Dec 30, 2022
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Sean Minor Family of Wines
| Owner(s) | Sean Minor |
| Web site | www.seanminorwines.com |
| Link to this site |
The Minor family founded the Four Bears Winery in 2005, later incorporating this label under the new name, Sean Minor Wines. The varietal wines produced include Central Coast Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carneros Pinot Noir from Napa Valley.
Will Bucklin is the winery's winemaking consultant. They developed a friendship at King Estate Winery in Oregon where Bucklin was a winemaker and Sean Minor was the General Manager.
Sean Minor wines are sold on the website and distributed in 24 states.
Articles About Sean Minor Family of Wines
Are There Any Under $30 2018 Domestic Pinot Noirs Worth Drinking? 30 Prospects Priced Less Than $30 (12.10 11/11/2020)
Mining for Good Pinot Noir in the Value-Priced Bin (9.5 4/4/2012)
Mining the Pinot Bargain Bin: It’s What’s for Dinner (9.3 2/22/2012)
More Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (9.20 2/26/2013)
New-Found Value in Pinot Noir (12.23 10/10/2021)
Sips of Pinot (8.25 11/7/2010)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.10 9/24/2017)
The $9.99 Pinot Noir Challenge (9.34 12/17/2013)
Three Carneros Pinot Noir Gems (8.11 2/15/2010)
Value-Price Pinots (9.18 1/19/2013)
Reviewed Wines
2019 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $16.49 at
retailers such as Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa, CA. Vinted and bottled
by Sean Minor, American Canyon, Napa, CA.
·
Moderate garnet color
in the glass. Easy to like, with aromas and flavors of black cherry
and spicy oak. Very open and giving in a mid-weight style, picking up
flavor intensity over time in the glass. More fruit and structure than
the Trader Joe’s Sta. Rita Hills bottling and some may find that more
appealing. Sean Minor is a reliable value-priced wine producer.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 10, 2021
ARTICLE »
2018 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $14.49
(Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa). Vinted and bottled by Sean Minor, American
Canyon, Napa County, CA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Very engaging scent of cherry and baking spices. Delicious mid-weight
core of fresh Bing cherry fruit goodness along with a touch of cola and
spice. Very accommodating balance with some finishing power and
length. No oak in sight. A fantastic value.
Score: 90.
Reviewed November 12, 2020
ARTICLE »
2016 Sean Minor Four Bears Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.57, $15.99. Vinted and
bottled by Sean Minor, Graton, CA. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak, fermented in stainless
steel open-top fermenters with daily punch downs. Aged in oak.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass.
The aroma of black cherry is set off by oak-driven toast and burnt tobacco. Easy drinking in a
straight forward style, with a core of cherry accompanied by swank oak. Sleek in the mouth with
imperceptible tannins.
Score: 88.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Sean Minor Sangiacomo-Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.76, TA
0.54, $48.99. Vinted and bottled by Sean Minor, Sonoma, CA. This vineyard, planted in 1999, is located at the
base of Sonoma Mountain at the far northern edge of the Petaluma Gap. A blend of Dijon 777 and Pommard
clones. 100% de-stemmed, natural yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters, daily punch downs. Aged 10
months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Mellow aromas of black
cherry pie and biscuit. A sophisticated wine that attracts by its polished and balanced demeanor. Extroverted
flavors of black cherry and blackberry are framed by modest tannins and complimentary oak. The pedigree of
the fruit shines through.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Point North Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.58, $21.99. Produced and bottled by Sean
Minor, American Canyon, Napa County, CA. A blend of grapes from vineyards in the Willamette Valley and
Umpqua Valley. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, fermented in open-top bins and stainless steel
fermenters, and aged 6 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Very light ruby red color in the glass. Very shy
aromas of red cherry and berry with cozy oak. Light in weight and somewhat austere, offering the essence of
oak-infused cherry flavor and gossamer tannins. A simple wine that probably would taste best slightly chilled.
Score: 86.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.56, $21.99. Produced
and bottled by Sean Minor, American Canyon, Napa County, CA. A blend of Dijon and Pommard
clones. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak, fermented in open-top fermenters with daily punch
downs. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Moderate light garnet color in the glass.
