Dec 30, 2022
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De La Montanya Estate Vineyards and Winery
| Owner(s) | Dennis De La Montanya |
| Web site | www.dlmwine.com |
| Link to this site |
De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery, founded in 2003, is located just off Westside Road on Foreman Road (halfway between Armida and Twomey). Proprietor and winemaker, Dennis De La Montanya has followed in the footsteps of his family’s legacy, the seventh generation in a long line of farmers and purveyors of wine who often doubled as judges, wine smugglers, outlaws and other suspicious characters. Dennis farms over 200 acres in Sonoma County. The tasteful barn-inspired tasting room and winery is but three miles from the town of Healdsburg. Dennis has a wood-burning pizza oven on the premises, a bocce ball court, and a picnic area shaded by mature apple trees. He rents out an adjacent lodging known as the “Little Yellow Cottage,” which has all of the comforts of home and overlooks the Felta Creek Vineyard on the property.
Dennis is the type of winemaker you love to hang out with. Unpretentious and humorous, with a dry wit and twinkle in his eye, he never takes himself or his wines too seriously, although his wines are produced with the utmost care and attention. With 30 different wines offered in 25 to 250 case lots, there is something to appeal to everyone. The wines run the gamut from the unusual (Primitivo and Tempranillo) to the tried and true (Zinfandel and Cabernet), to Pinot Noir, and to several white varietals. And adding spice to the lineup, he bottles a “Pin-Up” series of wines featuring attractive ladies in pin-up poses on the front labels for sale only at the winery (the labels are not enticing to those stiffs at the government). Unfortunately, there is no Pinot Noir with a pin-up label but this is understandable since Dennis’s Pinot Noirs are quite serious wines.
The current co-winemaker with Dennis is Tami Collins (sister of winery co-founder Tina De La Montanya) and the long-time consulting winemaker is Michael Loykasek.
A very nice tasting room is open Mon-Fri 11:00-5:00 ($5).
Articles About De La Montanya Estate Vineyards and Winery
2006 Sonoma County Harvest Wine Competition (6.13 1/22/2007)
Checking in with De La Montanya (8.17 6/21/2010)
DLM: Hidden Gem Off Westside Road (6.39 9/10/2007)
De La Montanya: So Many Choices (7.21 7/9/2009)
On The Pinot Trail: Pigs & Pinot (8.13 4/8/2010)
On the Pinot Trail at De La Montanya & Cuvaison (9.29 9/5/2013)
Pinot Noir & Journey Unite for Charity (6.3 11/7/2006)
Pinots from the Edge (6.57 4/7/2008)
Small Sips of Pinot (8.14 4/23/2010)
Reviewed Wines
2011 De La Montanya Tina's Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $40.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Bright red cherry and cranberry aromas and flavors carried by lively acidity. A slight
green herbal note runs through this relatively lean wine that finishes with a tart, citrus-infused cherry aroma.
Just not enough fruit to carry it through. Best if chilled.
Score: 85.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 De La Montanya Calandrelli Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $45. From a vineyard planted in 2006 to “828,” Pommard and 777.
Aged 11 months.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Wild
raspberries and cherries show up on the fragrant nose that includes hints of
cinnamon and nutmeg. Impressive, creamy fullness on the palate featuring an
array of dark red and black stone fruits and berries, finishing with generous
persistence. Clearly the most outstanding Pinot Noir in the 2011 DLM lineup.
Score: 91.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 De La Montanya Christine's Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $45.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple hue in the glass. Lighter bodied than the 2010 vintage, but fresher, with more Pinot finesse and
charm. Lovely aromas of fresh cherry pie glaze and baking spices. Discreetly concentrated essence of wellspiced
cherry and raspberry flavors with suave tannins and admirable balance.
Score: 88.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $45.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. More roundness and interest than Tina!s in this vintage. Nicely spiced
cherries show up on the nose and palate that has balanced tannins and easy drink ability. A streak of savory
herbs runs through.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 De La Cain Whitesnake Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $30. Produced in conjunction with
David Cloverdale of the band Whitesnake. A blend of barrels chosen after the single vineyard barrels are
determined.
·
Fragrant with aromas of strawberries, cherries and spice. Mid weight red fruit flavors with a smoky
undertone, backed by modest tannins and finishing with a kiss of cherries.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 De La Montanya Tina's Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $40.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherries and baking spice lead to a focused attack of cherry flavor
underpinned with complimentary oak. Light and elegant with suave tannins and good acidity.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 De La Montanya Christine's Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., $45. Late picked at
average Brix of 25.5º.
·
Dark cherries are the theme on the nose and palate. This fruit-driven wine has
impressive mid palate richness backed by supple tannins and a good handle of oak.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $45. From a 60-acre
vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. Dijon 115 with a small amount of “828.”
·
Hi-tone aromatics featuring darker
cherries and berries with a subtle note of oak spice. Moderately rich and sappy with very ripe cherry and
currant flavors. An enjoyable wine with balanced tannins and a noticeably long finish.
Score: 88.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 De La Montanya Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., 48 cases, $50 (sold out). Sourced
from Christine!s Vineyard and Flying Rooster Ranch. Aged 13 months in 50% new French oak.
·
Moderate
reddish-purple color in the glass. Dark Bing cherries and baking spice are featured on the expressive nose.
Full throttle, sappy dark cherry flavor with notes of cola and new oak. Similar to Christine!s Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Tasted later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine leaned more heavily on oak
and was a touch hot on the finish.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 De La Cain Finale Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 53 cases, $60.
Produced in conjunction with the band Journey. A “grand reserve” selection of
the two best barrels in the cellar. 100% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium
reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with extravagant aromas of
red fruits, potpourri and spice. Silky and seductive on the palate, feature a tasty
core of red cherry fruit and oak-driven notes of brown spice, dark chocolate and
toast. Admirable elegance with supple tannins and bright acidity. Outstanding.
Score: 91.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2008 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 48 cases,
Unreleased. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
This is a special wine
which displays features of both the Tina’s and Christine’s bottlings. Both
red and black fruits are evident with a perfect integration of oak.
Delicately styled like the Tina’s, but showing more fruit and intensity and
savory notes like Christine’s. The whole package is sensual and
seductive.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 307 cases, $40. 75% Pommard and 25% Dijon clones. Aged 11
months in French oak barrels.
·
Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red
cherries, berries, herbs and underbrush. Light on the palate but moderately
intense in flavor featuring notes of strawberries, Bing cherries, baking spices
and even a hint of red apple. A generally riper fruit profile than the 2007 vintage
displaying a little warmth on the finish. Very good.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 47 cases, $45
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. An
appealingly fruity nose showing fresh dark stone fruits and a hint of herbal oak.
Very taste essence of black cherries and plums with riffs of brown sugar, anise
and oak wrapped in smooth tannins and finishing with a welcoming grip of
acidity. Still young and needs to further integrate the oak, but Very good now.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Flying Rooster Red Sonoma Coast
14.2% alc., $22. A blend of Pinot Noir (75%) and
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot.
·
Rich and plush with hardy fruit, a nice kiss of
oak and some persistence on the finish. Not for Pinot Noir purists, but a great inexpensive summer
barbecue wine.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Felta Creek Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 150 cases, $24. Sourced from Flying
Rooster Ranch and Marg’s Vineyard.
·
A lightly weighted wine that is true to the varietal with dark red
fruits supported by a sidecar of oak and good acidity. The silky texture makes for easy drinking.
Excellent value in a Pinot Noir for the everyday man. Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco
Chronicle Wine Competition in its class.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Felta Creek Pinot Squared Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 13.6
13.6% alc., 74 cases, $32. A unique
combination of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier.
·
A fruity nose leads to slightly tart flavors of red
cherries, herbs and leaf. Light in weight and a decent quaffer.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $40. Pommard clone.
