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: Olivet Lane

Olivet Lane
OwnerBob Pellegrini
AppellationRussian River Valley
StoryA heritage property that is one of the oldest existing Pinot Noir vineyards in the Russian River Valley. A former apple, prune and olive orchard on West Olivet Lane. At the recommendation of Dr. Armand Kasimatis at University of California at Davis, the Pellegrini family planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, developing one of the first vineyards in the region devoted exclusively to these two varieties.
Dates Planted1973
Acres60 (20 acres of Pinot Noir)
LocationOn the western benchland of the Santa Rosa Plain.
AspectVarious exposures on an undulating plain.
SoilsGravelly, clay loam.
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir
ClonesMartini 13
Trellis Spacing8' x 12', vertical trellis; AXR rootstock

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2018 Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $78. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of beef bouillon, chamomile tea, and cardamom spice. Mid-weight flavors of black cherry, blackberry and chamomile tea leaves. Nicely balanced with gracious tannins and a long, quenching finish. Rather exotic and unique. I have never encountered the aroma or taste of chamomile in a Pinot Noir prior to this. Pinot Noir always provides surprises. Score: 92. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Unoaked Chardonnay

14.1% alc., $24. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, white grape, honey and white blossoms are echoed in the flavors in the mouth. Better over time in the glass with an appealingly smooth mouthfeel. The wine is driven by lively acidity and finishes with a tight, citrus note (grapes on a high wire). Score: 90. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.31, TA 0.72, $65. 5-day cold soak, 14-day fermentation in open-top fermenters, and aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spice and a hint of espresso. A quintessential Martini clone Pinot Noir featuring mid-weight flavors of dark Bing cherry, blackberry, cola and loads of spice. The intensity of the fruit makes quite an impression and the polished tannins make for easy drinking. The lengthy finish is awash in vibrant fruit with just a hint of oak tailing off at the end. Score: 93. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., $66. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromatically pleasing, with scents of pineapple, yellow peach, grilled lemon and clarified butter. Sleek in the mouth with a rich entry and mid palate load of citrus, ripe peach and vanilla flavors. Very agreeable, in a nicely balanced style. Score: 91. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., $45. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, pineapple, spice, brioche and caramel. Rich and ripe in style with a rather luscious core of citrus fruits set off by toasty oak and butter notes. The wine reflects the well-ripened, even tropical fruit character found often in Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Score: 92. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $65. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The seductive perfume of spiced Bing cherry is remarkable. Delicious mid weight core of black cherry, cola, anise, spice and toasty oak flavors nicely teamed together. Forward drinking, with tame tannins, juicy acidity and an enduring finish. A classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Gary Farrell Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.8% alc., pH 3.33, TA 0.67, 987 cases, $45. Vineyard planted to Wente selection on AXR rootstock in 1975. Harvest Brix 22º-23º. Whole cluster pressed, inoculated with Montrachet yeast. Fermented and aged in 40% new French oak barrels. After 8 months of aging, a barrel selection led to this single vineyard wine. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. With some swirling, inviting aromas of peach, lemon drop, white flower and nut oil emerge. On the palate, the wine has a balanced interplay between the discreet richness of yellow peach and apricot fruits and bright, sound, mineral-infused acidity. The finish is particularly notable, grabbing hold for an extended time and seducing with a silky, bracing demeanor. Tasted twice: this was the best bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed September 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.59, $45. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light golden straw color in the glass. An appealing discreetly rich wine, with effusive aromas and flavors of citrus, apple, white peach and tropical fruits. Bright on the palate with mild viscosity, energetic acidity, admirable integration of oak, and inviting length on an apple-driven finish. Score: 92-93. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.54, 300 cases, $65. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated with Assmannhausen yeast, aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas unfold nicely over time in the glass, revealing notes of Bing cherry, spice and sweet oak. The mid-weight cherry core is juicy and mouth filling accented with hints of cola, mocha and spice, framed by silky tannins. A load of cherry goodness really hangs on to the long and expansive finish. Score: 92-93. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Gary Farrell Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.23, TA 0.74, 315 cases, $45. Release May 2013. Sourced from the Pellegrini Family’s Olivet Lane Vineyard that was originally planted in 1975 on the Santa Rosa Plain. This 65- acre vineyard was one of the first in the Russian River Valley planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The clone is Wente selection on AXR rootstock. The regular fog intrusion and well-drained clay loam soils are ideal for growing Chardonnay. Aged 7 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Inaugural release from this vineyard and what a winner! · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon, honey, pineapple and buttery oak lead to a delicious fruit-charged wine with a bevy of citrus, lemongrass and caramel flavors lifted by an hi-tone cut of acidity. A seductive creaminess adds to the appeal and the tonal finish perks up the palate for more. Quintessential Russian River Valley Chardonnay with a historical pedigree. Score: 95. Reviewed July 21, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $62. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe, baked, dark red and black fruit aromas with oak-driven notes of graham and toast. Moderate concentration of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry and pomegranate flavors with oak in the background. The tannins are muscular and dry and the pleasing acidity juicy. Needs a steak to ameliorate the tannins. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $75. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Long and persistent scents of dark cherries and berries, bramble and exotic spices including clove. Moderately rich core of blackberry and black plum fruit with a floral and loamy earth undertone and reigned-in tannins. Good mid palate impression with an elegant citrus-fused finish that slips off the back of the palate like a silk sheet. Very good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.93% alc., $28. 49% Occidental Road, 33% Burnside Road, 14% BCD and 4% Pierres vineyards. · Bright Bing cherry and fresh strawberry aromas with whiffs of oak and dark chocolate. Discreetly intense red cherry and red berry flavors with a slight confected (Red Vines), earthy, and dark chocolate undertone. Reserved, fine-grain tannins. Well-crafted, but only of moderate flavor interest. Decent (+). Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate Reserve Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 168 cases, to be released in 2010. Packaged in a heavier, taller bottle which makes a statement. More new oak aging than the regular Estate bottling. · This is a more decadent version of the estate wine. The fruit intensity is ramped up on the nose offering a melange of dark red cherries and berries with a hint of spice and a subtle floral scent. Delicious red plum and black cherry flavors expand in the mouth, showing a mild firmness, density and chewiness, yet still retaining a silky sensuality. A very polished wine that is beautifully crafted and approachable now although patience will bring even more rewards. Definitely worth the reserve designation and the best Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate bottling to date. Score: 92. Reviewed October 3, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pellegrini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.48, 2,600 cases, $35, now released. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak, mainly Francois Freres and Rousseau. · Moderately deep reddish-purple robe. Intoxicating nose right out of the bottle showing off bright Bing cherry, a hint of strawberry jam on toast and the faintest oak. The enticing medium-bodied core of red fruits are touched with citric peel and sweet oak. The wine flows like silk over the palate, offering vim and vigor from the refreshing acidity. Soft tannins make for easy current drinkability, but this can age. Score: 90. Reviewed October 3, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Pali Wine Co. Inman Olivet Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 212 cases, $50, released spring 2009. Formerly the Olivet Grange Vineyard, this 7.2-acre vineyard was planted in 2000 and is farmed organically by owner Kathleen Inman. The clones are 114, 115, 667 and 777. · Bright aromas of black cherries, strawberries, cola and oak. Tasty and tangy black cherry fruit jumps out flanked by flavors of pomegranates, cherry cola, savory herbs, and oak char. The flamboyant tannins will integrate with more time in the bottle. A charming wine that holds your interest. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate Bottled Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $36. · Bright crimson robe. Pleasing aromas of red Pinot fruits, especially Bing cherry, oak spice and vanilla. Cherry driven juicy flavors pushing ripeness to the edge with a hint of raisin and roasted fruit. Easy to drink with fine-grained tannins and a refreshingly clean finish. Reviewed January 28, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $36. 10% whole clusters placed with remainder of the de-stemmed fruit and lightly crushed. After a 3 day cold maceration, the vats were inoculated with a selected strain of yeast. Fermentation lasted 12 days with traditional hand punch downs. Aged 11 months in a combination of French and Eastern European oak, 33% new. · Sensuous aromatics featuring Bing cherry, anise, toast and strawberry. The core of red fruits is tasty and forward but elegant in presentation. The wine is supple in the mouth with pleasing persistence and has a refreshing acid lift on the finish. Impeccable balance. Ready to drink now, it will remain a really lovely wine over time. With a comfortable price point, this is one to buy by the case. Reviewed October 4, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Olivet Lane Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

$30. · This is a fine go-to Pinot Noir that is often priced several dollars less than suggested retail. The wine is not over-bearing or tiresome to drink and compliments food nicely. The cherry fruit is of great breeding and the ethereal style is appealing. Reviewed July 30, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

$30 Kevin loves working with Olivet Lane fruit for he says the wine makes itself; no tricks, additives, modifications required. 10% whole clusters used. Aged 11 months in French and Eastern European oak, 33% new. · This has been in bottle only a short time so will only get better. Still, it is pretty flashy already, with aromas of earth, leather, and spiced black cherries. This is a Pinot that has finesse over fruit heaviness and great verve and style. It is a little showier than the 2004. So juicy and tasty you want to ‘nibble’ at it. Reviewed November 26, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 308 cases, $37. Last vintage from this venerable vineyard. She said, “Tight when bottled but stunning now. Very traditional Russian River cherry and strawberry flavors.” · I say, heady and intoxicating Bing cherry, strawberry and cinnamon spice scents. Most sensual aromatics in the lineup. A WOW wine. Cherry driven with many berries joining the party. The texture is soft as a newborn’s rear end and the finish lasts and lasts. Impeccable balance and admirable acidity for food. Still great the next day. 10 cases left - act now! Reviewed February 18, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 308 cases, $37. The final bottling from Olivet Lane for WesMar. · Dark reddish-purple color. Complex aromatic profile of dark red cherries, berries, baking spice, herbs, oak char and barnyard. Tasty dark red stone fruits with a burly, earthy edge. Nicely composed and balanced with mild ripe tannins and a citrus peel tang on the lively finish. Not the fruit intensity of the previous vintages and more in touch with the Olivet Lane Estate bottlings by Pellegrini. Reviewed January 28, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $60. · Deep ruby color. Nicely oaked, rich black cherry fruit highlighted with vanillin and spice, finishing with good persistence and leaving quite a bit of tannin in its wake. Reviewed January 28, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 2,900 cases, $24 · This Pinot has an attractive nose of herbs, cola, spice and cherries. Flavors of dried fruit, herbs and cherry-pie filling are linger on the finish which has plenty of zip and zing. As Mick Jagger would say, “It’s only Pinot Noir, but I like it!” Reviewed November 26, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4%., 177 cases, $37. · Evocative Bing cherry and raspberry fruit with a sidecar of cardamon and cinnamon spice. Hi-toned and vivid with lively acidity and supple tannins. Light on its feet and impeccably balanced, this wine leaves a long, scented raspberry aroma on the finish. A little less fruit extraction than the 2003 vintage, but equally satisfying. Reviewed January 28, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 177 cases, $37. · This wine has a "Oh, my God" nose perfumed with dark crushed stone fruits, a little nutmeg and a whiff of pie crust. In the mouth, luscious red and black fruits are highlighted by sweet vanilla and oak flavors and a good dose of cinnamon spice. There are some wet leaf and earth notes as well. This Pinot Noir has the most Burgundian sensibility in the lineup and its zippy acidity portends a long life in the cellar. A surf (refreshing acidity) and turf (earth and forest) Pinot Noir. Reviewed July 17, 2006 WINERY »

2004 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 177 cases, $37. · The aromas are striking initially showing dark berry jam and exotic spices but fadeing in the glass, becoming less fruity and more savory with a slight green note over time. Tasty essence of fresh and juicy dark red berries and cherries with a subtle undertone of oak. Great harmony with fading fine tannins and a fruit-filled finish. Good. Reviewed October 6, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $57. · Classic and classy Russian River Valley Pinot Noir profile featuring the triad of Bing cherries, cola and Asian spice. Restrained and demure, yet immensely satisfying with gossamer tannins and impeccable balance. This one hits all the right notes. Reviewed January 28, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $57. This heritage vineyard is over thirty years old and still pumping out quintessential Russian River Pinot fruit. Merry Edwards has been making Olivet Lane Pinot Noir since 1989 and this may be her best vintage yet. This Pinot Noir was aged 10 months in 80% new French oak but you would never know it as the oak is so well integrated. · A reference standard for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Oh that Bing cherry and cola and Asian spice. Demure and perfectly balanced. A finish that is ridiculously long. Lively acidity brings out the fruit beautifully. This is why I get excited about Pinot Noir. This is a wine you want to go one on one with - find a time when you are alone, uncork a bottle, and spend the evening in a monogamous relationship. Reviewed October 2, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 162 cases, $35. · Intense perfume of cherry liquor with hints of oak, spice and smoke. Plush and generous on the palate but falls short of jammy, featuring dark cherry flavors, hints of cola and Asian spice, restrained tannins and a velvety texture. This wine has surrendered none of its fruit strength and complexity over time and has several good years ahead. A seductive wine of great charm. Reviewed January 28, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2002 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 185 cases, $35. · Intoxicating old wine bouquet featuring black raspberries, raisin, marzipan and lacquered wood. Roasted berries and raisin carry through on the palate with notes of brown sugar. Silky in texture with some unobtrusive tannin and a good acid spark on the finish. Charming and still pretty darn good, but should be drunk now. Reviewed January 28, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1995 Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc.. · Moderately dark mahogany red color in the glass with mild sediment. The aromas of cherries and spice soar from the glass upon opening but fade over time. Middleweight flavors of fresh black cherries and raspberries with a hint of seasoned oak. The fruit is fading, but the wine still has some satisfying fruit on the refreshing finish driven by juicy acidity. Most enjoyable within 30 minutes after pulling the cork. A great aged wine. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1994 Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color with slight yellowing of the rim in the glass. The nose offers an array of secondary characters including old book, vitamin, and potpourri to accompany the modestly aromatic cherry and red berry fruits. The wine is clearly fading, but is still likable with a flavorful core of red cherry fruit backed by juicy acidity and mild fine-grain tannins. Very smooth in the mouth, with a satisfying finish, holding up well in the glass over time. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1992 Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.46, $28. Harvested at 23.9 Brix. Aged 11 months in 62% new and 38% 1- year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · The nose is remarkably intense featuring black cherries, cola and spice. Richly fruited with amazingly fresh flavors of black cherries and berries. The tannins have fully integrated and the wine drinks like silk. Incredible. Reviewed April 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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