VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Kanzler

OwnersLynda Kanzler, Stephen Kanzler
AppellationRussian River Valley
StoryFormerly an old apple orchard. The vines prosper from cool, foggy nights, sunny days, and afternoon maritime breezes. The Kanzlers are passionate grape farmers who are never far from the action as they live in a house on the vineyard property.
Dates PlantedStarted in 1996.
Acres20
LocationWestern Sonoma County just south of Bodega Highway on Sander's Road, near the beginning of the Petaluma Gap in an area known as the Sebastopol Hills.
AspectGently-sloping, east-facing.
VarietiesPinot Noir
Clones115, 667, Pommard

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Rivers-Marie Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 130 cases, $50. The last vintage of Kanzler Vineyard as the family is retaining a little more of their estate fruit to help build their own label. Whole cluster percentage was increased to balance the abundant dark fruit. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, grape pomice, spice and nutty oak are attractive. Rather luscious and bold mid weight plus flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, black berry, plum and spice are underlain with noticeable barrel work. Good natural acidity provides vibrancy, the fruit tannins are well integrated, and the finish is soothing. This wine developed more Pinot grace over time in the glass. Score: 93. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Rivers-Marie Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $50. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. This is a striking wine that stands out in this vintage. The nose offers bright aromas of blackberry jam, potpourri, violets and smoky oak. Lovely fruit presence in a mid weight plus style that offers impressive harmony. The purple and black berry flavors are complimented by a hint of smoky oak and show expansive power in the mouth and on the finish. Score: 93. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Rivers-Marie Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 200 cases, $50. Inaugural bottling from this vineyard. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. · The outlier in that it is clearly different from the other wines in the 2012 lineup. Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose has a vivid aroma of black raspberries and black cherries with oak-driven espresso highlights. This wine displays a riper profile, and has more concentrated sap, but is not jammy. The core of dark stone and berry fruits are nicely spiced and there is a hint of cola and sassafras peaking out. The tannins are silky and the finish is flush with black cherry goodness. The finish really stands out for its generosity and length. I love the sweet fruit and oak interplay in this wine. Score: 94. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Lynmar Estate Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $70. SF. Inaugural bottling from this vineyard. Clones 667, Pommard and 115. Aged 10 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red and black berries, savory mushrooms and the slightest oak. Soft in the mouth, with a giving array of ripe berries supported by sinewy tannins. Still reserved, and will need cellaring for a year or two to bring out its best. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 760 cases, $84. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose draws you in with vivid aromas of fresh black raspberry and blackberry fruit. Soft and silky on the palate with nice harmony, this fruit-driven wine is more modest in concentration than in past years and drinkers may relish this expression. That said, this is not a wimpy wine. The fruit, albeit very ripe, is vivid and invigorating. Still satisfying the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.59, 211 cases, $78. Vineyard is located in the Sebastopol Hills, an area featuring morning and evening fog, breezy afternoons, and bright, mild afternoon sun. Cooler temperatures lead to a longer hang time and this vineyard is usually the last to be harvested. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. Yields 2.1 tons per acre. 100% destemmed. Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Tighten your seat belt when you open this one. Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. With a nose you could drink, and a core of liquid magic that you can drink, this is one great wine. Aromas of dark red berries sprinkled with vanilla cream lead to sumptuous flavors of black cherries, blue and dark red berries, spice and dark chocolate. Power without weight, juicy without being cloying, this beautifully balanced wine is soft in the mouth and finishes with length and opulence. The pick of the litter. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 458 cases, $78. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure aromas of perfectly ripe cherries and berries with hints of malt and granite. Still young and a bit muddled at this early stage, but plenty of dark plum and blackberry fruit singing. Very appealing soft fruit intensity. The most striking feature is the length of the finish, like a three hour movie you don’t want to end. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Hold onto this one or decant if you must saddle up soon. Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 575 cases, $72. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very interesting nose offering scents of fresh berries, underbrush, forest floor, spice, rose petal and brioche. Bright and charming with a tasty essence of Rainer cherry and dark red raspberry with a hint of exotic spice. Every sip reveals another nuance. Medium weighted with soft tannins and bright acidity. An elegant bent for Kanzler in this vintage that is stunning. Built for the long haul. Reviewed August 13, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc.. · Strikingly floral on the nose showing scents of lavender and violets. Bright and juicy red and black fruits, nicely spiced, with nuanced flavors of cola, tea and earth. A charmer whose soft tannins make it hard to resist now. Very good (+). Reviewed April 9, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.66, $72. Seventh vintage from this vineyard in Sebastopol. Clones 667, 115 and Pommard. · The wine is a little deeper purple color than the other wines from this vintage. Exotic medley of dark fruits on the nose which have a pheromone attraction. Moderately intense boysenberry and dark plum sauce flavors that are fat on the palate, leading to a finish that makes a statement. Despite its powerful fruit and substantial structure, the wine retains a smooth, even velvety, texture. Very good. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 A.P. Vin Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.2% alc., $39, screw cap. · On the nose there are aromas of black cherries, roasted nuts, toasted oak and a hint of alcohol. A plush bolt of black cherry fruit attacks the palate with some oak in the background. The tannins are powdery and the dry finish is pleasing. Pretty good but not extraordinary. Reviewed May 7, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 A.P. Vin Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.2% alc., 250 cases, $40, Stelvin screw cap. Clones 667 (10% whole cluster) and Pommard. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Intriguing aromas of black fruits, Moroccan spices, cedar, earth and brier patch. The least forthcoming wine in the lineup with copious and brooding dark fruit. Begins to open with time in the glass revealing an intense plum fruit finish. Little nuance now, but has amazing fruit and will get much better over time. The fullback in the lineup: muscular, hard headed, imposing. Very good (+). Reviewed November 13, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Landmark Grand Detour Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 2,500 cases, $40. Grand Detour is named for the location of John Deere’s black smith shop in Illinois. This wine is a blend of five Sonoma Coast vineyards. Aged in 33% new oak barrels for 10 months. · Dark ruby in color. The nose is scented with black cherries and black raspberries with a hint of dark caramel. Richly flavored, but discreetly concentrated darker fruit flavors with an underpinning of attractive earthiness. Seamless with gentle tannins and a fine nerve of acidity. Like many of the 2007 vintage Pinot Noirs from California, this wine will benefit from more time in the bottle. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Landmark Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., $50. · Cherries and strawberries are featured on the nose with an echo of oak and a nice hit of funkiness. The wine has pretty flavors of dark fruits with an appealing elegant presentation. The tannins are supple and the balance is spot on, resulting in a drinking experience that is easy going. POP 91, WS 94. Reviewed January 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Landmark Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 500 cases, $65. Kanzler Vineyard is situated just west of the town of Sebastopol on a 16-acre site. The clonal mix for this wine is 54% 115, 44% 667, 3% Pommard. Each block was harvested separately and fermented individually. Only the best barrels of free-run juice were chosen for this blend. · Similar to the Grand Detour in style and flavor but with the fruit intensity ramped up significantly. Complex aromatic profile of black cherries and blackberries, black grapes, pepper and oak. A plush and creamy palate of dark fruits, dark chocolate and slight toasty oak char all wrapped in a complimentary robe of moderately firm tannins. A tenacious wine that grabs hold and persists through a long and chewy finish. If you are feeling hedonistic now, decant and serve with hardy foods. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 753 cases, $72. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Penetrating and intoxicating aromas of dark stone fruits with a hint of strawberries and spice. The lush mouthful of black cherry and blackberry fruit is mouth coating but not jammy. Smoothly textured with fine-grain tannins and well-integrated alcohol. A fruitdriven wine from a special vineyard that is ready to drink now. POP 92, WS 95. Reviewed January 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 803 cases, $72. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. Cropped at 3 tons per acre. · Intensely fruity showing copious blackberry, black cherry and dark plum fruits with notes of soy sauce and cola. Well-muscled with forceful ripe tannins which are supple creating a soft mouth feel. A bit of alcohol shows up on the finish. Pairs very well with the short ribs. Reviewed January 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Landmark Vineyards Grand Detour Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $35. Landmark is better known for its excellent Chardonnays, but they have been making this fine Pinot Noir for several years. Sourced from several Sonoma Coast vineyards including Kanzler, Keller Estate, Gap’s Crown, Flocchini and Armagh. Aged for 10 months in 33% new French oak. The winemaker is Eric Stern. · There is a noticeable oak bent to the aromas and flavors. Primarily cherry driven, this Pinot has a nice cherry kiss on the finish. There is plenty of overall finesse. It was delicious with a Sicilian pizza which tamed the oak tendencies. Reviewed November 12, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Kutch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 287 cases, $39. 60% Kanzler Vineyard and 40% La Jouls Vineyard, both located in the Green Valley sub-AVA of the Russian River Valley. 30% whole cluster. Aged 16 months on its lees. The website is www.kutchwines.com. · Bright and dark reddish-purple color. Reserved aromas of black cherry and oak char. The fruit is shy but tempting with black cherry and blackberry flavors highlighted by herbs and subtle oak. Only recently bottled, the wine is still reticent. The Kutch style is a work in progress and I like his desire to emphasize elegance, texture and power with restraint. Reviewed April 7, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Kanzler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $50. The Kanzler Vineyard is on an east-facing slope of a small valley in the coastal hills between Bodega Bay and Sebastopol. Foggy mornings, warm days, and afternoon breezes are ideal for Pinot Noir. Farmed by Stephen and Lynda Kanzler. The winemaker is Greg Stach. · Dark red cherry, strawberry, oak spice and some herbs in the mix as well. Plenty of fruit but not flabby or overdone. Full of charm with a soft, velvety texture, refined tannins, and a clean finish. A seamless wine brimming with juiciness. Highly recommended. Retail distribution and mailing list sales. The website is www.kanzlervineyards.com. Reviewed August 4, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 724 cases, $68. Wines from this vineyard have a mind of their own says Michael. Dijon 115 and 667, and Pommard 10% whole cluster. · This is one of the most complex wines of the lineup. Also one of the heftiest and most tannic. There is a dense and chewy core of black cherry and black berry fruit that needs time to emerge. All kinds of things going on here in concert with the fruit including aromas and flavors of mushrooms, rose petals, underbrush, and wet oak. Give this one a couple of years. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kutch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15% alc., 150 cases, $39. The 2005 growing season was long, dry and mild and just about perfect for Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley. This wine was sourced from the Amber Ridge and Demeo Vineyards. · Very nice finely-spiced and ripe red fruits in the aromas and flavors. The alcohol adds an appealing sweetness to the overall impression. The finish closes with pleasant fruit, herbs and ample oak. Reviewed April 9, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.9% alc. · Very deep ruby color. Bright plum and blackberries with herbal overtones are the theme. Silky in texture with a plush mouth feel and a tangy finish. A big tiger with a pussycat sensibility. A bigger style that I liked alot. Reviewed August 24, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Very deep ruby color. Bright plum, black berries and herbs in the nose. Soft dark fruit flavors are enhanced by a plush mouth feel A big tiger with a pussycat sensibility. Alcohol is 14.9% but it never peaks out. Reviewed July 30, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.3% alc., 500 cases, $62. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. · A beautiful wine with plenty of sweet ripe blue and black fruit wrapped in oak. Sturdy on the palate with firm tannins, yet showing some finesse, and exhibiting a huge, clean finish that leaves a little heat in its wake. Reviewed August 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., $35. · Classy wax closure. This is a light to medium bodied Pinot which has a caressing texture. The aromatics feature cherries, cranberries, rhubarb, and a little smoke. This has more restraint and elegance as compared to the Kosta Browne bottling. Over time, the oak and alcohol can peek out on the finish, but with food this Pinot is magical. I had this wine with grilled, marinated tri-tip and whole grain Texmati brown and red rice with grilled veggies. This Pinot really softens and integrates with food and isn’t this what wine is really for? Reviewed October 23, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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