Vineyard: Stiling

Stiling
AppellationRussian River Valley
StoryDon and Barbara Stiling converted a 48-acre apple ranch to vineyards in 1988.
Dates Planted1988
SoilsGoldridge
VarietiesPinot Noir
ClonesSwan

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Eric Kent Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.62, 400 cases, $52. Artist Eliza Frye. Kent has worked with this vineyard, now owned and farmed by the Dehlinger family, for several years. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Intensely fruity nose offering aromas of purple and black berry fruits with a compliment of spice. Hearty, in a mid weight plus, fruit-driven style, with flavors of boysenberry and blackberry with an undertone of dark chocolate and toast. The wine finishes with a blissful basket of dark and fragrant fruit. Score: 92. Reviewed December 11, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Eric Kent Sascha Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.63, 218 cases, $52. Released spring 2017. Artist Valerie Savarie. 56% Roberts Road, 22% Grand Vent and 22% Stiling vineyards. 50% Swan, 28% 777, 15% Pommard, 4.5% 113 and 2.5% 667. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 62% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A toned and trim wine with both weight and weightlessness. Aromas and flavors of dark cherry and blackberry are accented with nutty oak. Noticeably juicy, with a gentle grip of tannins and a finish that is joyously long. This wine is a wine of immense charm and poise. Score: 95. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.66, 221 cases, $52. Released spring 2017. Artist Kelly Puissegur. Fruit sourced primarily from Freestone area including Michael Valentine, Cleary Ranch, and Rayhill vineyards with additions from Grand Vent Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap and a small amount from Stiling Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Multiple Dijon clones and Swan and Pommard. 25% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The aromas reach new heights over time in the glass, revealing notes of black raspberry preserves, spice and sawn oak. A complete wine featuring flavors of blueberry-pomegranate and black raspberry framed by gentle tannins. Steadfast and seamless, with persevering mouth and finish presence. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Eric Kent Sascha Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.60, 306 cases, $52. Sourced mainly from Roberts Road Vineyard located in the eastern Petaluma Gap region combined with contributions from four other sites. 56% Roberts Road, 16% Stiling, 16% Grand Vent, 8% V-C Ranch and 4% Rayhill. Clones are 44% Swan, 28% 777, 18% Pommard, 4.5% 115, 3% 113 and 2.5% 667. Aged in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Flirtatious aromas of cherry pie, hazelnut and baking spices. Plenty of sappy Bing cherry fruit accented with spice. Sleek and forward drinking in a mid weight plus, generously fruity style that extends enough juicy acidity for admirable balance. This wine has that charming pinotosity that is impossible to describe but you know it when you experience it. Score: 94. Reviewed October 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Eric Kent Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.63, 341 cases, $42. Released spring 2015. 50% Stiling, 36% Black Emerald, and 14% Roberts Road vineyards. 50% Rued clone, 36% clone 4 and 14% Robert Young clone. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. The nose is pleasant but not particularly complex, offering the aroma of cut apple. More interesting on the palate, with flavors of lemon, pomelo and toffee backed by vibrant acidity. Nicely balanced, with modest richness and fullness on the palate. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.61, 382 cases, $50. Released spring 2015. Artist Kelly Puissegur. 40% Grand Vent, 23% Cleary Ranch, 20% V-C Ranch, 10% Michael Valentine, and 7% Stiling vineyards. 40% Pommard, 23% 667, 15% 115, 10% 113, 7% Swan and 5% 777. Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% neutral. · Moderately light deep cherry red color in the glass. Engaging aromas of strawberry, cherry, spice, mulch and a touch of oak lead to a mid weight core of red fruits accented with an overlay of oak. Silky in the mouth, with modest tannins in a forward drinking style. Score: 88. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Eric Kent Sascha Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.61, 296 cases, $52. Released spring 2015. 67% Sangiacomo Roberts Road, 25% Grand Vent and 8% Stiling vineyards. 42% Swan, 33% 777, 12.5% Pommard, 6.25% 113, 6.25% 667. Intended to be a fuller-bodied style of Pinot Noir composed of more dramatically flavored Sonoma Coast barrels. Historically, tight on release. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry pie, plum and dark chocolate are echoed on the mid weight palate. Noticeable mid palate fruit presence with a waft of toasty oak in the background. More sap than the Small Town bottling. Still tight and will benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Eric Kent Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.58, 396 cases, $52. Released fall 2015. Label artist Eliza Frye, a Los Angeles comics artist and graphic novelist. Vineyard is 35 acres planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the 1980s, located between Kistler and Dehlinger on Vine Hill Road in Sebastopol. 98% Swan selection 2% 115. Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 62.5% new and 37.5% neutral. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of herb garden and oak accents. Mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, blueberry and boysenberry exhibit good attack and mid palate presence with some finishing intensity. Easy to drink, with suave tannins and inviting harmony. The most robust wine of the three 2013 Pinot Noirs reviewed here. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.66, 382 cases, $48. Released spring 2014. 44% Cleary Ranch and Michael Valentine, 31% Grand Vent, 13% Stiling, 12% Roberts Road vineyards. Clones 667, 777, Swan, Pommard and 113. Celebrating tens years of wine and art. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Attractive aromas of cherry and baking spices with a little dark chocolate showing up over time. Middleweight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, cola and sassafras, with a hint of tarry oak and orange zest showing up on the long, palate-cleansing, juicy finish. The tannins are nicely managed and the acid adds zest and vibrancy. Develops more interesting nuances over time in the glass. Score: 93. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Gary Farrell Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.702, 433 cases, $55. Vineyard owners Don and Barbara Stiling converted a 48-acre apple ranch to vineyards in 1988. The site has well-drained Goldridge soils and is exposed to lingering coastal fog intrusions. Swan selection. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak. · Moderate ruby color in the glass. The aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and spice are vibrant upon opening, fading a bit in the glass as the cherry fades and dried herb scents emerge. Relatively light with silky tannins and juicy acidity, featuring oak-kissed cherry and raspberry fruits with a savory herbal undertone. The finish is driven by a burst of racy cherry fruit. Score: 90. Reviewed October 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Eric Kent Small Town Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.61, 414 cases,$48. Release Spring 2013. 38% Cleary Ranch and Michael Valentine, 23% Roberts Road, 23% Kiser/Vella, and Stiling. Clones 777, Swan, Pommard, 667, 114 and 115. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Enchanting nose offering aromas of exotically spiced black cherry and plum with a hint of smoky oak. Elegant and soft on the palate, with juicy flavors of black cherries, black raspberries and cardamom spice caressed by gentle tannins and ending on a clean, bright, dark cherry note. One of the most suave Pinots ever from Eric Kent. I like this wine for its seductive character. Reviewed May 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Gary Farrell Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.37, TA 0.62, 266 cases, $50. Release date February 2014. Owners Don and Barbara Stiling converted a 48-acre apple orchard to vineyards back in 1988. Goldridge soils, coastal fog intrusions. Field selection of Swan clone. Small crop and delayed harvest. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 13 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Racked and returned just once out of barrel before final blending and bottling. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Lovely aromas of Bing cherries, red roses and oak spice. An elegant wine that speaks of the cool vintage with flavors of cherries, blueberries and plum with a hint of oak in the background. Silky and juicy with lively acidity, picking up some intensity over time in the glass. Not a powerful wine by any stretch, but some finishing vigor, very welcoming and easy to like. Score: 89. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Eric Kent Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $48. Cool label by artist Libby Black. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of very ripe Bing cherries, black grapes and peat moss. Very rich and sappy core of black cherry fruit with riffs of cola and toasted oak in the background. Big, bold and flashy, with a fruit-driven finish that sails along. The tannins are modest and the wine is soft in the mouth. This wine shows a Syrahlike edge to the ripe flavors and has too big a fruit load for my taste, but it is well crafted in its style in a vintage marked by heat spikes. Score: 88. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Gary Farrell Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.63, 296 cases, $50. Released February 2013. Originally planted in 1988 by owners Don and Barbara Stiling, this site has well-drained Goldridge soils and has the typical Russian River Valley coastal fog intrusions. Swan clone. 100% de-stemmed, aged 13 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very typical of a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in a cool vintage showing more delicacy. Aromas of Bing cherries, strawberries and baking spices. Very silky on the palate with a core of red cherry, red raspberry and cranberry fruit flavors. The oak is beautifully integrated, the tannins are quite reserved, the bright acidity adds freshness and verve, and the whole package is easy to drink. Score: 90. Reviewed July 21, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Gary Farrell Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.65, 287 cases, $50. Vineyard owners, Don (now deceased) and Barbara Stiling converted a 48-acre apple ranch to vineyards in 1988. The site has well-drained Goldridge soils. Field selection of Swan clone. · Light reddishpurple color in the glass. Shy scent of red cherries, red berries, candy jar and herbs. Elegant array of red fruits with a slight confected bent, finishing with lengthy flavors of cherry cola and herbs. The tannins are restrained and a very soft mouth feel adds to the appeal. I liked it more over time in the glass. Very good. Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., $40. Label art is by Kerry Mansfield, photographer. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely hi-tone Bing cherries spiced with cardamom and clove are featured in this juicy and well-endowed wine. Hints of oak toast, cherry cola and red hard candy add accents. Very typical Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Nicely proportioned tannins, but could use a touch more acidity. Very good. Reviewed January 27, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 307 cases, fall. Pronounced “Styling,” this vineyard was planted initially in 1989 with Swan clone and then inter-planted with Dijon 115 clone. This wine is almost entirely Swan clone. 30% whole cluster. Aged in 55% new French oak barrels. Label art is by John Yoyogi Fortes. · The nose is quite charming and accessible featuring black cherries, raspberries and red plums. Caressing in the mouth with soft tannins and defining acidity, the flavors of dried cherries and baking spice stand out. This vintage offers more elegance and restraint than the 2006 version and is a sleek and seductive wine that is quite stylish. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.1% alc., 374 cases, $42. Label artist is Tony Speirs · Black cherry, plum, buttered toast and forest floor aromas lead to a mouthful of rich, dark stone fruits that wrap around the tongue and leave a little warmth in their wake. Velvety texture, commendable oak integration, and a decent length to the finish. The darker side of Pinot Noir. This wine will have fans. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 300 cases, $38.25. Darin Fenn’s label is a black and white photograph taken with a hand held 35 mm camera and not changed in any way. It features a winter skating rink in Budapest. You will notice that some of the skaters’ images are blurred by motion while the observers are clearly outlined. · The aromatics are a little funky on lift off, but then become quite interesting with dark cherries, spice-particularly cinnamon, oak notes and a hint of coconut. Cherries, spice and herbs compose the flavors which are presented on a soft and elegant platform. The finish is clean and refreshing. The whole package is harmonious. Note: Kent feels this wine will reach an even better drinking window given another 6 -12 months. Reviewed October 20, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.2% alc., 250 cases, $35. Don Stiling left his corporate career and planted a 35-acre vineyard on Goldridge loamy soil in the Russian River Valley in 1986. Vineyard manager Jesus Garcia has assisted the Stilings for 14 years overseeing the vineyard. Kent’s wine is sourced from two different vineyard blocks, one hillside and one on the valley floor. The grapes are primarily a field selection of Swan clone. 75% of the grapes were de-stemmed, but not crushed, and placed on top of the remaining 25% whole cluster fruit. The wine was aged for 14 months in 60% new French oak. · An appealing nose of darker fruits especially plum with vanillin highlights. With some air time, the initially shallow fruit takes on shoulder pads and struts out brutish dark berry and current flavors tinged with oak and herbs. The wine is well-rounded and mellow with some alcoholic heat peeking out on the finish after a time in the glass. Reviewed October 20, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Stiling Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.2% alc., 250 cases, $35. Label artist is Kevin Keul. The Stiling Vineyard was planted in the mid-1980s and is farmed by Don and Barbara Stiling. This wine is sourced from two different vineyard blocks, one on a hillside and one on the valley floor. The grapes are primarily Swan selection. 75% of the grapes were de-stemmed, but not crushed, and placed on top of the remaining 25% whole cluster fruit. The wine was aged for 14 months in 60% new French oak barrels. · The nose is outrageous featuring the scent of cherry pie with cinnamon ice cream. Oodles of fresh red berries and ripe plums with lovely spice accents cascade over the mouth like silk. Beautifully balanced despite the high alcohol. I usually shy away from Pinots with more than 15% alcohol, but this flamboyant sucker won me over. Really, really, really good. A feast. Reviewed May 22, 2006 WINERY »