Dec 30, 2022
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Wonderment Wines
| Owner(s) | Stephanie Cook |
| Web site | www.wondermentwines.com |
| Link to this site |
Owner and winemaker Stephanie Cook pursued a career as a fashion model working internationally. She returned to her home state of South Carolina and to attend school, obtaining a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University. She then created and led a successful catering company, Bridgeside Events, which she later sold.
Stephanie had always harbored the secret dream of becoming a winemaker. She worked at Robert Biale Vineyards to gain experience, and in 2011 made her first Pinot Noir and Zinfandel wines. In 2012, she honed her skills at Spottswoode, moving to Anomaly Vineyards in 2013, and in 2014 spent 2 months as a winemaker at Spy Valley Wines in Marlborough.
A Dr. Stan's Carneros Pinot Noir and Campbell's Vineyard Green Valley Pinot Noir are offered. Tasting is by appointment.
Articles About Wonderment Wines
Recently Tasted California Wines (11.42 4/14/2019)
Recently Tasted Oregon Wines (11.24 6/9/2018)
Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.41 11/8/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.3 1/22/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.13 11/12/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Wonderment Hyde Vineyard Napa Carneros Sauvignon Blanc
14.0% alc., 175
cases, $30. Released October 15, 2018. Musqué selection of Sauvignon Blanc.
·
Light
golden yellow color in the glass. The nose attracts with generous aromas of citrus, pear,
honeydew melon and grass, picking up intensity over time in the glass. Clean and bright on
the palate, but not nervy, with delicious flavors of Bosc pear, spiced apple, pastry creme,
and a hint of oak along with Sauvignon Blanc’s signature gooseberry imprint. The fruit
creates a slightly sweet impression although the wine is completely dry. Somewhat creamy
in texture with some lingering aromatic charm on the finish. I was really taken by this wine!
Score: 94.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Wonderment Dutton-Campbell Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 314 cases,
$44. Released December 15, 2018.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging scents of black fruits, dark
rose petal and toasty oak. Generously oaked upon opening, but much better oak integration when tasted the
following day from a previously opened bottle. Mid weight flavors of blackest cherry, black raspberry,
blackberry, toast and vanilla. Easily approachable with immersed tannins and an appealingly charming tone to
the fruit.
Score: 91.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 73 cases, $55. Dijon 115. Released
December 15, 2018.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved, but pleasing aromas of black cherry
and oak spice. Rather seductive, with middleweight flavors of black cherry, raspberry and cardamom spice.
Very gracious, with gentle tannins, a greased mouthfeel, and a noticeably long and gratifying finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Wonderment Dutton-Campbell Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 260 cases, $44. Release
December 15, 2017. A 14-acre vineyard planted in the mid 1990s.
Pommard 4 clone.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Seductive
aromas of fresh cold berries, spice and turned earth. A mouthful of
Pinot goodness in a mid weight plus style featuring an impressive
expression of black cherry fruit underlain with notes of warm spices and
tobacco. Easy to like now, with micro grain tannins, supportive acidity,
and a flattering finish. As I have said many times, Pommard is my
paramour.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 25 cases, $65. Release December
15, 2017. Vineyard is less than 1 acre of 30+-year-old Pinot Noir vines located on the northern edge of the
Sonoma portion of the Carneros AVA. Clone 115.
·
Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry,
strawberry and potpourri lead off. Admirable attack, length and finish in a mid weight style offering flavors of
dark red cherry and berry framed by soft tannins and invigorating acidity. Very giving and enjoyable now with
the balance to age nicely.
Score: 90.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Wonderment Dutton-Campbell Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., 264 cases, $40.
·
Light cherry color in the glass. This wine is currently sporting some oak swagger which
should integrate further with time in bottle. Aromas of cherry, cranberry, cola and baking spices are heady.
Elegantly composed and easy to like with mid weight flavors of cherry, raspberry, and oak spice. The tannins
are buried, the spry acidity invigorates the wine and the raspberry coulis finish satisfies.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 30, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Sonoma Carneros Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 74 cases, $50. Dijon
clone 115.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Immensely charming nose with hi-tone aromas of
cherry, red berry, red hard candy and sandalwood. Stylistically similar to the Dutton-Campbell bottling with a
sleek and elegant demeanor but with better oak integration. The flavors of red cherry and berry are framed by
delicate tannins and sound acidity. A red-fruited joy.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 30, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Wonderment Dutton-Campbell Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., 261 cases, $40. Released October 15, 2015.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. The nose really
resonates over time in the glass with hi-tone aromas of cherry and spice. Lighter weighted and quite elegant,
with a charming core of lacy cherry fruit and a touch of oak spice. Very supple tannins make for forward
drinking. A wine that aims to please, becoming more aromatic and flavorful over time in the glass.
Score: 90.
Reviewed November 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 94 cases, $50. Released October 15, 2015.
100% Dijon clone 115.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This
offering is more earthy, with aromas of cherry, cranberry and mulch, and
mid weight flavors of darker cherries and berries complimented with
notes of spice, earth and mushroom. The attack is substantial and
carries over to a generous finish. A superb wine of impeccable balance
that reflects Carneros terroir.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Wonderment Campbell’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.3% alc., pH 3.66,
232 cases, $40. Campbell’s Vineyard is a Dutton Ranch property first planted in the mid 1990s. This
14-acre vineyard lies in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley and is planted to Pommard 4 and
777 clones. This wine is 100% Pommard 4.
·
Moderately dark black cherry color in the glass. Initially,
the aromas of Bing cherry, cola, and clove are appealing. Over time, the fruit trends to display a
roasted quality. Full-bodied core of very ripe black cherry, black raspberry, cola and baking spice
flavors with a hint of complimentary oak. Vigorous and deep on the palate with balanced tannins.
Well-crafted in this very ripe style.
Score: 89.
Reviewed January 23, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.65, 79 cases, $50. From a vineyard of
less than 1 acre of 30+ year-old Pinot Noir vines planted to Dijon
115.
·
Moderate ruby color in the glass. Oak-kissed cherry perfume
leads to a mid weight earthy wine featuring flavors of cherry, dried
herbs, cola and noticeable oak overlay. Well-structured with dry
tannins and enough acidity to bring the fruit to life. The wine
finishes with a modicum of juicy cherry fruit. When tasted later in
the day from a previously opened and re-corked wine, the oak was
more integrated and the wine was noticeably more pleasing.
Score: 90.
Reviewed January 23, 2015
ARTICLE »
2017 Wonderment Hyde Vineyard Napa Carneros Sauvignon Blanc
14.0% alc., 175 cases, $30. Released October 15, 2018. Musqué selection of Sauvignon Blanc. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose attracts with generous aromas of citrus, pear, honeydew melon and grass, picking up intensity over time in the glass. Clean and bright on the palate, but not nervy, with delicious flavors of Bosc pear, spiced apple, pastry creme, and a hint of oak along with Sauvignon Blanc’s signature gooseberry imprint. The fruit creates a slightly sweet impression although the wine is completely dry. Somewhat creamy in texture with some lingering aromatic charm on the finish. I was really taken by this wine! Score: 94. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Wonderment Dutton-Campbell Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 314 cases, $44. Released December 15, 2018. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging scents of black fruits, dark rose petal and toasty oak. Generously oaked upon opening, but much better oak integration when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Mid weight flavors of blackest cherry, black raspberry, blackberry, toast and vanilla. Easily approachable with immersed tannins and an appealingly charming tone to the fruit. Score: 91. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 73 cases, $55. Dijon 115. Released December 15, 2018. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved, but pleasing aromas of black cherry and oak spice. Rather seductive, with middleweight flavors of black cherry, raspberry and cardamom spice. Very gracious, with gentle tannins, a greased mouthfeel, and a noticeably long and gratifying finish. Score: 93. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Wonderment Dutton-Campbell Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 260 cases, $44. Release December 15, 2017. A 14-acre vineyard planted in the mid 1990s. Pommard 4 clone. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of fresh cold berries, spice and turned earth. A mouthful of Pinot goodness in a mid weight plus style featuring an impressive expression of black cherry fruit underlain with notes of warm spices and tobacco. Easy to like now, with micro grain tannins, supportive acidity, and a flattering finish. As I have said many times, Pommard is my paramour. Score: 92. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 25 cases, $65. Release December 15, 2017. Vineyard is less than 1 acre of 30+-year-old Pinot Noir vines located on the northern edge of the Sonoma portion of the Carneros AVA. Clone 115. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry and potpourri lead off. Admirable attack, length and finish in a mid weight style offering flavors of dark red cherry and berry framed by soft tannins and invigorating acidity. Very giving and enjoyable now with the balance to age nicely. Score: 90. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Wonderment Dutton-Campbell Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 264 cases, $40. · Light cherry color in the glass. This wine is currently sporting some oak swagger which should integrate further with time in bottle. Aromas of cherry, cranberry, cola and baking spices are heady. Elegantly composed and easy to like with mid weight flavors of cherry, raspberry, and oak spice. The tannins are buried, the spry acidity invigorates the wine and the raspberry coulis finish satisfies. Score: 91. Reviewed October 30, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Sonoma Carneros Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 74 cases, $50. Dijon clone 115. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Immensely charming nose with hi-tone aromas of cherry, red berry, red hard candy and sandalwood. Stylistically similar to the Dutton-Campbell bottling with a sleek and elegant demeanor but with better oak integration. The flavors of red cherry and berry are framed by delicate tannins and sound acidity. A red-fruited joy. Score: 92. Reviewed October 30, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Wonderment Dutton-Campbell Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 261 cases, $40. Released October 15, 2015. · Light cherry red color in the glass. The nose really resonates over time in the glass with hi-tone aromas of cherry and spice. Lighter weighted and quite elegant, with a charming core of lacy cherry fruit and a touch of oak spice. Very supple tannins make for forward drinking. A wine that aims to please, becoming more aromatic and flavorful over time in the glass. Score: 90. Reviewed November 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 94 cases, $50. Released October 15, 2015. 100% Dijon clone 115. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This offering is more earthy, with aromas of cherry, cranberry and mulch, and mid weight flavors of darker cherries and berries complimented with notes of spice, earth and mushroom. The attack is substantial and carries over to a generous finish. A superb wine of impeccable balance that reflects Carneros terroir. Score: 92. Reviewed November 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Wonderment Campbell’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.3% alc., pH 3.66, 232 cases, $40. Campbell’s Vineyard is a Dutton Ranch property first planted in the mid 1990s. This 14-acre vineyard lies in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley and is planted to Pommard 4 and 777 clones. This wine is 100% Pommard 4. · Moderately dark black cherry color in the glass. Initially, the aromas of Bing cherry, cola, and clove are appealing. Over time, the fruit trends to display a roasted quality. Full-bodied core of very ripe black cherry, black raspberry, cola and baking spice flavors with a hint of complimentary oak. Vigorous and deep on the palate with balanced tannins. Well-crafted in this very ripe style. Score: 89. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.65, 79 cases, $50. From a vineyard of less than 1 acre of 30+ year-old Pinot Noir vines planted to Dijon 115. · Moderate ruby color in the glass. Oak-kissed cherry perfume leads to a mid weight earthy wine featuring flavors of cherry, dried herbs, cola and noticeable oak overlay. Well-structured with dry tannins and enough acidity to bring the fruit to life. The wine finishes with a modicum of juicy cherry fruit. When tasted later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked wine, the oak was more integrated and the wine was noticeably more pleasing. Score: 90. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »