Small Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir
It’s the dog days of summer and brutally hot and humid. I am reaching for an ice cold craft beer these days
and leaving the Pinot Noir in the cellar. Most all the reviewed wines that follow were sampled before the recent
heat set in.
Bernardus Winery, Carmel Valley, California
2014 Bernardus Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Rosé
12.9% alc., 492 cases, $24, screwcap. A saignée
of Pinot Noir cold fermented in stainless steel to dryness. Sourced from 9 vineyards.
·
Deep pink color in the
glass. Satisfying aromas of strawberry, yellow peach, raspberry, cut grass and rose petal are repeated in the
flavors with added notes of cranberry and white peach. The wine has appealing roundness in the mouth with
moderate body. A perfect foil for grilled salmon from the barbecue.
Score: 87
2013 Bernardus Sierra Mar Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 451 cases, $55.
“Pisoni clone” and Dijon “828.” 100% de-stemmed, inoculated with specially selected yeasts, aged 10 months
in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic,
featuring scents of crushed purple grapes and dark berries. A voluptuous wine with sustained mid palate
flavors of sweet boysenberry, blackberry and plum. Fruit-driven and somewhat monolithic, with firm, balanced
tannins and a luxurious, fruity finish that leaves some bramble and tarry oak in its wake.
Score: 89
2013 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 451 cases, $55.
Bottled August 2014. “Pisoni clone” and Dijon 667. 100% de-stemmed, aged in 100% French oak barrels, 40%
new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose, offering only a hint of dark fruits and
plenty of oak. Better on the palate, with a mid weight core of perfectly ripened purple berry and plum fruits.
This wine has much better vibrancy due to a vein of citrus-driven acidity in the background. Less fruit sap and
footprint than the Sierra Mar bottling, but less sweetness, more vivid fruit, and a more pleasing black cherry
driven finish.
Score: 90
2013 Bernardus Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 165 cases, $65. Bottled
August 2014. “Pisoni clone,” 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers oak-embellished aromas of fresh black
raspberry and blackberry. The flavors echo the nose in a rich, plush style that is fruit-driven. Muscular tannins
and oak make their presence felt. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked
bottle, the fruit aromas were more evident, the oak had assimilated, but the tannins still stuck out. On both
days, the wine had a hint of alcoholic heat on the finish. This wine currently lacks balance and nuance, but a
few years in the cellar may help some.
Score: 88
2013 Bernardus Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 449 cases, $70. “Pisoni clone.” 100% de-stemmed, several
inoculated yeasts different for each fermenter, aged 10 months in 100%
French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in
the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of black cherry, blackberry and
black currant. Bold, but suave and charming, with a classy brew of dark
fruits, clove spice and toast. Obvious sophistication and polish, with a
firm but not imposing structure and an endlessly long finish. When tasted
the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the
nose was still shy and the flavors unchanged. This wine bill benefit from
further cellaring for 3 to 5 years.
Score: 91-92
Pali Wine Co., Lompoc, California
The 2013 Pinot Noirs are highly endowed with well-ripened, but not surmaturité fruit, and resulting high alcohol
levels. The wines are appealing for their upfront fruitiness, but at these high alcohol levels, the wines all taste
relatively similar. It is a difficult balancing act to harmonize the fruit load, high alcohol, considerable new oak,
robust fruit tannins, and lower acidity, but success was achieved in some of the wines.
2013 Pali Wine Co. Rancho la Viña Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 131 cases, $58. Bottled April 2015. This vineyard is
located on the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Wine grapes
share the ranch with cattle, walnuts, vegetables and various fruit trees.
Clones 667, 115 and 777. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels,
50% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Fresh and
lively aromas of cherry, strawberry, spice and sandalwood. A flirty wine
with plenty of charming elegance that is easy to cozy up to, featuring mid
weight juicy flavors of cherry and strawberry fruits framed by lacy tannins
and a bright acid spine, finishing long and generous.
Score: 92
2013 Pali Wine Co. Huber Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., 627 cases, $58. Bottled April
2015. Vineyard dates to 1987, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Norm and Troudl
Huber are the owners and caretakers. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderate
reddish purple color in the glass. Somewhat earthy and savory on the nose with scents of dark cherry and
raspberry and a hint of spice. Plenty of sweet, lush and well-ripened dark red and black fruit sap is brewed
with a compliment of earthy flora in this wine that sports balanced tannins and just a bit of inviting oak. A little
alcoholic warmth is evident on the finish.
Score: 90
2013 Pali Wine Co. Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 334 cases, $58. Bottled April
2015. This 140-acre Pinot Noir vineyard was planted in 1998 by Kathy Joseph. Clones 667, 777, 115 and
Pommard. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the
glass. Like a walk in the forest, this wine’s nose is alive with the scents of earthy flora and timber. Rich entry,
middle and finish with intense flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cola that coat the tongue. Silky, sleek and
refined with deft balance between the slightly astringent tannins and acidity, with the tannins and alcohol
supporting and not dominating the fruit. The biggest, boldest Pinot Noir in the 2013 Pali Wine Co. lineup with a
mighty and memorable finish.
Score: 92
2013 Pali Wine Co. Cargasacchi Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., 43 cases, $58. Bottled April
2015. Peter Cargasacchi farms this 16-acre vineyard located at the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.
Clone 115. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the
glass. Plenty of bramble, earth and dried leaf complimenting the dark fruits and oak spice on the nose. Fullbodied
attack of blackberry and black currant flavors that enter stronger than they finish. The wine has a
woodsy, mushroom, rustic undertone, soft fine-grain tannins, integrated oak, and a fruit presence that builds
over time in the glass. The high alcohol lends a velvety texture, but leaves some heat behind on the finish.
Score: 89
2013 Pali Wine Co. Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., 117
cases, $58. Bottled April 2015. Vineyard planted in 1998 by the Sangiacomo family. Aged 18 months in 100%
French oak barrels, 45% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose leads with very ripe berry
flavors with hints of sassafras and sandalwood. Soft and velvety on the palate, with a charge of well-ripened
dark red and purple fruits engulfing the mouth with richness, accented with generous oak that contributes toast,
spice and dark chocolate highlights. The finish is well-endowed with plump fruit.
Score: 89
2013 Pali Wine Co. Durrell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 65 cases, $58. Bottled April
2015. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard 5. Aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderate
reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is very savory, offering aromas of dried herbs, clay and oak. More
savory herbs show up on the palate that displays somewhat closed fruit flavors of dark red berries, black plum,
and boysenberry, married to oak-gifted notes of marzipan and toast. The gruff tannins stick out in this rustic
wine which has a pleasing mid palate attack but a short finish that offers a bit of alcoholic warmth. May need
time to rouse itself.
Score: 87
Panthea Winery & Vineyard, Philo, Anderson Valley, California
Panthea is located in Philo, in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley. The meticulously farmed estate vineyard is steeply planted to
California heritage clone Pommard and a small amount of Dijon clones in shallow and rocky soil creating low
yields. Owner and vintner Kelly Boss
has a background in farming who developed his winemaking skills through classes at University of California at
Davis and Sonoma State University. His hand’s-on training came working with Dan Sokolow of Raye’s Hill
Vineyard & Winery. This is a true family affair with no front office or year-round staff. The wines are sold
through a mailing list. Visit www.pantheawine.com.
2010 Panthea Siren Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3,70, TA 0.54, 700 cases, $28. Grapes
sourced from diverse locations in the Anderson Valley. Pommard, Swan, Dijon and R31 clones. 100% destemmed,
whole berry fermented using wild and Burgundian yeasts after a multi-day cold soak. Aged for up to
22 months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered and aged 18 months in bottle
before release.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The black cherry, blackberry and
pomegranate fruits have a slightly stewed quality on the nose and palate. Silky and easy to drink, with supple
tannins and a hardy oak overlay expressed as marzipan and toast.
Score: 87
2010 Panthea Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.54, 200 cases, $38.
Vineyard located in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley. A blend of Pommard, Swan, Dijon 777 and 115, and
A2 clones. 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermented using wild and Burgundian yeasts after a multi-day cold
soak. Aged for up to 22 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately light cherry red color in the
glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of cherry, wilted rose, bark and cigar box. Light to mid weight flavors of
cherry, plum and spice aim to please in a gracious, demurely styled wine, with lacy tannins and some length on
the crunchy fruit finish. This wine is improving over time and has the balance to last several more years.
Score: 89
2010 Panthea Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.54, $45. 80% Pommard and
20% Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed and whole berry fermented using wild and Burgundian yeasts after a
multi-day cold soak. Aged for up to 22 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and
unfiltered and aged 18 months in bottle before release.
·
Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Lovely
aromas of fresh crushed cherries, spice and wilted rose. On the palate, the mid weight core of black cherry fruit
is embellished with smoky oak flavor. An enjoyable wine with modest tannins, but lacks nuance and length.
Score: 88
2011 Panthea Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.54, 200 cases, $50. 80%
Pommard and 20% Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermented using wild and Burgundian yeasts
after a multi-day cold soak. Aged for up to 22 months in 100% French oak barrels, 45% new. Bottled unfined
and unfiltered and aged 12 months before release.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of
dried herb and sous-bois aromas arise with swirling, with some cherry notes in the background. Highly
enjoyable on the attack with flavorful dark cherry, raspberry and plum notes accented with a complimentary
infusion of oak, and somewhat grippy but not imposing tannins. The best feature of this wine is the finish which
offers a gorgeous peacock tail of red stone fruits that linger for at least a minute.
Score: 90
2012 Panthea Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.57, 300 cases, $55. 80%
Pommard and 20% Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed and whole berry fermented with native and Burgundian
yeasts after a multi-day cold soak. The wine was aged in 100% French oak barrels, 45% new. Bottled unfined
and unfiltered and aged in bottle 22 months before release.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Bright
aromas of purple grape, boysenberry and lavender tend to fade in the glass over time. A mid weight plus wine
that is a bit tight and tannic now, offering an array of purple fruits and firm-handed oak. The tannins gain a little
traction on the generously fruity finish that reveals a touch of alcoholic warmth.
Score: 89
2012 Panthea Klindt Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., pH 3.89, TA 0.57, 180 cases, $42. Pommard and Dijon 113, 115,
777 and 667. The 8.25-acre Klindt Vineyard is located in the “deep end”
of the Anderson Valley next to the Panthea Estate Vineyard and behind
Handley Cellars. 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermented with native
and Burgundian yeasts after a multi-day cold soak. The wine was aged
22 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and
unfiltered and aged in bottle for 12 months before release.
·
Moderate
reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of cherry, rose petal and
spice leap from the glass. The delicious melange of Bing cherry, spice
and savory herbs sings in harmony with the oak. The tannins are folded
in and the mouthfeel is full, plush and highly satisfying. The intense finish
hits all the right notes. Impressive.
Score: 92
Stemmler, Sonoma, California
The following reviewed wines are scheduled to be released in the fall. There are some changes in the wines
from previous vintages. The Carneros Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir continues to be sourced from the Donum
Ranch, but has been re-named “Lawler Vineyard,” after the road leading to the ranch, to emphasize that it
comes from a single vineyard. In 2013, a Winside Vineyard Pinot Noir is offered from the Estate vineyard
previously known as Nugent Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The Carneros Pinot Noir is sourced from
multiple vineyards throughout Carneros, and is offered mainly to on-premise accounts.
There are 3 new wines in 2013: (1) the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that is a blend of Russian River Valley and
Carneros ranches and offered at a value-driven price point; (2) Ferguson Cuttings, which is sourced from vines
on the Donum Ranch grafted to cuttings from the Ferguson Vineyard; (30) Laura, a reserve wine from Winside
Vineyard.
2 wines were produced from the Angel Camp Vineyard in Anderson Valley: (1) Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and
(2) “Whole Cluster” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.
The 2013 vintage offered a smaller crop than in 2012 with smaller berries and thicker skins. The result is
concentrated wines with notable tannins, but the tannins are ripe and not hard or edgy. All wines have been
aged over a year in bottle before release. There is an impressive consistency here in quality and nearly all of
these offerings would be highly enjoyable at the dinner table.
Visit www.robertstemmlerwinery.com.
2013 Stemmler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.59, 1,052 cases, $28. Bottled
August 2014. 61% Dijon 667 and 115 and Pommard from Winside Vineyard, and 39% 777, 115 and
Donum clone from the Lawler Vineyard. A blend from many different fermentations. Aged about 10
months in once, twice and three-times-used French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple
color in the glass. The aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, sous-bois and sandalwood are hi-tone and
penetrating. A satisfying mid palate attack of black cherry fruit carries over through a lengthy but
warm finish. Notes of ripe strawberry and anise add interest. This is a silky textured, value-priced wine that
aims to please.
Score: 89
2013 Stemmler Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.58, 264 cases, $44. Bottled August
2014. Fruit was sourced from 9 different blocks of the Angel Camp Vineyard. 37% David Bruce, Swan, Wädenswil and
Pommard clones, and 63% Dijon 115, 667, 777 and “828.” 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 7-day cold soak, aged on
fine lees for 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The
nose is noticeably floral, with added scents of black raspberry, blueberry and forest floor. Concentrated and
sappy, with flavors of blueberry, pomegranate, black raspberry and strawberry. Very plush on the palate with
balanced tannins and an expansive fruit-filled finish that leaves a bit of warmth in its wake.
Score: 89
2013 Stemmler Anderson Valley Whole Cluster Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.91, TA 0.52, 48 cases, $44.
One ton of Martini clone from Angel Camp Vineyard went straight to tank. Once fermentation started after about 7 to 10 days, the grapes
were gently pressed to open the berries, and fermentation was allowed to continue at a slow pace. Aged on the
lees for 9 months in 100% once-used French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing
aromas of black cherry, underbrush and potpourri lead to a mid weight core of black cherry and black raspberry
fruit accented with exotic spices. The slightest green thread in the background hints at whole cluster but is
complimentary rather than detractive. This wine has more firm tannin than the regular Anderson Valley bottling,
but is more nuanced and intellectual to drink with the whole cluster contributing complexity and interest.
Score: 91
2013 Stemmler Winside Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 1,277
cases, $44. Bottled August 2014. Vineyard planted in 1997 under The Donum Estate’s guidance and vineyard
management and was recently acquired by the winery and renamed Winside Vineyard. 11 acres planted to a
mix of Dijon 115 and 667, and 5 acres of Pommard which came into production in 2011. This wine is 50% 115,
35% Pommard and 15% 667. 100% de-stemmed, 5 to 7-day cold soak, extended post fermentation maceration
of 2 to 14 days, aged on lees for 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately light reddish
purple hue in the glass. A complex array of aromas including spiced black cherry, cassis, hay bale and
mushroom lead to deep flavors of black cherry and blackberry fruits in a mid weight style with a tug of nutty
oak. Silky on the palate, with firm but balanced tannins, and a decent but not notable finish.
Score: 89
2013 Stemmler Laura Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 72 cases, $44. In
2012, Donum Estate’s long time vineyard manager moved into the old farmhouse on the Winside property and
in 2013 his wife gave birth to a baby girl named Laura. In her honor, this special bottling was sourced from a
single block within the vineyard and selected from the three best barrels of Dijon 115 clone. Bottled August
2014. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, aged on lees for 10months in 100% French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding but pleasant aromas of blackberry jam, black
cherry compote, spice and earth lead to a delicious palate of mid weight plus dark berry and black cherry fruit
flavors that veer toward over ripeness but do not cross the line. An exemplary Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
showing the typical luscious fruit theme this region is known for. There is good harmony, with the alcohol and
tannins tucked into place.
Score: 90
2013 Stemmler Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 2,089 cases, $25, screwcap. Bottled
August 2014. Sourced from several small vineyards located over the southern, cooler part of Carneros. 100%
de-stemmed, aged in most older French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is
very shy and slightly reduced, with demure aromas of red berries and red stone fruits. The mid weight core of
dark red fruits is framed by chewy tannins, bright acidity, and heavy-handed oak. Lacks harmony and
personality.
Score: 86
2013 Stemmler Lawler Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.61, 903 cases, $44. Bottled
August 2014. Sourced from the Estate 45-acre vineyard of 20-year-old vines planted to 6 different clones in 9
distinct blocks. 40% 777, 25% “Donum clone,” 20% 115, and 20% Martini. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 8-day cold
soak, and aged 9+ months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. Pleasant mix of cherry, spice and oak aromas. The mid weight core of black cherry and blackberry fruit
is fresh and ripe. The structure is in balance, the texture is smooth, and the oak offers welcome seasoning, but
the finish is modest and a bit warm.
Score: 88
2013 Stemmler Ferguson Cuttings Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.,
pH 3.74, TA 0.68, 48 cases, $44. Martini clones planted in 1974 by
Thomas Ferguson were pulled out in 2010, but a block on the Donum
Estate Vineyard was planted with budwood from the Ferguson Vineyard.
Bottled August 2014. 100% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, post
fermentation maceration. After resting on lees for 10 months, two favorite
barrels were selected from the lot and blended and bottled.
·
Moderately
light reddish purple color in the glass. With swirling, the aromas really
pop, including notes of cherry reduction sauce, baking spice and sweet
oak. Impressive on the attack, with an eye opening burst of black cherry,
boysenberry and spice flavors. Very charming in the mouth, with a soft,
seductive texture and a glorious finish replete with black cherry
goodness. This wine clearly stands out among the 2013 Stemmler Pinot
Noir lineup.
Score: 93
More
2013 Ferrari-Carano Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.54, 5,197 cases, $36.
Sourced from three ranches in the Anderson Valley. Heritage and Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed,
3-day cold soak, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 37% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple
color in the glass. Black cherry, black raspberry, cola and spice are featured in this wine which is
discreetly concentrated and forward drinking. The mouthfeel is silky, the suave tannins well
mannered, and oak plays a welcome seasoning role in the background. A solid Pinot for everyday
drinking.
Score: 89
2013 Lombardi Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 48 cases, $38.
Sourced from Terra de Promissio Vineyard. Clone 777. Aged 17 months
in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. The slightest VA blows off upon opening revealing an inviting
aromatic bouquet of black cherry, blueberry, exotic spice, fennel and
sweet oak. Juicy and crisp with middleweight flavors of black cherry and
boysenberry and subtle oak-driven notes of molasses, vanilla and nuts.
The tannins are nicely merged making for current drinking, and the fruity
finish offers some length. When sampled the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was really alive and the
solid core of noble Bing cherry fruit was very inviting.
Score: 90
2012 Wedell Cellars Wavertree Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 1,560 cases, $30. Bottled June 2015.
75% of grapes from a well-known vineyard just outside Sta.
Rita Hills AVA and remaining 25% for several well-known
vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Dijon clones. Harvest Brix
24.8º. 3-day cold soak, aged on the lees for almost 32 months
in a combination of 20% new, 40% once used and 40%
neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. The aromas and flavors of blackberry, olalliberry, spice, smoke
and anise are presented in a forward, easy drinking style of that offers
good harmony. Bright and clean, with mature, balanced tannins, and a
suave finish that leaves a good impression. Additional time in bottle has
brought this wine considerable appeal.
Score: 90
2013 Wilde Farm Donnelly Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
12.7% alc., $42. 50% whole cluster, ambient fermentation. Unfined
and unfiltered. Winemaker is Pax Mahle.
·
Moderate reddish purple color
in the glass. Demure aromas of black raspberry, exotically spiced cherry,
and rose petal leads to mid weight flavors of well-spiced purple fruits
accented with oak. The fruit is vivid and a bit sweet in flavor with a wellsustained
mid palate. There is some tannic astringency as to be
expected with the whole cluster but it is not imposing. This wine should
continue to improve in the bottle, offering more nuance and less dry
tannin over time.
Score: 90-91
Donnelly Creek Vineyard
Mary Elke, who owns and farms Donnelly Creek Vineyard, told me that she grows two clones that she
doesn!t think anyone else in Anderson Valley has planted. In 1990, she started Donnelly Creek Vineyard on
a site of abandoned pear and apple orchards. She obtained a planting lend from American AgCredit after
securing a long-term contract with Mumm Napa for the grapes which would begin production in year four. As
a result, initially she was looking for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones that were known to be higher yielding
and suitable for sparkling wine.
Mary and her spouse had been growing grapes since 1978 in what is now known as the Coombsville AVA of
Napa Valley. In their vineyard, they had 4 acres of “Elliott” Pinot Noir clone for still wine that they sold to
Mondavi Winery. They were told that this clone was the old “Beringer clone” from the 1960s. The Elkes
called it “Elliott” because they got the budwood from a vineyard on Big Ranch Road in Napa owned by the
Elliott family. They took budwood from their Napa vineyard to Anderson Valley and field-budded about 6
acres.
The second clone is the “Stang” clone, most likely UCD 104 Pinot Noir clone. This originated from budwood
taken from an Alexander Valley vineyard owned by Mr. Stang.
m
By 1995, the Elkes were experimenting with small lots of these two clones for still wine under the Elke label.
Since site trumps clone, they found that while they had selected the clones for sparkling wine, when grown in
Anderson Valley they produced beautiful still wines. Then in 1998, the Elkes added some Pommard 5 to their
Pinot Noir that they had planted in 1995.
The Elliott clone usually ripens early, is slightly lighter in color, and has great cedar spice notes. The Stang
clone provides structure to the wine and notes of blueberry and raspberry. FEL, Saintsbury and Elke have all
used the Stang clone in their Donnelly vineyard designate wines. Elke Donnelly Vineyard Pinot Noir is 25%
Elliott, 25% Stang and 50% Pommard 5.
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