·
Very fragrant nose of Bing cherries and baking spices. Generous sweet Pinot flavors on the mid-palate focused
on cherries. Very harmonious with svelte tannins and a good grip of acidity. Always the most finesse in the
lineup, this is a wine of slender grace.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $40. 75% Pommard and 25% Dijon clones. Aged 11 months in
French oak barrels.
·
Delicately colored in the glass. The perfume is a dead
ringer for a nicely spiced warm cherry pie. An elegant wine with juicy red fruits
and gossamer tannins. Like drinking mother’s milk. Very good.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $45. Dijon clones.
·
Darker fruit and more intensity than the Tina’s with tasty notes of cola, savory herbs and blueberries. Soft and
smooth in the mouth with a finish that goes on and on.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 De La Cain Chanconne Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 75 cases,
$50. Chanconne means slow dance in French. Sourced from 3 vineyards.
·
Aromas of
super ripe fruit including roasted plum and black raspberries, with hints of maple syrup
and cigar box. Explosion of intense, ripe dark fruit attacks the mid-palate with
undertones of black tea and sassafras. Smoothly textured with modest tannins and
admirable balance. A big-boned wine for hedonists that veers to the super ripe side.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 50 cases, $50. This
wine received 3 more months of barrel age. Composed primarily of fruit from Tina’s Vineyard with some
Ridgeway Vineyard added in. Only two barrels, 100% new French oak.
·
Masses of perfumed fruit on
the nose with a sappy aromatic core that is plush but retains a pleasing elegance. Supple tannins, deft
touch of oak and lively acidity. The berry fruit fragrance returns to haunt the memorable finish.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 74 cases, $50. Aged in 50%
new French oak.
·
Penetrating and vibrant aromas of Bing cherries, summer herbs and oak. Flavorful and
mouth coating cherry essence with reserved tannins and noticeable persistence on the fruity finish. Still
sporting plenty of oak which shows up on the finish over time. Good, but over oaked for me.
Reviewed April 23, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Felta Creek Vineyards Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 95 cases,
$24. Vinified at Laetitia Winery in Arroyo Grande for De La Montanya.
·
Very enticing aromas of crushed
black cherries, herbs, and oak char. On the palate, the attack of dark berry and dark stone fruits is lipsmacking
and the soft texture is alluring. The tannins are noticeable but reigned-in.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 100 cases, $36.
·
Dazzling aromas of red cherry, concord
grape and cocoa. On the palate, there is a lovely potpourri of cherries,
strawberries, black raspberries and a subtle sidecar of oak. The finish is
clean and dry. Medium-bodied and fruit-forward, I like this wine for its
finesse and pinotypicity.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Ridgeway Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 146 cases, $38.
·
Lighter in color and weight than the other wines in the lineup, but don’t let that deceive you. Plenty to like
here from the aromas of cherries, rhubarb and damp earth, to delicious flavors of dried cherry kissed by
spice and herbs. Elegant and feminine and tres Pinot.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 47 cases, $40.
·
Lovely nose of cherries, roses, Asian spice and a hint of anise. The flavors echo the aromas. Crisp and
clean in the mouth. This wine delivers the best aromatics of the lineup, but the fruit is lacking some intensity
and complexity on the palate compared to the other wines.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 137 cases, $40.
75% Pommard, 25% Dijon clone.
·
Alluring scents of fresh Bing cherries highlighted by oak spice. Terrific
mouth full of sweet cherries and a sidecar of cola, gingerbread and herbs. Like sucking on an adult gourmet
cherry popsicle. Refreshing kick of acidity on the aromatic back end. A complete and exquisite wine
of great purity.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 48 cases, $50.
·
This is
truly a reserve wine in every sense of the word. The nose is richer, more darkly fruited and beautifully
enhanced by oak notes of char and vanilla (50% new oak here). Very plush on the palate with black
cherry, cassis, plum, dark chocolate and vanilla flavors. There is admirable complexity here and plenty to
contemplate. The tannins are fine-grained and the finish lingers on and on. Give this wine a year or two
while you drink the others in the lineup and you will be suitably rewarded.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya De La Cain “Chanconne” Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 50 cases,
$55 (approx). (Sampled from unlabelled bottle, originally labeled Sonoma Coast but RRV fruit included
as well). A top-of-the-line reserve type bottling.
