Orogeny Vineyards

Owner(s) Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines
Web site www.orogenyvineyards.com
 
Link to this site

The Orogeny label is owned by Diageo Chateau & Estates. Pinot Noirs are produced from Green Valley in Sonoma County and from Marin County. In 2004, the Orogeny Marin County Pinot Noir was labeled McNeil Vineyard after the owner, but beginning with the 2006 vintage, the vineyard will be called Redding Ranch (same vineyard). Mark Pasternak manages this vineyard in Nicasio and says the 2007 vintage will be even better. The 2006 vintage is "first time the Orogeny has been really able to show what it is capable of doing, and I believe we will see some truly great bottles come out of that vineyard." The winemaker is Dan Goldfield.

The name Orogeny is derived from the Greek words oro (mountain) and -geny (birth). The wines are sold through fine retail stores.

Reviewed Wines

2006 Orogeny Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $34. From an 8-acre vineyard owned by Ed and Sue Smith. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Racy nose showing aromas of raspberry compote and spice. Complimentary flavors of strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, currants, and hazelnuts with an earthy underpinning veering a little toward overripeness. Hi-strung acidity with mild tannins and a smooth texture. Very good (-). Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2006 Orogeny Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $34. · Berry jam, oak spice and new-mown hay aromas initially veering to green grass over time. Plush berry core that is somewhat flat and linear. Well-proportioned tannins and acidity but lacks a thrill. Decent. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2006 Orogeny Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 330 cases, $37. An 8 acre vineyard owned by Ed and Sue Smith on the western edge of Green Valley. · The nose is more typical of white wine showing tropical fruits, citrus and vanilla. Black cherry core with noticeable oak char and tannins, finishing with citrus tang. This one is disjointed and unwelcoming. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Orogeny Green Valley of Rusian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.,10,200 cases, $40. Winemaker for Orogeny is noted cool-climate specialist, Dan Goldfield (also Dutton-Goldfield). · Mineral-inflected and crushed berries and cherries with spice. Demure dark red Pinot fruits nicely accented with oak. Very silky in texture with moderate tannins indicating a bright future. Nice drink. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Orogeny Redding Ranch Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 600 cases, $60. The vineyard site has been in the Redding family since 1873. Located at the top of a steep ridge above the fog line. Rocky soils, maritime breezes, very low yields, and small berries. · Noticeably deep color. Beautiful rich and concentrated dark stone fruits and berries with a hint of roasted marshmallow. Highly extracted plumy fruit wrapped in oak is front and center, exhibiting a poached flavor. Interesting and complex, with hints of roasted nuts and tangerine peel. Smooth and creamy with nicely restrained tannins. This wine has a lot of cajones and was actually drinking better two days later from a re-corked opened bottle. This one will reward the adventurous. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Orogeny Marin County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. A hillside vineyard above the town of Nicasio owned by Chalone and farmed by Mark. 20 acres are planted to Pommard and Dijon 115, 667, 777 and 828. This is definitely farming on the edge. The first harvest in 2005 yielded no usable grapes. This year, however, delivered 36 tons. Mark thinks this vineyard has the potential to be the best Pinot Noir vineyard in California. · This is a very fruit-driven wine which is rich and deep. (Note: there is also a Orogeny Green Valley Pinot Noir from Sonoma County.) Reviewed November 26, 2006 ARTICLE »

2004 Orogeny Marin County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. This wine comes from the picturesque McNeil Vineyard situated high on a hillside above the town of Nicasio. The name Orogeny is derived from the Greek words oro (mountain) and geny (birth). The label is owned by Chalone and the winemaker is Dan Goldfield. There is also an Orogeny Pinot Noir from Green Valley ($36). Mark Pasternak feels the McNeil Vineyard in Nicasio has the potential to be a top source for Pinot Noir in Marin County. Yields have been miniscule to date disappointing Chalone who had hoped this would be a showcase vineyard with annual production of 3,000 cases. · A decent Pinot Noir featuring sweet spicy fruit from start to finish. Moderate tannins on the finish need some time to integrate. Reviewed July 16, 2007 ARTICLE »

2004 Orogeny Marin County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. This wine comes from the picturesque McNeil Vineyard situated high on a hillside above the town of Nicasio. The name Orogeny is derived from the Greek words oro (mountain) and geny (birth). The label is owned by Chalone and the winemaker is Dan Goldfield. There is also an Orogeny Pinot Noir from Green Valley ($36). Mark Pasternak feels the McNeil Vineyard in Nicasio has the potential to be a top source for Pinot Noir in Marin County. Yields have been miniscule to date disappointing Chalone who had hoped this would be a showcase vineyard with annual production of 3,000 cases. The winery is not open to the public. 1-877-254-4250. Look for the Orogeny wines in fine wine retail stores. · A decent Pinot Noir featuring sweet spicy fruit from start to finish. Moderate tannins on the finish need some time to integrate. Reviewed July 16, 2007 ARTICLE »

function loadResizer() { $("#wineresizer").resizable({ disabled: true }); }


© 2003-2023 Rusty Gaffney MD | Contact the Prince: Prince@PrinceOfPinot.com | Admin Login