Vineyard: School House

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

School House Vineyard “Cult Before Cult Was Cool” (9.5 4/4/2012)
California Old Vine Pinot Noir Vineyards: Sonoma/Napa Counties - R-W (12.8 8/30/2020)
Historic School House Vineyard (6.37 8/24/2007)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

School House

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 School House Vineyard Napa Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $65, 1.5 L $130. Small percentage of whole cluster. Aged 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of black cherry, dark red rose petal and a compliment of fresh oak. My notes start with “Wow!” Black cherry and raspberry fruits really pop in the mouth, becoming expansive and holding court through a very long finish. Fully integrated tannins with a very sleek texture. Enviable balance. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the fruit showed even more intensity and persistence while a savory dried herb and earth note showed up. This wine makes a remarkable first impression and then returns over time to offer more glorious Pinot love. Score: 96. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 School House Vineyard Napa Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $70. Small percentage of whole cluster. Aged 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Unusual aromatic profile, offering scents of black cherry syrup, spice, turned earth and exotic floral notes. Mid-weight plus in style, featuring a sappy core of fresh black cherry and black berry fruits with a spice, floral and earthy tone in the background. Mild, gritty tannins show up on the persistent and intensely fruity finish. Oak plays a supportive role. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine seemed more harmonious, with less tannin evident and a more lengthy finish. Score: 94. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 School House Vineyard Spring Mountain District Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% 275 cases, $80. Magnums available. This vintage yielded 3.5 tons picked at about 25.5º Brix. Fermented in open top bins after a light pressing. Matured 18 months in new French oak barrels and hand-bottled. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas dance in and out over time in the glass, but the emphasis is on cherry fruit with hints of tea leaf and oak. Lighter in weight than the 2006 vintage, yet impressively flavorful, featuring intense cherry compote, baking spice and green leaf, with notes of raisin, herbs and minerality. The wine sports a moderately firm tannic backbone and offers an unbelievably long finish that lasts at least a minute. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 School House Vineyard Spring Mountain District Napa Valley Pinot Noir

15.1% alc., 200 cases, $80. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color with very slight yellowing of the rim in the glass. The bouquet of secondary characters includes raisin, black olive, old cask and old boot leather. A delicious wine with many layers of flavor including dried cherries, black raspberries, black currants, cola, sassafras and spice. Very ripe in fruit character with grainy, supportive tannins and some length on the finish. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 School House Spring Mountain District Napa Valley Pinot

Table wine, 9 barrels, $75. Label says, “From mountain grapes grown on School House Vineyard, St. Helena, by John M. Gantner. Cellared and bottled by Gantner and Walker, St. Helena.” Low yields (just under a ton per acre). Fermented in open-top bins after destemming. Aged 18 months in French oak and bottled by hand. · Deep ruby in color. A dirty diaper fragrance blows off to reveal a rich perfume of ripe cherries, Mocha java and forest floor. The concentrated flavors follow in step with added notes of cranberry, roasted plums and game. There is plenty of earthiness at heart. A touch of alcohol on the nose and finish is not intrusive. A highly distinctive wine of great character and clearly unlike a “typical” California Pinot Noir. Reviewed August 24, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1993 School House Spring Mountain District Napa Valley Pinot Noir

Label says, “From mountain grapes grown on School House Vineyard, St. Helena, by John M. Gantner. Cellared and bottled by Scotland Craig Partners, St. Helena.” · Mahogany color with an orange rim. Impressive aromas of dark chocolate-covered cherries with hints of toast. Tart cherry flavors with noticeable tannins lead to a finish with brisk acidity. The wine is fading and the fruit is tired and thin on the backend, but it still has some charm left. Reviewed August 24, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »