Dec 30, 2022
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Brooks Note
| Owner(s) | Garry Brooks, Joanne Brooks |
| Web site | www.brooks-note-winery.myshopify.com |
| Link to this site |
Brooks Note is a Forestville-based winery focusing on Pinot Noir.
A native of Maryland, Garret (Garry) Brooks came to the West Coast to serve in the Navy in San Diego. After his service tour, he obtained a business degree at University of San Diego. A job in technology took him to the San Francisco Bay Area where he worked for nine years. In 2002, he and his spouse Joanne, whose maiden name was Note, planted a small vineyard to Cabernet Sauvignon, later grafting it over to Pinot Noir.
In 2004, Garry left the lucrative world of technology to pursue his dream of making wine. He worked part time at Ravenswood while earning a degree in viticulture and enology from University of California at Davis. He made his first Pinot Noir at Acacia in 2007 and later moved on to Kosta Browne, working with Michael Browne and Shane Finley for two years. He then joined Dutton-Goldfield as assistant winemaker working under Dan Goldfield. Dan introduced him to the unique vineyards of Marin County.
Garry and Joanne launched their commercial label in 2011. Along with a Marin County Pinot Noir, Garry was able to obtain fruit from Weir Vineyard in the Yorkville Highlands.
There is limited retail and restaurant distribution in California. Visit the website to join the mailing list or to purchase wine.
Articles About Brooks Note
2014 California Value Priced Pinot Noir First Team All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2015 California Pinot Noir Value Priced Second Team All-Americans (10.23 12/27/2015)
2017 California Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
2018 California Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
2019 California Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
A Bounty of Ravishing California Pinot Noir Greets the New Year (11.16 1/6/2018)
Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards Part I: North Coast - Anderson Valley (12.20 8/2/2021)
Recent Tastings of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.39 2/22/2019)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir: The Bar Keeps Moving Higher (10.20 11/5/2015)
Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.46 1/15/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers (9.43 7/19/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir, Rosé & Chardonnay (10.8 4/20/2015)
Reviewed Wines
2016 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.63, 200 cases, $36. A blend of grapes
from Azaya Ranch (clones are Wädenswil 2A, 115, 667 and “”828.”) and Chileno Valley Vineyard (Pommard
and “828.”). 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak
barrels, 33% new, 33% once-filled and 33% neutral. Filtered and bottled in February 2017.
·
Moderate garnet
color in the glass. The nose is highly rewarding, featuring deep aromas of cherry, rose petal and baking spice.
Regal and silky in the mouth, with a core of dark chocolate covered black cherry flavor enhanced with an
earthy tone. Seamless, with a pleasing cherry-driven finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed February 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.65, 250 cases, $44.
Rochioli selection and Wädenswil 2A clone from the lower,
eastern block planted in 1992 and a Romaneé-Conti
selection from the higher, western block. 10% whole cluster.
3-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation. Aged 16 months
in French oak barrels, 33% new, 66% neutral. Bottled in
March 2017.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Seductive
aromas of black cherry, raspberry, spice cabinet and a hint of toasty
oak. Fresh and invigorating in the mouth, with a charge of ripe cherry
and raspberry fruit with a hint of cola. The tannic backbone is finely
tuned and the finish hangs on for what seems like at least 30 seconds.
A real charmer. You should stock up on this one at this price.
Score: 95.
Reviewed February 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 250 cases, $44. A Rochioli
selection and Wädenswil 2A clone from the eastern block and a DRC selection from the western block. 10%
whole cluster. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Terrific perfume of black cherry and baking spice aromas that leap from the glass. Light to mid-weight,
gloriously fresh flavors of strawberry, cherry, spice and tobacco framed by toned tannins. Lovely balance and a
very long, quenching finish. Still pumping out a deep well of fruit pleasure when tasted the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle. The vintner really hit the mark in this vintage. Reviewed January 2018.
Score: 95.
Reviewed July 26, 2021
ARTICLE »
2015 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.68, 175 cases, $36. A blend of grapes
from Kendric, Grossi Ranch and Chilean Valley vineyards. All three vineyards are on the Marin side of the
Petaluma Gap, although Grossi is just outside the southern border of the new AVA. Cold wind and fog lead to
thick-skinned grapes resulting in more structure and color in the wines. Cold nights and warm days provide
good acidity. A cold snap on Easter weekend caused frost damage throughout North Coast wine country and
decreased yields markedly. 10% whole cluster, open-top fermentation, 3-day cold soak, native yeast, aged 16
months in French oak barrels, 27% new, 27% once-filled and 46% neutral.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Nicely perfumed with aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, floral bouquet and feminine scent. Mid weight flavors
of purple and blackberries smoothly integrated with gentle tannins. Deft oak input, with bright acidity and an
uplifting finish. More sappy and heady when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked
bottle.
