, Yountville, CA
Talented winemaker Ryan Hodgins produces estate wines that strike an impressive balance between power
and elegance. Savoy Vineyard is located in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley where it enjoys a wide
diurnal temperature range, with warm summer days and cool nights. Originally planted in 1991 by Richard
Savoy, this vineyard was acquired by Cliff Ledge, owner of Lede Family Wines, in 2011. The 44 acres are
planted to a diverse blend of Dijon and heritage clones of Pinot Noir (38 acres) and Chardonnay (6 acres).
Hodgins oversees Savoy’s farming and viticulture, and manages the vineyard relationships with other
producers who craft vineyard-designate bottling from Savoy Vineyard including Littorai, Peay, Radio-Coteau,
Auteur and Failla. 2018 marks the 35th anniversary of the Anderson Valley AVA and the 12th anniversary of
Hodgins making wine from Savory Vineyard. Visit www.felwines.com.
2015 FEL Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 805 cases, $70.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass.
The nose leads with aromas of black grape, cassis,
pomegranate, earth and bramble. Full-bodied, with a sappy
core of luscious dark fruits, attacking the palate with
explosiveness. A bold wine, yet harmonious, with matched
tannins and supportive acidity, and a deft touch of oak. The
gregarious fruit obscures nuances, but the wine will captivate fruit
lovers.
Score: 94
2015 FEL Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
14.3% alc., 203 cases, $48.
·
Light golden yellow
color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, white flower blossom, and eucalyptus. Sleek and slightly creamy on the
palate, with vivid flavors of lemon-lime and grapefruit and subordinate oak. Nicely composed, holding up nicely
when sampled the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle kept at room temp.
Score: 92
J. Lohr Estates, Central Coast, CA
J. Lohr produced its first Estate wines in 1987, the Riverstone Chardonnay and Seven Oaks Cabernet
Sauvignon. In the 30 years since, J. Lohr Estates has become one of California’s most successful brands,
offering both quality and value. A majority of the wines are now made from the more than 4,000 acres of estate
fruit as well as long-term partnerships with top growers in the Arroyo Seco Monterey, Monterey County or Paso
Robles appellations. J. Lohr recently introduced a modern look for its labels; the first label change in over 25
years. Visit J.Lohr.com.
2016 J. Lohr Estates Falcon’s Perch Monterey County Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., pH 3.80, TA
0.60, RS 0.08 g/100ml, $17. This wine is produced from grapes grown in cool climates in Arroyo
Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands regions of Monterey County. Dijon clones for the backbone.
Harvest Brix 26º average. 3-day cold soak, fermented in open-top tanks and 24-ton upright tanks,
light pumpers and daily punchdowns, aged in stainless steel (2/3) and French oak barrels (1/3).
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Inviting aromas of strawberry, cherry, baking spices and
pine. The flavors echo the aromas in a fresh and forward drinking mid weight styled wine that is
both juicy and satiny in mouthfeel, with soft tannins and vital acidity. Oak plays a noticeable role in the flavor
profile. The wine finishes with satisfying red cherry aromatics. An outstanding value.
Score: 89
2016 J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Arroyo Seco Monterey Chardonnay
13.76% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.70, RS
0.43 g/100ml, $14. Grapes are grown primarily on sandy loam soils underlain with “riverstones,” deposited over
thousands of years by the Arroyo Sect River. Harvest Brix 23º. Barrel fermented and aged 7 to 9 months in new
to fourth-fill American, Hungarian and French oak barrels that were stirred every 2 weeks.
·
Light golden yellow
color in the glass. The nose is steely, with added aromas of lemon, white flower blossom, vanilla and toasty
oak. Slightly creamy in texture, with good brightness, featuring lemon, cooked apple, nectarine, and tropical
fruit flavors. A note of burnt toast shows up on the finish. A good value.
Score: 88
Spindrift Cellars/Compton Family Wines, Philomath, OR
A family owned winery established in 2003 in the southern Willamette Valley. Matt Compton moved to Oregon
from New Jersey in 1995. In his younger days, he had long blond hair and most days it was in a ponytail. Matt
is a trend setter who steps outside the box, works hard, and puts his heart into making Pinot Noir. He has 20
years of experience and expertise in the husbandry of vineyards. Matt met his now wife Tabitha on a blind date
in 1996. The Compton family has now grown with three boys that enjoy working vineyards with Matt and
helping, but more often, playing in the winery.
The two labels are produced under the Small World Wine Company, LLC. Compton Family Wines is the high
end wines that focus on the growing regions of the vines, while Spindrift reflects more general growing regions
and is value priced. Visit www.spindriftcellars.com or www.comptonwine.com.
2015 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.57, 1,467 cases, $22,
screwcap. Seven small vineyards contributed to this blend, many of which are over 15-years-old and all are dry
farmed. Soil types are mostly Alluvial and Bellpine series. Clones are Pommard, Wdenswil, 115, 777 and 667.
Average 2.25 tons per acre. Fermented in 1.5-ton open-top fermenters with manual punch downs. Aged in
French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A savory and earthen aroma greets the nose.
Light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and berry with a herbal undertone. Somewhat austere and simple, with
soft tannins and a finish alive with cherry scent.
Score: 87
2016 Spindrift Cellars Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay
13.3% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.57,
RS 0.3%, 345 cases, $25, screwcap. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, partial malolactic
fermentation, stirred on lees every week in barrel.
·
Light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose
reminds of Viognier with tropical fruit notes along with citrus and white rose petal aromas. Light
and easygoing, with a slightly viscous texture, and fresh flavors of lemon and pear. Refreshing,
with a sleek finish.
Score: 89
2015 Spindrift Cellars OSU Woodall Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay
13.5% alc., $25,
screw cap. 1978 clone 108. Barrel and fermented and
aged 8 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Light
golden yellow color in the glass. Brims with aromas of
lemon, lime, tapioca and underbrush. Modest in weight,
but highly flavorful, offering flavors of lemon, pear and a
hint of caramel. Clean and beautifully balanced, with a
slightly creamy mouthfeel and some finishing persistence. I tried for
more deserving descriptors, but this was simply an intriguing and
relishable wine.
Score: 92
2014 Compton Old Vine Series Llewellyn Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry and raspberry align with a scent of earthy flora.
Light to mid weight in style featured bright flavors of red cherry and red berry framed by silky tannins. Very lacy
and elegant, with a shallow mid palate, a thread of woody oak in the background, and a modest finish.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry and raspberry align with a scent of earthy flora.
Light to mid weight in style featured bright flavors of red cherry and red berry framed by silky tannins. Very lacy
and elegant, with a shallow mid palate, a thread of woody oak in the background, and a modest finish.
Score: 88
2015 Compton Old Vine Series Llewellyn Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH
3.54, TA 0.62, 329 cases, $38, screwcap. Mostly Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 115 clones from old vines
averaging 35 years of age and all dry farmed. Small lot fermentations, aged 18 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very pleasant aromas of chocolate, cherry and spice. The mid weight
dark red cherry and blueberry flavors cascade through a welcome attack and mid palate, finishing with length
and cherry-fueled goodness. Nicely balanced with added accents of spice, tobacco and saline.
Score: 90
2015 Compton Alpine Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.59, 444 cases, $38,
screwcap. Sourced from multiple vineyards in the “banana
belt” of the Willamette Valley where there is a relatively warm
microclimate within the hillsides of the Monroe area.
Weathered volcanic soils of Basalt and Jory type. Diverse
clones. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. Exceptional aromatic
seduction, with aromas of crushed dark berries, underbrush and spice.
Like a gift of heaven on the palate, with delicious mid weight flavors of
black cherry, black raspberry and warm spices. Outstanding harmony
with meticulous oak integration. This beauty really delivers the goods in
a darker, riper fruited package with seamless tannin and acid
integration. Pinot royalty that was even better when tasted later in the day from an open bottle. Buy this one by
the case or two to drink now and over the next few years. WOW!
Score: 94
|