·
The aromatics are brooding and shy with dark
fruits and spice lurking. Very plush blackberry and black raspberry fruit which needs time in the glass to
blossom. Nicely spiced oak flavors as well. Velveteen texture, beautifully balanced. Plenty of potential,
but needs time to come out of its shell.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Rooster Sonoma Coast Red Wine
Wine 14.7% alc., $20. 80% Pinot Noir, 10% Syrah, and
10% Cabernet Franc.
·
This is an every-day drinker, not intended for serious pinotphiles. It is pleasant
enough, but finishes more like a Syrah than a Pinot.
Reviewed November 7, 2006
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 307 cases, $32. 75% Pommard, 25% Dijon
·
The aromatics are interesting with barnyard, woodshed and root
beer. Light to medium bodied in structure. Cherry, plum and spiced raisins lead the flavor profile. Lively
acidity on the finish. Very enjoyable.
Reviewed September 10, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 307 cases, $32.
75% Pommard and 25% Dijon clones.
·
This is a lightly-hued Pinot which needs some time in the bottle to
flash more fruit structure. The spicy nose is very appealing. The most feminine Pinot in the lineup.
Reviewed November 7, 2006
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4%
alc., $32.
·
Shy perfume of red cherries and Provencal herbs. Nicely composed
flavors of tart cherries, strawberries, baking spice, cookie dough and herbs. The
tannins are very supple and the finish has a good lift of acidity. A demure wine with
considerable charm that is aging gracefully.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Meunier
13.4% alc., 72 cases, $34.
Pinot Meunier is a descendent of Pinot Noir that is the most widely planted grape in Champagne. The
flavor profile is similar to Pinot Noir and has great charm when young. It is less tannic than Pinot Noir.
Very few producers in California bottle it as a varietal, the most notable being Domaine Chandon.
·
Berries, toast and coffee on the nose. Berry pie flavors. Smooth, soft and easy to drink. Not flamboyant or
particularly complex, but a nice drink.
Reviewed September 10, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Estate Vineyards Pinot Meunier
13.4% alc., 72 cases, $34.
·
I tasted this wine
from barrel last year and it was flush with fruit. Currently it is a little closed, especially the aromatics,
There is very decent tart cherries, cranberries, red licorice, and raspberries in the flavor profile along
with some smoke from oak. The wine has lively acidity.
Reviewed November 7, 2006
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Sonoma Coast Pinot Meunier
13.4% alc., $34. One of the few wineries in
California that bottles this varietal as a stand-alone wine. I tasted this in barrel last year and like it and it is really showing beautifully now. A great wine to stump your wine geek friends with. fruits delicately
spice. Straight forward, soft, clean and easy to drink.
·
Very nice aromatics
of wild berries, oak spice, buttered toast and new-mown hay. Very juicy darker fruits delicately
spice. Straight forward, soft, clean and easy to drink.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 47 cases, $36.
·
A lot of dirt in this
wine. An earthy nose leads to blue fruit flavors including plum
and blackberry with a touch of anise. A very rich wine lacking a
bit of acidity and showing some heat on the backend.
Reviewed September 10, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 47 cases, $36.
·
This could turn out to be the star of the lineup. It is well balanced, silky, and finishes with plush Pinot fruits
and spice. There is some earthiness and tea notes here as well. Plenty of structure, but light on its feet. A
wine for Pinot lovers.
Reviewed November 7, 2006
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 241 cases, $38.
·
This beauty hits you immediately with a nose of bright cherries and floral notes. A substantial mouth feel
and a long finish make this wine very promising.
Reviewed November 7, 2006
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 241 cases, $40.
·
Bright cherry and
spice with toast on the nose. Rich, dark fruits including raisin
create a full mouth feel. The tannins are fine-grained and the
finish is clean.
Reviewed September 10, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot
14.2% alc., 46 cases, $42.