Score: 93.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.8% all., pH 3.60, TA 0.72, 230 cases, $44.
Rochioli and Wädenswil 2A clones from the lower, eastern
blocks, and Romanée-Conti clone from the western blocks.
10% whole cluster, open-top fermentation, 3-day cold soak,
native yeast, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33%
new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Terrific
aromas of black cherry and baking spices leap from the glass. Just
what you desire from Pinot. Light to mid weight gloriously fresh flavors
of strawberry, cherry, spice and tobacco framed by toned tannins.
Lovely balance and a very long, quenching finish. Still pumping out a
deep well of fruit pleasure when tasted the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle. The vintner really hit the mark
in this vintage!
Score: 95.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Brooks Note North Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.81, 50 cases, $20
(sold out in 3 days). Sourced from Chileno Valley Vineyard (30%), Azaya Ranch Vineyard (30%)
and Weir Vineyard (40%). After the fruit was sorted and de-stemmed but not crushed, about 10% of
the juice was drawn off to make the rosé. The juice was fermented cool and slow in neutral French
oak barrels where it underwent partial malolactic fermentation.
·
Moderate salmon color in the glass.
The aromas of strawberry, peach and floral shop pick up intensity over time in the glass. Very
harmonious, with flavors of strawberry, cherry, and watermelon, offering some length to the lipsmacking
finish. The soft texture is particularly appealing and sensual.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
ARTICLE »
2014 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.68, 250 cases, $36. A
blend from Chileno Valley Vineyard (46%) and Azaya Ranch Vineyard (54%). Clones are
Wädenswil 2A, Dijon 115 and 667 (Azaya Ranch) and Pommard and “828” (Chileno Valley). About
10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast inaugurated fermentation, aged 16 months in
French oak barrels, 27% new, 27% once-filled and 46% neutral. Bottled March 2016.
·
Moderately
light reddish purple color in the glass. I had to dig deep to pull out the shy aromas of earthembossed
cherry, plum, boysenberry, fall forest floor, and floral bouquet. Light to mid weight in
style, with flavors of plum, red and purple berry and pomegranate. Sleek in the mouth, with supportive tannins,
and good lift and juiciness. Forward drinking and pleasing. A very attractive value.
Score: 90.
Reviewed January 16, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.70, 140 cases,
$44. Rochioli and Wädenswil clones from the lower eastern blocks and RC clone from the western blocks. 10%
whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast start to fermentation, clones kept separate and blended before
bottling. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled March 2016.
·
Light reddish purple color in the
glass. Both savory and fruity aromas show up with a hint of sandalwood. Elegant and bright on the palate,
bursting with flavors of dark red cherry and berry. The fruit really locks onto the palate and holds on through a
very generous finish. Light in color and body, yet delivers a wallop of flavor, and has just enough fine-grain
tannins to deliver a compliment of textural interest.
Score: 92.
Reviewed January 16, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Brooks Note North Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $20. 59% Marin County
and 41% Yorkville Highlands fruit.
·
Moderately deep pinkish orange color in the glass. Shy
aromas of red berries, stone fruits and dried herbs. The wine comes alive on the palate
with bright flavors of herb-dusted strawberry and raspberry. Substantial body and
impressive finishing length for a Rosé. This wine will stand up to hearty foods.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.69, 250 cases, $36.
Sourced from Chileno Valley Vineyard (46%) and Azaya Ranch Vineyard (54%), both located on
the Marin side of the Petaluma Gap. 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast initiated
fermentation, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 27% new, 27% once-filled and 46%
neutral.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic with effusive aromas of black
cherry, savory herbs and cardamom spice. The mid weight flavors of cherry, black plum, black tea
and star anise are inviting, and nicely accented with a touch of toasty oak. Good freshness with an
underlying savory tone, very modest tannins, and a finish fueled by cherry and raspberry aromatic goodness.
Score: 90.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.71, 140 cases, $44. Rochioli selection and
Wädenswil grapes were sourced from the lower, eastern blocks planted
in 1992 and the RC clone from the western blocks planted in 2000. 10%
whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation finished in 2
weeks. Wines from the three different selections and clones were vinified
separately and combined just before bottling. Aged 16 months in 100%
French oak barrels, 33% new.
·
Light reddish purple color in the glass. I
was really drawn into the glass by the aromas of Maraschino cherry,
peach skin and redwood forest. The profound attack of ripe red cherry
and raspberry fruits alerts the palate and persists on the finish for more
than 30 seconds. The raspberry fruit really sticks out and there is an
interesting edible flower petal component to the flavor profile. The
tannins are very supple and comforting. This charming and elegant offering is highly enjoyable now, but has
the balance to prevail through several years.
Score: 93.
Reviewed November 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 150 cases, $36.
·
Moderately
dark reddish purple color in the glass. Voluptuous nose of black cherry, black raspberry and
Mediterranean spices. Light on its feet but highly flavorful, featuring a core of blueberry,
dark cherry and raspberry fruits with an undertone of oak and spice. Discreetly plush on the
sustained palate with a mighty finish. The spice component of this wine is most striking.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 150 cases, $44.
·
Moderate reddish
purple color in the glass. Soaring perfume of dark
raspberry, blackberry and earthy flora. Striking attack of
blackberry, cassis and black currant fruits that are mouth
filling and finish with chewy concentration. An earthy
undertone adds interest. Very sleek with harmonious tannins. This
wine has the balance to age beautifully and will benefit from
additional patience.
Score: 94.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2016 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.63, 200 cases, $36. A blend of grapes from Azaya Ranch (clones are Wädenswil 2A, 115, 667 and “”828.”) and Chileno Valley Vineyard (Pommard and “828.”). 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 33% once-filled and 33% neutral. Filtered and bottled in February 2017. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is highly rewarding, featuring deep aromas of cherry, rose petal and baking spice. Regal and silky in the mouth, with a core of dark chocolate covered black cherry flavor enhanced with an earthy tone. Seamless, with a pleasing cherry-driven finish. Score: 93. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.65, 250 cases, $44. Rochioli selection and Wädenswil 2A clone from the lower, eastern block planted in 1992 and a Romaneé-Conti selection from the higher, western block. 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 66% neutral. Bottled in March 2017. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of black cherry, raspberry, spice cabinet and a hint of toasty oak. Fresh and invigorating in the mouth, with a charge of ripe cherry and raspberry fruit with a hint of cola. The tannic backbone is finely tuned and the finish hangs on for what seems like at least 30 seconds. A real charmer. You should stock up on this one at this price. Score: 95. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 250 cases, $44. A Rochioli selection and Wädenswil 2A clone from the eastern block and a DRC selection from the western block. 10% whole cluster. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Terrific perfume of black cherry and baking spice aromas that leap from the glass. Light to mid-weight, gloriously fresh flavors of strawberry, cherry, spice and tobacco framed by toned tannins. Lovely balance and a very long, quenching finish. Still pumping out a deep well of fruit pleasure when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The vintner really hit the mark in this vintage. Reviewed January 2018. Score: 95. Reviewed July 26, 2021 ARTICLE »
2015 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.68, 175 cases, $36. A blend of grapes from Kendric, Grossi Ranch and Chilean Valley vineyards. All three vineyards are on the Marin side of the Petaluma Gap, although Grossi is just outside the southern border of the new AVA. Cold wind and fog lead to thick-skinned grapes resulting in more structure and color in the wines. Cold nights and warm days provide good acidity. A cold snap on Easter weekend caused frost damage throughout North Coast wine country and decreased yields markedly. 10% whole cluster, open-top fermentation, 3-day cold soak, native yeast, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 27% new, 27% once-filled and 46% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, floral bouquet and feminine scent. Mid weight flavors of purple and blackberries smoothly integrated with gentle tannins. Deft oak input, with bright acidity and an uplifting finish. More sappy and heady when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.8% all., pH 3.60, TA 0.72, 230 cases, $44. Rochioli and Wädenswil 2A clones from the lower, eastern blocks, and Romanée-Conti clone from the western blocks. 10% whole cluster, open-top fermentation, 3-day cold soak, native yeast, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Terrific aromas of black cherry and baking spices leap from the glass. Just what you desire from Pinot. Light to mid weight gloriously fresh flavors of strawberry, cherry, spice and tobacco framed by toned tannins. Lovely balance and a very long, quenching finish. Still pumping out a deep well of fruit pleasure when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The vintner really hit the mark in this vintage! Score: 95. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Brooks Note North Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.81, 50 cases, $20 (sold out in 3 days). Sourced from Chileno Valley Vineyard (30%), Azaya Ranch Vineyard (30%) and Weir Vineyard (40%). After the fruit was sorted and de-stemmed but not crushed, about 10% of the juice was drawn off to make the rosé. The juice was fermented cool and slow in neutral French oak barrels where it underwent partial malolactic fermentation. · Moderate salmon color in the glass. The aromas of strawberry, peach and floral shop pick up intensity over time in the glass. Very harmonious, with flavors of strawberry, cherry, and watermelon, offering some length to the lipsmacking finish. The soft texture is particularly appealing and sensual. Score: 89. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »
2014 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.68, 250 cases, $36. A blend from Chileno Valley Vineyard (46%) and Azaya Ranch Vineyard (54%). Clones are Wädenswil 2A, Dijon 115 and 667 (Azaya Ranch) and Pommard and “828” (Chileno Valley). About 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast inaugurated fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 27% new, 27% once-filled and 46% neutral. Bottled March 2016. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. I had to dig deep to pull out the shy aromas of earthembossed cherry, plum, boysenberry, fall forest floor, and floral bouquet. Light to mid weight in style, with flavors of plum, red and purple berry and pomegranate. Sleek in the mouth, with supportive tannins, and good lift and juiciness. Forward drinking and pleasing. A very attractive value. Score: 90. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.70, 140 cases, $44. Rochioli and Wädenswil clones from the lower eastern blocks and RC clone from the western blocks. 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast start to fermentation, clones kept separate and blended before bottling. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled March 2016. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Both savory and fruity aromas show up with a hint of sandalwood. Elegant and bright on the palate, bursting with flavors of dark red cherry and berry. The fruit really locks onto the palate and holds on through a very generous finish. Light in color and body, yet delivers a wallop of flavor, and has just enough fine-grain tannins to deliver a compliment of textural interest. Score: 92. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Brooks Note North Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $20. 59% Marin County and 41% Yorkville Highlands fruit. · Moderately deep pinkish orange color in the glass. Shy aromas of red berries, stone fruits and dried herbs. The wine comes alive on the palate with bright flavors of herb-dusted strawberry and raspberry. Substantial body and impressive finishing length for a Rosé. This wine will stand up to hearty foods. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.69, 250 cases, $36. Sourced from Chileno Valley Vineyard (46%) and Azaya Ranch Vineyard (54%), both located on the Marin side of the Petaluma Gap. 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast initiated fermentation, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 27% new, 27% once-filled and 46% neutral. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic with effusive aromas of black cherry, savory herbs and cardamom spice. The mid weight flavors of cherry, black plum, black tea and star anise are inviting, and nicely accented with a touch of toasty oak. Good freshness with an underlying savory tone, very modest tannins, and a finish fueled by cherry and raspberry aromatic goodness. Score: 90. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.71, 140 cases, $44. Rochioli selection and Wädenswil grapes were sourced from the lower, eastern blocks planted in 1992 and the RC clone from the western blocks planted in 2000. 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation finished in 2 weeks. Wines from the three different selections and clones were vinified separately and combined just before bottling. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. I was really drawn into the glass by the aromas of Maraschino cherry, peach skin and redwood forest. The profound attack of ripe red cherry and raspberry fruits alerts the palate and persists on the finish for more than 30 seconds. The raspberry fruit really sticks out and there is an interesting edible flower petal component to the flavor profile. The tannins are very supple and comforting. This charming and elegant offering is highly enjoyable now, but has the balance to prevail through several years. Score: 93. Reviewed November 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 150 cases, $36. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Voluptuous nose of black cherry, black raspberry and Mediterranean spices. Light on its feet but highly flavorful, featuring a core of blueberry, dark cherry and raspberry fruits with an undertone of oak and spice. Discreetly plush on the sustained palate with a mighty finish. The spice component of this wine is most striking. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 150 cases, $44. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring perfume of dark raspberry, blackberry and earthy flora. Striking attack of blackberry, cassis and black currant fruits that are mouth filling and finish with chewy concentration. An earthy undertone adds interest. Very sleek with harmonious tannins. This wine has the balance to age beautifully and will benefit from additional patience. Score: 94. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »