May 5, 2013
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Briceland Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Joe Collins |
| Web site | bricelandvineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
A small producer (2,000 cases) of Pinot Noir, Syrah, white varietals and sparkling wine from grapes grown in Humboldt County, Mendocino County and Lake County in Northern California. Briceland Vineyards, located in the tiny town of Briceland in southern Humboldt County, was founded in 1985, and today winemaker Joe Collins and his lifelong partner, Maggie Carey, operate this modest winery. Collins was trained at University of California at Davis and has over 35 years of winemaking and winegrowing experience. He pioneered winegrowing in southern Humboldt County when he planted an experimental vineyard in the region in the 1970s. He was involved in the planning, establishment and management of practically all the early vineyards in the area which is most suited to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Most of the red wine production at Briceland Vineyards is Pinot Noir, sourced from neighbors who farm tiny hillside vineyards in the Redway and Myers Flat area. Collins' stepson, Andrew Morris, is the apprentice winemaker.
The wines are not sold directly online. Contact andrew@bricelandvineyards.com or 707-923-2429.
Articles About Briceland Vineyards
2012 California Value Priced Pinot Noirs Honorable Mention (9.17 12/26/2012)
2012 Chardonnay All-Americans (9.17 12/26/2012)
Briceland: A Pleasing Surprise from Humboldt County (8.30 1/27/2011)
California Pinot Noir from A to T (9.12 10/1/2012)
Chardonnays to Admire (9.12 10/1/2012)
Elk Prairie Vineyard: Native American Pinot (6.25 5/7/2007)
Wines Off The Beaten Track (8.45 11/1/2011)
Reviewed Wines
2011 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Sauvignon Blanc
Table wine, 128 cases, $18.
·
Pale straw
color in the glass. Typical varietal aromas of grass, herbs and citrus. Crisp and refreshing with flavors of lime
zest, hay, grass, grapefruit with a mineral undertone. A grassy style with a pleasing mouthfeel and a dry finish.
Good.
Reviewed October 2, 2012
ARTICLE »
2011 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Chardonnay
Table wine, 135 cases, $21. Raised in stainless steel, no malolactic fermentation.
·
Light straw hue in
the glass. Faint aromas of butter, pink grapefruit, ocean air and yeast. Nutty and citrusy in a reserved
style with a smooth, easy drinking manner. Good.
Reviewed October 2, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Briceland Vineyards Spirit Canyon Vineyard Mendocino County Arneis
Table wine, $17.
Arneis is often called the “white Nebbiolo.” This Italian grape was discovered sparsely interplanted
with Nebbiolo grapes in the Italian Piedmont region. Some say because the grape ripens earlier than
black Nebbiolo, it was offered to marauding bees plaguing the vineyards. Recently the grape has
found its way to California where it is planted along the Russian River south of Ukiah by Glenn
McGourty at his Spirit Canyon Vineyard.
·
Pale straw color with a hint of peach shade in the glass.
Aromas of green apple, baked pear and marzipan. Light to medium-weighted and creamy on the palate with
flavors of green apple, pear, apricot and a slightly grassy, nutty note. An easy drinking wine that would be an
ideal aperitif or the perfect accompaniment to shellfish. Surprise your friends! Very good.
Reviewed November 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2010 Briceland Vineyards Lolonis Vineyard Mendocino County Chardonnay
Table wine, $21. Crafted from certified
organically grown grapes.
·
Pale straw color in the glass. Fresh
aromas of rocky stream, lemon curd and buttered brioche.
Slightly creamy on the palate with restrained but satisfying flavors
of pears, white peach and citrus complimented by subtle oak.
Flows off the back of the palate like a silk sheet in retreat. Beautifully crafted.
Reviewed November 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2010 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Pinot Noir
Table wine, 165 cases, $23. 25th vintage.
Season cut short by rain so each of the three vineyards from which fruit was sourced were blended
(Phelps, Ronda’s and Elk Prarie vineyards).
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The
aromatics pick up interest and power over time in the glass offering scents of dark red berries and
plums. Discreetly concentrated,sporting ever expanding flavors of dark red berries backed by
muscular tannins which need more time to integrate. Finishes with a very pleasing persistence of
perfectly ripe fruit. Very enjoyable and equally fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked
bottle. Very good.
Reviewed October 2, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Briceland Vineyards Bosco Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
Table wine, 65 cases, $27. This vineyard is about a mile from the
winery on the western side of Briceland. Aged 6 months in oak.
·
Moderately light reddish color in the glass. A chameleon of a nose,
changing constantly, but at times offering aromas of red berries,
underbrush, bay leaf, and beet root. Delicious core of savory and spicy
dark red berries complimented by a hint of oak. A spirited wine with a wellbalanced
tannin load that is soft in the mouth and finishes with modest length.
Very good.
Reviewed October 2, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Briceland Vineyards Lake County Syrah
14.5% alc., 180 cases, $21.
·
Dark reddish-purple color in the
glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, black currants and white pepper. Soft in the mouth and modest in intensity
with a core of sweet blackberry and black grape fruit. Hints of tobacco, pepper and dark chocolate add
interest. Noticeable length on the finish that offers a bevy of black fruit and a hint of heat. Good.
Reviewed October 2, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Briceland Vineyards Elk Prarie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 125 cases, $27.
·
Moderately
light reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of black
cherries, blueberries, sandalwood, forest floor and vanillin
increasing in appeal over time in the glass. Complex and
nuanced, with flavors of raspberries, ripe strawberries, cherries,
baking spice, cinnamon, and sassafras. Strikes a chord on the mid palate,
elegantly soft in texture, finishing with modest but pleasing intensity. There is
plenty going on in this chameleon of a wine which changes constantly in the
glass. Outstanding.
Reviewed November 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Bricelands Vineyards Elk Prarie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
Table wine, 125 cases, $27. 23rd vintage. The vineyard
is situated on a ridge that separates the Main Fork and South fork of
the Eel River which provides a cooling influence.
·
Moderate reddish-purple
color in the glass. The nose is highly perfumed, bright and
fruity, featuring well-spiced cherry aromas. Silky and seamless on
the palate, with juicy flavors of cherries, raspberries, cranberries and
a touch of loamy earth, finishing with aromatic purity and soft, sandy tannins. A
wine that aims to please with its teasing pinotosity. Very good (+).
Reviewed January 27, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Bricelands Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 50 cases, $27. Phelps
Vineyard is located on Elk Ridge and is farmed by Pam and
Todd Phelps. Aged 1 year in French oak barrels. Unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass.
Aromatically a bit shy initially, but builds in intensity over time in
the glass becoming rather flamboyant and displaying scents of
ripe, savory dark red fruits. Delicious, even striking, display of dark red stone
fruits that fan out on the palate with subtle notes of Asian spice and plum sauce.
Elegant and silky textured with remarkable persistence on the pleasing finish. A
steamy seductress.
Reviewed January 27, 2011
ARTICLE »
2002 Briceland Vineyards Elk Prairie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
14.7% alc.. Briceland Vineyards is located at 5959 Briceland Rd,
Redway, CA 95560. 707-923-2429. Tasting by appointment. Several white varietals and sparkling wine
are also produced.
·
The nose
is oak-driven with flashes of heat. A decent core of fruit features dark cherries and plums with a kiss of
earth and shrooms. The finish is clean and bright.
Reviewed May 7, 2007
ARTICLE »
2011 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Sauvignon Blanc
Table wine, 128 cases, $18. · Pale straw color in the glass. Typical varietal aromas of grass, herbs and citrus. Crisp and refreshing with flavors of lime zest, hay, grass, grapefruit with a mineral undertone. A grassy style with a pleasing mouthfeel and a dry finish. Good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »
2011 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Chardonnay
Table wine, 135 cases, $21. Raised in stainless steel, no malolactic fermentation. · Light straw hue in the glass. Faint aromas of butter, pink grapefruit, ocean air and yeast. Nutty and citrusy in a reserved style with a smooth, easy drinking manner. Good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Briceland Vineyards Spirit Canyon Vineyard Mendocino County Arneis
Table wine, $17. Arneis is often called the “white Nebbiolo.” This Italian grape was discovered sparsely interplanted with Nebbiolo grapes in the Italian Piedmont region. Some say because the grape ripens earlier than black Nebbiolo, it was offered to marauding bees plaguing the vineyards. Recently the grape has found its way to California where it is planted along the Russian River south of Ukiah by Glenn McGourty at his Spirit Canyon Vineyard. · Pale straw color with a hint of peach shade in the glass. Aromas of green apple, baked pear and marzipan. Light to medium-weighted and creamy on the palate with flavors of green apple, pear, apricot and a slightly grassy, nutty note. An easy drinking wine that would be an ideal aperitif or the perfect accompaniment to shellfish. Surprise your friends! Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2010 Briceland Vineyards Lolonis Vineyard Mendocino County Chardonnay
Table wine, $21. Crafted from certified organically grown grapes. · Pale straw color in the glass. Fresh aromas of rocky stream, lemon curd and buttered brioche. Slightly creamy on the palate with restrained but satisfying flavors of pears, white peach and citrus complimented by subtle oak. Flows off the back of the palate like a silk sheet in retreat. Beautifully crafted. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2010 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Pinot Noir
Table wine, 165 cases, $23. 25th vintage. Season cut short by rain so each of the three vineyards from which fruit was sourced were blended (Phelps, Ronda’s and Elk Prarie vineyards). · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromatics pick up interest and power over time in the glass offering scents of dark red berries and plums. Discreetly concentrated,sporting ever expanding flavors of dark red berries backed by muscular tannins which need more time to integrate. Finishes with a very pleasing persistence of perfectly ripe fruit. Very enjoyable and equally fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Briceland Vineyards Bosco Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
Table wine, 65 cases, $27. This vineyard is about a mile from the winery on the western side of Briceland. Aged 6 months in oak. · Moderately light reddish color in the glass. A chameleon of a nose, changing constantly, but at times offering aromas of red berries, underbrush, bay leaf, and beet root. Delicious core of savory and spicy dark red berries complimented by a hint of oak. A spirited wine with a wellbalanced tannin load that is soft in the mouth and finishes with modest length. Very good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Briceland Vineyards Lake County Syrah
14.5% alc., 180 cases, $21. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, black currants and white pepper. Soft in the mouth and modest in intensity with a core of sweet blackberry and black grape fruit. Hints of tobacco, pepper and dark chocolate add interest. Noticeable length on the finish that offers a bevy of black fruit and a hint of heat. Good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Briceland Vineyards Elk Prarie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 125 cases, $27. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of black cherries, blueberries, sandalwood, forest floor and vanillin increasing in appeal over time in the glass. Complex and nuanced, with flavors of raspberries, ripe strawberries, cherries, baking spice, cinnamon, and sassafras. Strikes a chord on the mid palate, elegantly soft in texture, finishing with modest but pleasing intensity. There is plenty going on in this chameleon of a wine which changes constantly in the glass. Outstanding. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Bricelands Vineyards Elk Prarie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
Table wine, 125 cases, $27. 23rd vintage. The vineyard is situated on a ridge that separates the Main Fork and South fork of the Eel River which provides a cooling influence. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is highly perfumed, bright and fruity, featuring well-spiced cherry aromas. Silky and seamless on the palate, with juicy flavors of cherries, raspberries, cranberries and a touch of loamy earth, finishing with aromatic purity and soft, sandy tannins. A wine that aims to please with its teasing pinotosity. Very good (+). Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Bricelands Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 50 cases, $27. Phelps Vineyard is located on Elk Ridge and is farmed by Pam and Todd Phelps. Aged 1 year in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Aromatically a bit shy initially, but builds in intensity over time in the glass becoming rather flamboyant and displaying scents of ripe, savory dark red fruits. Delicious, even striking, display of dark red stone fruits that fan out on the palate with subtle notes of Asian spice and plum sauce. Elegant and silky textured with remarkable persistence on the pleasing finish. A steamy seductress. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »
2002 Briceland Vineyards Elk Prairie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir
14.7% alc.. Briceland Vineyards is located at 5959 Briceland Rd, Redway, CA 95560. 707-923-2429. Tasting by appointment. Several white varietals and sparkling wine are also produced. · The nose is oak-driven with flashes of heat. A decent core of fruit features dark cherries and plums with a kiss of earth and shrooms. The finish is clean and bright. Reviewed May 7, 2007 ARTICLE »
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