·
This wine has shed some
weight since tasted last year for the better. It leads off with
cherry, exotic wood and a hint of oak. Black cherries and
brown sugar lead the flavor parade with healthy acidity around the core of solid but nimble fruit. Unlike a
lot of reserve wines, it is not heavily extracted and over-oaked and retains an attraction for food.
Reviewed September 10, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7%, 48 cases, $42. Pommard,
and Dijon 777 clones, this is sourced from Tina’s Vineyard. The difference is this one is aged in 90%
new oak (according to Dennis but label says 50%).
·
This is the Pamela Anderson in the lineup. Voluptuous
fruit in the nose and on the palate. Noticeable vanilla and toast on the nose. A ‘wow’ finish of big
plumy raspberry infused fruit. Very showy right now. Parkeresque.
Reviewed November 7, 2006
ARTICLE »
2005 Generations De La Montanya-Journey Sonoma County Red Wine
14.7% alc., 300 bottles, $95
(2 bottle limit). The Generations red wine is sourced from De La Montanya’s vineyards in Sonoma
County (currently over 160 acres). It is composed of 75% Pinot Noir, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%
Cabernet Franc, and 5% Pinot Meunier.
·
A deep, richly colored wine with a toasty nose of dark stone
fruits. Black raspberry, mocha and a hint of tobacco march on the palate. More Pinot in the mid-palate
and more Cab on the finish. Even better the next day when the fruit becomes sweeter and more lush.
Reviewed November 7, 2006
ARTICLE »
2004 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0%
alc.. 75% Pommard, 25% Dijon clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet color. Alluring aromas of cherries, baking spice and oak.
Sweet-fruited palate of strawberries, cherries and pomegranate with bright acidity. A
touch richer than the 2005 vintage with more fruit and less spice. A nice package
with admirable finesse.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2011 De La Montanya Tina's Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $40. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Bright red cherry and cranberry aromas and flavors carried by lively acidity. A slight green herbal note runs through this relatively lean wine that finishes with a tart, citrus-infused cherry aroma. Just not enough fruit to carry it through. Best if chilled. Score: 85. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 De La Montanya Calandrelli Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $45. From a vineyard planted in 2006 to “828,” Pommard and 777. Aged 11 months. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Wild raspberries and cherries show up on the fragrant nose that includes hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Impressive, creamy fullness on the palate featuring an array of dark red and black stone fruits and berries, finishing with generous persistence. Clearly the most outstanding Pinot Noir in the 2011 DLM lineup. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 De La Montanya Christine's Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $45. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Lighter bodied than the 2010 vintage, but fresher, with more Pinot finesse and charm. Lovely aromas of fresh cherry pie glaze and baking spices. Discreetly concentrated essence of wellspiced cherry and raspberry flavors with suave tannins and admirable balance. Score: 88. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $45. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. More roundness and interest than Tina!s in this vintage. Nicely spiced cherries show up on the nose and palate that has balanced tannins and easy drink ability. A streak of savory herbs runs through. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 De La Cain Whitesnake Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $30. Produced in conjunction with David Cloverdale of the band Whitesnake. A blend of barrels chosen after the single vineyard barrels are determined. · Fragrant with aromas of strawberries, cherries and spice. Mid weight red fruit flavors with a smoky undertone, backed by modest tannins and finishing with a kiss of cherries. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 De La Montanya Tina's Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $40. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherries and baking spice lead to a focused attack of cherry flavor underpinned with complimentary oak. Light and elegant with suave tannins and good acidity. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 De La Montanya Christine's Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., $45. Late picked at average Brix of 25.5º. · Dark cherries are the theme on the nose and palate. This fruit-driven wine has impressive mid palate richness backed by supple tannins and a good handle of oak. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $45. From a 60-acre vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. Dijon 115 with a small amount of “828.” · Hi-tone aromatics featuring darker cherries and berries with a subtle note of oak spice. Moderately rich and sappy with very ripe cherry and currant flavors. An enjoyable wine with balanced tannins and a noticeably long finish. Score: 88. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 De La Montanya Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., 48 cases, $50 (sold out). Sourced from Christine!s Vineyard and Flying Rooster Ranch. Aged 13 months in 50% new French oak. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Dark Bing cherries and baking spice are featured on the expressive nose. Full throttle, sappy dark cherry flavor with notes of cola and new oak. Similar to Christine!s Vineyard Pinot Noir. Tasted later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine leaned more heavily on oak and was a touch hot on the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 De La Cain Finale Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 53 cases, $60. Produced in conjunction with the band Journey. A “grand reserve” selection of the two best barrels in the cellar. 100% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with extravagant aromas of red fruits, potpourri and spice. Silky and seductive on the palate, feature a tasty core of red cherry fruit and oak-driven notes of brown spice, dark chocolate and toast. Admirable elegance with supple tannins and bright acidity. Outstanding. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2008 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 48 cases, Unreleased. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · This is a special wine which displays features of both the Tina’s and Christine’s bottlings. Both red and black fruits are evident with a perfect integration of oak. Delicately styled like the Tina’s, but showing more fruit and intensity and savory notes like Christine’s. The whole package is sensual and seductive. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 307 cases, $40. 75% Pommard and 25% Dijon clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherries, berries, herbs and underbrush. Light on the palate but moderately intense in flavor featuring notes of strawberries, Bing cherries, baking spices and even a hint of red apple. A generally riper fruit profile than the 2007 vintage displaying a little warmth on the finish. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 47 cases, $45 · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. An appealingly fruity nose showing fresh dark stone fruits and a hint of herbal oak. Very taste essence of black cherries and plums with riffs of brown sugar, anise and oak wrapped in smooth tannins and finishing with a welcoming grip of acidity. Still young and needs to further integrate the oak, but Very good now. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Flying Rooster Red Sonoma Coast
14.2% alc., $22. A blend of Pinot Noir (75%) and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. · Rich and plush with hardy fruit, a nice kiss of oak and some persistence on the finish. Not for Pinot Noir purists, but a great inexpensive summer barbecue wine. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Felta Creek Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 150 cases, $24. Sourced from Flying Rooster Ranch and Marg’s Vineyard. · A lightly weighted wine that is true to the varietal with dark red fruits supported by a sidecar of oak and good acidity. The silky texture makes for easy drinking. Excellent value in a Pinot Noir for the everyday man. Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in its class. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Felta Creek Pinot Squared Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 13.6
13.6% alc., 74 cases, $32. A unique combination of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier. · A fruity nose leads to slightly tart flavors of red cherries, herbs and leaf. Light in weight and a decent quaffer. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $40. Pommard clone. · Very fragrant nose of Bing cherries and baking spices. Generous sweet Pinot flavors on the mid-palate focused on cherries. Very harmonious with svelte tannins and a good grip of acidity. Always the most finesse in the lineup, this is a wine of slender grace. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $40. 75% Pommard and 25% Dijon clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Delicately colored in the glass. The perfume is a dead ringer for a nicely spiced warm cherry pie. An elegant wine with juicy red fruits and gossamer tannins. Like drinking mother’s milk. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $45. Dijon clones. · Darker fruit and more intensity than the Tina’s with tasty notes of cola, savory herbs and blueberries. Soft and smooth in the mouth with a finish that goes on and on. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 De La Cain Chanconne Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 75 cases, $50. Chanconne means slow dance in French. Sourced from 3 vineyards. · Aromas of super ripe fruit including roasted plum and black raspberries, with hints of maple syrup and cigar box. Explosion of intense, ripe dark fruit attacks the mid-palate with undertones of black tea and sassafras. Smoothly textured with modest tannins and admirable balance. A big-boned wine for hedonists that veers to the super ripe side. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 50 cases, $50. This wine received 3 more months of barrel age. Composed primarily of fruit from Tina’s Vineyard with some Ridgeway Vineyard added in. Only two barrels, 100% new French oak. · Masses of perfumed fruit on the nose with a sappy aromatic core that is plush but retains a pleasing elegance. Supple tannins, deft touch of oak and lively acidity. The berry fruit fragrance returns to haunt the memorable finish. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 74 cases, $50. Aged in 50% new French oak. · Penetrating and vibrant aromas of Bing cherries, summer herbs and oak. Flavorful and mouth coating cherry essence with reserved tannins and noticeable persistence on the fruity finish. Still sporting plenty of oak which shows up on the finish over time. Good, but over oaked for me. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Felta Creek Vineyards Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 95 cases, $24. Vinified at Laetitia Winery in Arroyo Grande for De La Montanya. · Very enticing aromas of crushed black cherries, herbs, and oak char. On the palate, the attack of dark berry and dark stone fruits is lipsmacking and the soft texture is alluring. The tannins are noticeable but reigned-in. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 100 cases, $36. · Dazzling aromas of red cherry, concord grape and cocoa. On the palate, there is a lovely potpourri of cherries, strawberries, black raspberries and a subtle sidecar of oak. The finish is clean and dry. Medium-bodied and fruit-forward, I like this wine for its finesse and pinotypicity. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Ridgeway Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 146 cases, $38. · Lighter in color and weight than the other wines in the lineup, but don’t let that deceive you. Plenty to like here from the aromas of cherries, rhubarb and damp earth, to delicious flavors of dried cherry kissed by spice and herbs. Elegant and feminine and tres Pinot. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 47 cases, $40. · Lovely nose of cherries, roses, Asian spice and a hint of anise. The flavors echo the aromas. Crisp and clean in the mouth. This wine delivers the best aromatics of the lineup, but the fruit is lacking some intensity and complexity on the palate compared to the other wines. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 137 cases, $40. 75% Pommard, 25% Dijon clone. · Alluring scents of fresh Bing cherries highlighted by oak spice. Terrific mouth full of sweet cherries and a sidecar of cola, gingerbread and herbs. Like sucking on an adult gourmet cherry popsicle. Refreshing kick of acidity on the aromatic back end. A complete and exquisite wine of great purity. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 48 cases, $50. · This is truly a reserve wine in every sense of the word. The nose is richer, more darkly fruited and beautifully enhanced by oak notes of char and vanilla (50% new oak here). Very plush on the palate with black cherry, cassis, plum, dark chocolate and vanilla flavors. There is admirable complexity here and plenty to contemplate. The tannins are fine-grained and the finish lingers on and on. Give this wine a year or two while you drink the others in the lineup and you will be suitably rewarded. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 De La Montanya De La Cain “Chanconne” Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 50 cases, $55 (approx). (Sampled from unlabelled bottle, originally labeled Sonoma Coast but RRV fruit included as well). A top-of-the-line reserve type bottling. · The aromatics are brooding and shy with dark fruits and spice lurking. Very plush blackberry and black raspberry fruit which needs time in the glass to blossom. Nicely spiced oak flavors as well. Velveteen texture, beautifully balanced. Plenty of potential, but needs time to come out of its shell. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Rooster Sonoma Coast Red Wine
Wine 14.7% alc., $20. 80% Pinot Noir, 10% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Franc. · This is an every-day drinker, not intended for serious pinotphiles. It is pleasant enough, but finishes more like a Syrah than a Pinot. Reviewed November 7, 2006 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 307 cases, $32. 75% Pommard, 25% Dijon · The aromatics are interesting with barnyard, woodshed and root beer. Light to medium bodied in structure. Cherry, plum and spiced raisins lead the flavor profile. Lively acidity on the finish. Very enjoyable. Reviewed September 10, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 307 cases, $32. 75% Pommard and 25% Dijon clones. · This is a lightly-hued Pinot which needs some time in the bottle to flash more fruit structure. The spicy nose is very appealing. The most feminine Pinot in the lineup. Reviewed November 7, 2006 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $32. · Shy perfume of red cherries and Provencal herbs. Nicely composed flavors of tart cherries, strawberries, baking spice, cookie dough and herbs. The tannins are very supple and the finish has a good lift of acidity. A demure wine with considerable charm that is aging gracefully. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Meunier
13.4% alc., 72 cases, $34. Pinot Meunier is a descendent of Pinot Noir that is the most widely planted grape in Champagne. The flavor profile is similar to Pinot Noir and has great charm when young. It is less tannic than Pinot Noir. Very few producers in California bottle it as a varietal, the most notable being Domaine Chandon. · Berries, toast and coffee on the nose. Berry pie flavors. Smooth, soft and easy to drink. Not flamboyant or particularly complex, but a nice drink. Reviewed September 10, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Estate Vineyards Pinot Meunier
13.4% alc., 72 cases, $34. · I tasted this wine from barrel last year and it was flush with fruit. Currently it is a little closed, especially the aromatics, There is very decent tart cherries, cranberries, red licorice, and raspberries in the flavor profile along with some smoke from oak. The wine has lively acidity. Reviewed November 7, 2006 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Sonoma Coast Pinot Meunier
13.4% alc., $34. One of the few wineries in California that bottles this varietal as a stand-alone wine. I tasted this in barrel last year and like it and it is really showing beautifully now. A great wine to stump your wine geek friends with. fruits delicately spice. Straight forward, soft, clean and easy to drink. · Very nice aromatics of wild berries, oak spice, buttered toast and new-mown hay. Very juicy darker fruits delicately spice. Straight forward, soft, clean and easy to drink. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 47 cases, $36. · A lot of dirt in this wine. An earthy nose leads to blue fruit flavors including plum and blackberry with a touch of anise. A very rich wine lacking a bit of acidity and showing some heat on the backend. Reviewed September 10, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Flying Rooster Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 47 cases, $36. · This could turn out to be the star of the lineup. It is well balanced, silky, and finishes with plush Pinot fruits and spice. There is some earthiness and tea notes here as well. Plenty of structure, but light on its feet. A wine for Pinot lovers. Reviewed November 7, 2006 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 241 cases, $38. · This beauty hits you immediately with a nose of bright cherries and floral notes. A substantial mouth feel and a long finish make this wine very promising. Reviewed November 7, 2006 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Christine’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 241 cases, $40. · Bright cherry and spice with toast on the nose. Rich, dark fruits including raisin create a full mouth feel. The tannins are fine-grained and the finish is clean. Reviewed September 10, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot
14.2% alc., 46 cases, $42. · This wine has shed some weight since tasted last year for the better. It leads off with cherry, exotic wood and a hint of oak. Black cherries and brown sugar lead the flavor parade with healthy acidity around the core of solid but nimble fruit. Unlike a lot of reserve wines, it is not heavily extracted and over-oaked and retains an attraction for food. Reviewed September 10, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 De La Montanya Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7%, 48 cases, $42. Pommard, and Dijon 777 clones, this is sourced from Tina’s Vineyard. The difference is this one is aged in 90% new oak (according to Dennis but label says 50%). · This is the Pamela Anderson in the lineup. Voluptuous fruit in the nose and on the palate. Noticeable vanilla and toast on the nose. A ‘wow’ finish of big plumy raspberry infused fruit. Very showy right now. Parkeresque. Reviewed November 7, 2006 ARTICLE »
2005 Generations De La Montanya-Journey Sonoma County Red Wine
14.7% alc., 300 bottles, $95 (2 bottle limit). The Generations red wine is sourced from De La Montanya’s vineyards in Sonoma County (currently over 160 acres). It is composed of 75% Pinot Noir, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Pinot Meunier. · A deep, richly colored wine with a toasty nose of dark stone fruits. Black raspberry, mocha and a hint of tobacco march on the palate. More Pinot in the mid-palate and more Cab on the finish. Even better the next day when the fruit becomes sweeter and more lush. Reviewed November 7, 2006 ARTICLE »
2004 De La Montanya Tina’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc.. 75% Pommard, 25% Dijon clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color. Alluring aromas of cherries, baking spice and oak. Sweet-fruited palate of strawberries, cherries and pomegranate with bright acidity. A touch richer than the 2005 vintage with more fruit and less spice. A nice package with admirable finesse. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »