Dec 30, 2022
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Neely
| Owner(s) | Kirk Neely |
| Web site | www.neelywine.com |
| Link to this site |
Neely is one of three labels produced by the Varner brothers that also includes Varner Estate and Foxglove wines. Bob and Jim Varner have produced superb Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Cruz Mountains for years, but have largely been off the radar except to the most dedicated pinotphiles. Because the estate Spring Ridge Vineyard and winery are located in the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in the scenic grassland hills of Portola Valley, the winery cannot have a tasting room, accept visitors, or conduct events, and thus remains largely hidden from the public eye.
Jim Varner is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and began his winemaking career in the Napa Valley. He longed for a cooler climatic region and found the current site in the Skyline sub-region of the Santa Cruz Mountains (12 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, 10 miles west of the San Francisco Bay and just west of Palo Alto). The property is situated within a large parcel owned by Dr Kirk Neely and his wife Holly, and the Varners produce the Pinot Noirs under the doctor’s Neely label in much the same fashion as their own Varner Estate Pinot Noirs
Jim’s brother, Bob, was studying genetics at the University of California at Berkeley when Jim invited him to see the property. He was immediately taken by the site and the pair began planting the Spring Ridge Vineyard in 1980. They started with Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. In 1997, 7 acres of Pinot Noir were planted (clones 115 and 777), and in 2006, the Gewürztraminer was grafted over to Pinot Noir clone 777, effectively resulting in 25-year-old Pinot Noir vines. Bob eventually became the winemaker and Jim took over the sales and marketing of Varner wines.
The Spring Ridge Vineyard is farmed organically with only sulfur employed to control mildew. Other disease pressure in controlled by canopy management. Several distinct blocks have been identified within the vineyard. For Chardonnay, there is the Home Block, the Amphitheater Block and the Bee Block. For Pinot Noir, there is the Hidden Block and Picnic Block. The block-designated Varner Hidden Block Pinot Noir (clone 115) is the signature bottling from the estate. The Spring Ridge Vineyard and Varner Winery are seen below in their very picturesque setting.
Both Neely and Varner Pinot Noirs are vinified with very little whole cluster, with indigenous fermentations, and are aged in 24% to 30% new French oak barrels from several cooperages. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered. One interesting note is that all the oak barrels have taps near the bottom to drain the wine instead of pumping it out through the bung on top. A special metal contraption made in France facilitates this.
The three 2009 Neely block-designated Pinot Noirs are distinctly different but have a commonality of fresh middleweight flavors and good acidity. They vary in their fruit profile and intensity showing different expressions of the same vineyard. All wines can be enjoyed now but have the balance to age nicely. I could drink any one of these wines all night long.
Neely wines are sold on the website and through Wine Club memberships.
Articles About Neely
Along the Pinot Trail in California (8.45 11/1/2011)
California Pinot Noir to Swoon Over (11.41 3/22/2019)
In Pursuit of Balance: A Discriminating Goal (9.20 2/26/2013)
Neely Wines from Spring Ridge Vineyard (12.28 4/28/2022)
Neely: Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir Personified (9.13 10/26/2012)
Recently Tasted California Chardonnay (11.41 3/22/2019)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (11.38 2/2/2019)
Small Sips of Odds & Ends (6.57 4/7/2008)
Varner Wines (8.5 11/13/2009)
Reviewed Wines
2019 neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Hidden Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 254 cases,
$45.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cranberry, vanillin and a floral lift. Relatively light in
weight and elegant, offering a core of red berry flavor. Shallow on first sip, but picks up richness and length
over time in the glass. Slightly underripe fruit character with a vegetal undertone. A good cut of acidity is
featured on the modest finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2019 neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
12.2% alc., 127 cases,
$50.
·
Light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of earth-dusted red cherry, cola, and dark
chocolate. Demure intensity on the palate but still delivers satisfying red cherry and cranberry fruit flavors.
Nicely balanced, with gossamer tannins and invigorating acidity.
Score: 91.
Reviewed April 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2019 neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Upper Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
12.7% alc., 350 cases, $50.
·
Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, strawberry
and sandalwood lead off. Light to mid-weight in style and dark
red fruited with no sign of under ripeness. Graceful, with silky
tannins and some finishing length. Uplifting and seductive rather
than hedonistic.
Score: 93.
Reviewed April 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Bee Block Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay
14.6% alc., 237 cases,
$42. Release March 25, 2019.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Reserved aromas of ocean breeze,
chalkboard and nuts. Tastes like an aged Chardonnay, with flavors of stewed citrus fruits, sherry and dried
herbs backed by a touch of oak.
Score: 88.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Neely Hidden Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 98 cases, $48.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Demure, but very
pleasant aromas of cherry and fertile earth. A complete wine
featuring mid weight flavors of dark cherry and dark berry
blessed with an underlying earthy tone. Gracious tannins
and ingratiating acidity make for an uplifting drinking
experience. The fruit in this beautifully composed wine has an
uncommon brightness and charm. Every Pinot connoisseur will love the
lip-smacking finish.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Neely Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 98 cases,
$48.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry, strawberry and sous-bois. A complex
wine with earth, botanical, animale and black cherry and ripe strawberry fruit flavors. This wine has inviting
energy and juiciness, integrated sweet tannins, a soothing texture and a succulent cherry-driven finish of
notable persistence.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Home Block Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay
14.4% alc., 56 cases,
$52. Release March 25, 2019.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of dried herbs, crushed
seashells and warm biscuit. Layers of well-ripened, oxidative fruits including fig and stewed apple with accents
of salted caramel and honey.
Score: 88.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Hidden Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $38.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Inviting perfume of black cherry, cassis, boysenberry and rose petal. The
flavors echo the aromas in a mid weight plus style with a dusting of earth and oak. Very polished and
seamless, with tannins that are almost imperceptible.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $42.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, underbrush and tobacco lead to a savory midweight
wine offering fruit flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with a flourish of oak in the background.
Very botanical, with matched tannins and juicy acidity. More appealing fruit came to the forefront when tasted
several hours later from a previously opened bottle.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Upper Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $42.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of fertile earth and toasty oak. Considerably more fruity on the
palate in a mid weight plus style with vivid flavors of cherry and raspberry. Oak plays a supporting role and
gracious tannins make for easy drinking. When tasted several hours later from a previously opened bottle, the
fruit was more giving and the finish had gained pedigree.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2009 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Hidden Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $38.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose veers to the very ripe and dark fruited side over
time in the glass. Aromas of dark red pie berries and very ripe strawberries are noted. On the palate, the wine
has power and richness, yet remains vivid and crisp like a splash of water from a mountain stream. Flavors of
raspberries and plums are most evident with a hint of tutti-fruiti noted. The finish is quite fruity and persistent.
Very good.
Reviewed October 26, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., $38.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is dark fruited and floral featuring fragrant scents of black
cherries, dark berries and blueberries with a hint of violets and spice. Crisp and juicy with good depth of
raspberry and cherry flavor that is nicely embellished with a touch of spice and toasty oak. The tannins are
delicate and the texture is very silky. An elegant wine that finishes dry with a flourish of raspberry fruit. Very
good.
Reviewed October 26, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Upper Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $38.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple
robe. The nose knocked me out. Deeply perfumed with fresh Bing
cherries and hints of mocha and baking spices, in particular cinnamon. I
kept coming back to the glass, the nose became better and better, and
was indefatigable. Richly flavored cherry core, similar to the “iced
cherry” often noted in Green Valley Pinots. More fruit-driven than the
other two Pinots in this vintage but not in a bad way: cherry, cherry and more
cherry. Refined, almost delicate, juicy and seamless, with complimentary oak
driven accents of caramel and cola in the background. Tasted the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was offering a striking display of strawberry and cherry
fruit in an elegant format. This is a wine that is chock full of Pinot character.
Reviewed October 26, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Neely Hidden Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $37.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Ripe and fruity nose with aromas of black cherries and
darker berries with a hint of oak. Earth-kissed black cherry and dark red berry flavors with an appealing
earthiness and supportive oak highlights. Medium-weighted, crisp and juicy, with silky tannins. A wine for
those who prefer the earthier, riper side of Pinot Noir. Very good.
Reviewed November 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Neely Upper Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $37. The Spring Ridge Vineyard,
located in Portola Valley, is owned and farmed by Varner and offers six
blocks: Hidden, Home, Amphitheater, Bee, Upper Picnic and Picnic.
Varner is known for Chardonnay but produces superb Pinot Noir under
its own label and Pinot Noir under the Neely label. Dr. Kirk Neely owns
the Spring Ridge Vineyard and the wines are crafted by Varner twins Jim and
Bob Varner.
·
Moderately light purple color. Fresh and clean aromas of mixed
berries, black cherries and spice box. Delicious on the attack with an emphasis
on nicely spiced black cherries. Vibrant and refreshing with mild tannins and
some persistence on the finish. The impeccable balance predicts age ability.
Reviewed November 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2005 Neely “Holly’s Cuvee” Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,
$39. Dr. Kirk Neely owns the Spring Ridge Vineyard and the wines are made by Varner. Hard to swallow for this tariff.
·
The nose offers
shy fruit with a woody bent and some alcohol peaks out. Light-bodied and elegant with very shallow
fruit and flavors of dried cherry, oak and citrus. The best I can say about this wine is that it has some
finesse and a silky texture.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Neely Holly’s Cuvee Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $39. 55%
115, 45% 777.
·
More herbal and not as savory as the Varner Pinot Noirs. Cherry fruit dominates with a green
and oaky edge. Decent.
Reviewed November 13, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Neely Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $39. Clone 777.
·
Amazing aroma of fresh crushed black
cherries. Notably earthy and tannic with an underpinning of charcoal and tar.
The fruit is full-bodied and forward with a thick texture. Decent.
Reviewed November 13, 2009
ARTICLE »
2019 neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Hidden Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 254 cases, $45. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cranberry, vanillin and a floral lift. Relatively light in weight and elegant, offering a core of red berry flavor. Shallow on first sip, but picks up richness and length over time in the glass. Slightly underripe fruit character with a vegetal undertone. A good cut of acidity is featured on the modest finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2019 neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
12.2% alc., 127 cases, $50. · Light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of earth-dusted red cherry, cola, and dark chocolate. Demure intensity on the palate but still delivers satisfying red cherry and cranberry fruit flavors. Nicely balanced, with gossamer tannins and invigorating acidity. Score: 91. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2019 neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Upper Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
12.7% alc., 350 cases, $50. · Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, strawberry and sandalwood lead off. Light to mid-weight in style and dark red fruited with no sign of under ripeness. Graceful, with silky tannins and some finishing length. Uplifting and seductive rather than hedonistic. Score: 93. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Bee Block Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay
14.6% alc., 237 cases, $42. Release March 25, 2019. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Reserved aromas of ocean breeze, chalkboard and nuts. Tastes like an aged Chardonnay, with flavors of stewed citrus fruits, sherry and dried herbs backed by a touch of oak. Score: 88. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Neely Hidden Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 98 cases, $48. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Demure, but very pleasant aromas of cherry and fertile earth. A complete wine featuring mid weight flavors of dark cherry and dark berry blessed with an underlying earthy tone. Gracious tannins and ingratiating acidity make for an uplifting drinking experience. The fruit in this beautifully composed wine has an uncommon brightness and charm. Every Pinot connoisseur will love the lip-smacking finish. Score: 94. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Neely Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 98 cases, $48. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry, strawberry and sous-bois. A complex wine with earth, botanical, animale and black cherry and ripe strawberry fruit flavors. This wine has inviting energy and juiciness, integrated sweet tannins, a soothing texture and a succulent cherry-driven finish of notable persistence. Score: 93. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Home Block Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay
14.4% alc., 56 cases, $52. Release March 25, 2019. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of dried herbs, crushed seashells and warm biscuit. Layers of well-ripened, oxidative fruits including fig and stewed apple with accents of salted caramel and honey. Score: 88. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Hidden Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $38. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Inviting perfume of black cherry, cassis, boysenberry and rose petal. The flavors echo the aromas in a mid weight plus style with a dusting of earth and oak. Very polished and seamless, with tannins that are almost imperceptible. Score: 92. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $42. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, underbrush and tobacco lead to a savory midweight wine offering fruit flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with a flourish of oak in the background. Very botanical, with matched tannins and juicy acidity. More appealing fruit came to the forefront when tasted several hours later from a previously opened bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Upper Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $42. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of fertile earth and toasty oak. Considerably more fruity on the palate in a mid weight plus style with vivid flavors of cherry and raspberry. Oak plays a supporting role and gracious tannins make for easy drinking. When tasted several hours later from a previously opened bottle, the fruit was more giving and the finish had gained pedigree. Score: 92. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2009 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Hidden Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $38. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose veers to the very ripe and dark fruited side over time in the glass. Aromas of dark red pie berries and very ripe strawberries are noted. On the palate, the wine has power and richness, yet remains vivid and crisp like a splash of water from a mountain stream. Flavors of raspberries and plums are most evident with a hint of tutti-fruiti noted. The finish is quite fruity and persistent. Very good. Reviewed October 26, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., $38. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is dark fruited and floral featuring fragrant scents of black cherries, dark berries and blueberries with a hint of violets and spice. Crisp and juicy with good depth of raspberry and cherry flavor that is nicely embellished with a touch of spice and toasty oak. The tannins are delicate and the texture is very silky. An elegant wine that finishes dry with a flourish of raspberry fruit. Very good. Reviewed October 26, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Neely Spring Ridge Vineyard Upper Picnic Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $38. · Moderately light reddish-purple robe. The nose knocked me out. Deeply perfumed with fresh Bing cherries and hints of mocha and baking spices, in particular cinnamon. I kept coming back to the glass, the nose became better and better, and was indefatigable. Richly flavored cherry core, similar to the “iced cherry” often noted in Green Valley Pinots. More fruit-driven than the other two Pinots in this vintage but not in a bad way: cherry, cherry and more cherry. Refined, almost delicate, juicy and seamless, with complimentary oak driven accents of caramel and cola in the background. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was offering a striking display of strawberry and cherry fruit in an elegant format. This is a wine that is chock full of Pinot character. Reviewed October 26, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Neely Hidden Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $37. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Ripe and fruity nose with aromas of black cherries and darker berries with a hint of oak. Earth-kissed black cherry and dark red berry flavors with an appealing earthiness and supportive oak highlights. Medium-weighted, crisp and juicy, with silky tannins. A wine for those who prefer the earthier, riper side of Pinot Noir. Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Neely Upper Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $37. The Spring Ridge Vineyard, located in Portola Valley, is owned and farmed by Varner and offers six blocks: Hidden, Home, Amphitheater, Bee, Upper Picnic and Picnic. Varner is known for Chardonnay but produces superb Pinot Noir under its own label and Pinot Noir under the Neely label. Dr. Kirk Neely owns the Spring Ridge Vineyard and the wines are crafted by Varner twins Jim and Bob Varner. · Moderately light purple color. Fresh and clean aromas of mixed berries, black cherries and spice box. Delicious on the attack with an emphasis on nicely spiced black cherries. Vibrant and refreshing with mild tannins and some persistence on the finish. The impeccable balance predicts age ability. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2005 Neely “Holly’s Cuvee” Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $39. Dr. Kirk Neely owns the Spring Ridge Vineyard and the wines are made by Varner. Hard to swallow for this tariff. · The nose offers shy fruit with a woody bent and some alcohol peaks out. Light-bodied and elegant with very shallow fruit and flavors of dried cherry, oak and citrus. The best I can say about this wine is that it has some finesse and a silky texture. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Neely Holly’s Cuvee Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $39. 55% 115, 45% 777. · More herbal and not as savory as the Varner Pinot Noirs. Cherry fruit dominates with a green and oaky edge. Decent. Reviewed November 13, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Neely Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $39. Clone 777. · Amazing aroma of fresh crushed black cherries. Notably earthy and tannic with an underpinning of charcoal and tar. The fruit is full-bodied and forward with a thick texture. Decent. Reviewed November 13, 2009 ARTICLE »