Demure but likable aromas of dark red cherry and berry, fertile earth and seasoned oak lead to an
easy drinking mid weight wine with plenty of ripe cherry and blackberry flavor to satisfy. Admirable
balance, with a sleek mouthfeel and a modest, but pleasing finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2012 Sean Minor Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.57, $9.99. A blend from five
appellations, mostly Monterey County. 100% Pinot Noir. Fermented in open-top stainless steel fermenters with
punch downs two to three times a day. Aged in oak.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy
aromas of berries, underbrush and oak. Darker berries, black cherries and plum fruit flavors are featured in a
mid weight style that is soft in the mouth with some finishing intensity. Juicy fruit flavor but there is too much
oak on board.
Score: 85.
Reviewed December 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Sean Minor Four Bears Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $11.99, screwcap.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherries, strawberries, anise, pipe smoke, spice and mowed
grass. Juicy and frisky, with very little tannin, offering bright flavors of cherries, strawberries, raspberries, earth
and sweet smoky oak. Decent.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Sean Minor Four Bears Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
$12, screw cap.
·
Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Darker
fruits are featured with added aromas of kitchen spice, oak and cut
flowers. Very soft on the palate with a tasty array of dark red cherry,
black raspberry and blueberry flavors enhanced by a touch of oak.
Moderately light and easy to drink with commendable tannic support.
Lacks finishing strength but otherwise is quite impressive at this price
level. Good (+).
Reviewed February 22, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Sean Minor Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $14.
·
Medium
reddish-purple hue in the glass. Shy aromas of dark fruits, forest floor
and oak. Lighter weight flavors of dark raspberries and blackberries
with a subtle smoky, oak char undertone that dissipates over time in
the glass. Velvety soft in the mouth. This wine could use more time in
bottle. Decant if you pop a cork now. Good (+).
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Sean Minor Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $14.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass.
Earthy black fruit on the nose which is very shy. Somewhat rich flavors of red and black plum with a hint of
spice and oak. The wine has a silky presence on the palate with good tannic spine and a refreshing cut of
acidity on the finish. A pleasant drink and solid for its price range. Decent.
Reviewed February 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Sean Minor 4 Bears Winery Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc.,pH 3.63, $17 (but available for as little as $13). 100% Pinot Noir
and a blend of Pommard and Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed, coldsoaked
for 3 days, aged 9 months in 15% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate ruby hue in the glass. Striking perfume of strawberries,
raspberries, pear and savory spices. Tasty red, blue and black berry
core with a cola and oak note. Quite smooth on the palate and will attract many
fans, especially at the low price. A local retailer I know blew out cases of this
wine. Will stand up to hearty fare. Very good.
Reviewed November 7, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Sean Minor 4 Bears Napa Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
$13.
·
A spicy mother on the nose and palate with added interest from
scents and flavors of strawberries, woodshed and cardamon. Lightbodied
but pleasing with enough tannin to support the splashy fruit.
True to the varietal and surprisingly good for the price.
Very good (-).
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2019 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $16.49 at retailers such as Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa, CA. Vinted and bottled by Sean Minor, American Canyon, Napa, CA. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Easy to like, with aromas and flavors of black cherry and spicy oak. Very open and giving in a mid-weight style, picking up flavor intensity over time in the glass. More fruit and structure than the Trader Joe’s Sta. Rita Hills bottling and some may find that more appealing. Sean Minor is a reliable value-priced wine producer. Score: 91. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »
2018 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $14.49 (Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa). Vinted and bottled by Sean Minor, American Canyon, Napa County, CA. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very engaging scent of cherry and baking spices. Delicious mid-weight core of fresh Bing cherry fruit goodness along with a touch of cola and spice. Very accommodating balance with some finishing power and length. No oak in sight. A fantastic value. Score: 90. Reviewed November 12, 2020 ARTICLE »
2016 Sean Minor Four Bears Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.57, $15.99. Vinted and bottled by Sean Minor, Graton, CA. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak, fermented in stainless steel open-top fermenters with daily punch downs. Aged in oak. · Light ruby red color in the glass. The aroma of black cherry is set off by oak-driven toast and burnt tobacco. Easy drinking in a straight forward style, with a core of cherry accompanied by swank oak. Sleek in the mouth with imperceptible tannins. Score: 88. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Sean Minor Sangiacomo-Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.54, $48.99. Vinted and bottled by Sean Minor, Sonoma, CA. This vineyard, planted in 1999, is located at the base of Sonoma Mountain at the far northern edge of the Petaluma Gap. A blend of Dijon 777 and Pommard clones. 100% de-stemmed, natural yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters, daily punch downs. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Mellow aromas of black cherry pie and biscuit. A sophisticated wine that attracts by its polished and balanced demeanor. Extroverted flavors of black cherry and blackberry are framed by modest tannins and complimentary oak. The pedigree of the fruit shines through. Score: 92. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Point North Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.58, $21.99. Produced and bottled by Sean Minor, American Canyon, Napa County, CA. A blend of grapes from vineyards in the Willamette Valley and Umpqua Valley. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, fermented in open-top bins and stainless steel fermenters, and aged 6 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Very light ruby red color in the glass. Very shy aromas of red cherry and berry with cozy oak. Light in weight and somewhat austere, offering the essence of oak-infused cherry flavor and gossamer tannins. A simple wine that probably would taste best slightly chilled. Score: 86. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.56, $21.99. Produced and bottled by Sean Minor, American Canyon, Napa County, CA. A blend of Dijon and Pommard clones. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak, fermented in open-top fermenters with daily punch downs. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate light garnet color in the glass. Demure but likable aromas of dark red cherry and berry, fertile earth and seasoned oak lead to an easy drinking mid weight wine with plenty of ripe cherry and blackberry flavor to satisfy. Admirable balance, with a sleek mouthfeel and a modest, but pleasing finish. Score: 89. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2012 Sean Minor Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.57, $9.99. A blend from five appellations, mostly Monterey County. 100% Pinot Noir. Fermented in open-top stainless steel fermenters with punch downs two to three times a day. Aged in oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of berries, underbrush and oak. Darker berries, black cherries and plum fruit flavors are featured in a mid weight style that is soft in the mouth with some finishing intensity. Juicy fruit flavor but there is too much oak on board. Score: 85. Reviewed December 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Sean Minor Four Bears Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $11.99, screwcap. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherries, strawberries, anise, pipe smoke, spice and mowed grass. Juicy and frisky, with very little tannin, offering bright flavors of cherries, strawberries, raspberries, earth and sweet smoky oak. Decent. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Sean Minor Four Bears Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $12, screw cap. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Darker fruits are featured with added aromas of kitchen spice, oak and cut flowers. Very soft on the palate with a tasty array of dark red cherry, black raspberry and blueberry flavors enhanced by a touch of oak. Moderately light and easy to drink with commendable tannic support. Lacks finishing strength but otherwise is quite impressive at this price level. Good (+). Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Sean Minor Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $14. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Shy aromas of dark fruits, forest floor and oak. Lighter weight flavors of dark raspberries and blackberries with a subtle smoky, oak char undertone that dissipates over time in the glass. Velvety soft in the mouth. This wine could use more time in bottle. Decant if you pop a cork now. Good (+). Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Sean Minor Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $14. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Earthy black fruit on the nose which is very shy. Somewhat rich flavors of red and black plum with a hint of spice and oak. The wine has a silky presence on the palate with good tannic spine and a refreshing cut of acidity on the finish. A pleasant drink and solid for its price range. Decent. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Sean Minor 4 Bears Winery Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,pH 3.63, $17 (but available for as little as $13). 100% Pinot Noir and a blend of Pommard and Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed, coldsoaked for 3 days, aged 9 months in 15% new French oak barrels. · Moderate ruby hue in the glass. Striking perfume of strawberries, raspberries, pear and savory spices. Tasty red, blue and black berry core with a cola and oak note. Quite smooth on the palate and will attract many fans, especially at the low price. A local retailer I know blew out cases of this wine. Will stand up to hearty fare. Very good. Reviewed November 7, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Sean Minor 4 Bears Napa Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $13. · A spicy mother on the nose and palate with added interest from scents and flavors of strawberries, woodshed and cardamon. Lightbodied but pleasing with enough tannin to support the splashy fruit. True to the varietal and surprisingly good for the price. Very good (-). Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »