Vineyard: Oppenlander

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Tasting of Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs (6.28 6/3/2007)
Shandel’s Oppenlander Vineyard (7.17 5/7/2009)
Wineries in Anderson Valley and Mendocino Ridge* (6.60 6/9/2008)
Along the Pinot Trail in California: Part 2 - North Coast & Other (9.8 6/24/2012)
Sensations (6.61 7/7/2008)
Anderson Noir Valley Pinot (Pt II) (7.19 6/5/2009)
Couloir Wines & Straight Line Wine (8.35 4/11/2011)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Baxter Winery
Couloir Wines
Shandel’s Oppenlander Vineyard
Phillips Hill Estates

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2010 Couloir Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.61, 116 cases, $38. 80% Pommard and 20% Dijon 115 clones. 50% whole cluster. Native yeast fermentation. Aged 10 months in 40% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of earth-kissed dark grapes and berries. Well composed array of middleweight dark red and black fruits with a savory mushroom and earthy bent typical of this vineyard. Perfectly ripened fruit, smoothly textured in the mouth, finishing with admirable length and crispness. Very good. Reviewed July 5, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Couloir Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.61, 118 cases, $38. 50% whole cluster. 50% Pommard and 50% Dijon 115 clone. · Aged in 40% new French oak. I have never had a bad wine from this vineyard and this Pinot Noir is no exception. Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Black cherry and blackberry aromas which are subdued. Impressive essence of dark plums and berries with some soul and grip, encased in plentiful grainy tannins, and persisting on a fruit-filled, earthy finish. The tannins should smooth out over time, but this will always be a firmly structured wine. The key to enjoying this wine is pairing it with hearty food and I had this wine with my home made buffalo chili the next day from a previously opened bottle and the match was heavenly. Very good (+). Reviewed April 11, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Shandel’s Oppenlander Vineyard Comptche Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., >400 cases, $40, unreleased. · Moderately dark in color and darkly floral on the nose with full-bodied flavors of wild blackberries and raspberries, red plum and bittersweet chocolate. The taste is quite exotic and distinctive. The wine is nicely composed and charms with its satiny texture. The remarkably persistent finish leaves a hint of warmth in its wake. Still young and not as expressive as it will be, this one is a winner. Reviewed May 7, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Phillips Hill Oppenlander Vineyard Comptche Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 450 cases, $42. The 18-acre Oppenlander Vineyard is located 8 miles from the Mendocino Coast as the crow flies. Planted in 1998 and 1999, this is one of four vineyards in this emerging cool climate region. Dijon clones 114, 115 and 667, Pommard clone, Martini selection, all self-rooted. The soil is Oppenlander heavy clay loam unique to Comptche. Yields were 3 tons per acre. Whole berry fermentation, 4 day cold soak, 16 days on skins. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. Label says, “The momentum of the place gives it a completeness.” · Darkest colored of the 2007 lineup. Deep, rich and dark stone and berry fruits especially black raspberry. A masculine wine reflective of this vineyard sporting muscular blackberry and black raspberry flavors with a hint of grapefruit on the back end. Still reserved and needs some time to evolve. Beautifully crafted. Reviewed June 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Shandel’s Oppenlander Vineyard Comptche Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 400 cases, $40. The Oppenlander Vineyard is located 8 miles from the Mendocino Coast as the crow flies and is just north of Anderson Valley. Pommard and Dijon clones 114 and 115 are planted in Oppenlander (510) heavy clay loam which is unique to Comptche. Several wineries are producing superb vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs from this vineyard including Adrian Fog, Baxter, and Phillips Hill Estate (see PinotFile, Volume 6, Issue 60). Fruit is also sourced and blended by Handley, Navarro and Harmonique. · I am fascinated by the Pinot Noirs I have sampled from this special vineyard. The wines have an exotic reach to them and really show off the unique terroir. This is a beguiling Pinot Noir with scents of fresh berry fruit, oak vanillin, and violets. The sweet-fruited palate of red berries coats the mouth and earth notes add interest. Robust and virile, but discreet. Reviewed July 7, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Phillips Hill Estates Oppenlander Vineyard Comptche Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 550 cases, $42. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak. · Startling good from start to finish. Aromas of Bing cherry, grass and wet earth entice, followed by delicious bright cherry and berry flavors with an exotic bent that grows in the mouth. Silky, clean and perfectly composed with striking length. A very, very seductive Pinot. Reviewed June 9, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Baxter Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $40. · The nose features super ripe dark cherries and herbs. The straight-forward dark cherry flavors are kissed by citrus. The finish sports fine tannins, lively acidity, a touch of astringency, and a little warmth. Reviewed June 3, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »