Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Other Wines
Big Basin Vineyards, Boulder Creek, CA
I am always intrigued by the Pinot Noir wines from Big Basin because they offer considerable nuance and
individuality. They are not at all like so many Pinot Noir wines produced currently in California and therefore
challenge the drinker. The aromatics are more savory than fruity, the textures are interesting, and the tannins
well balanced. The wines even have a little of that “funk” that one experiences with fine Burgundy reds.
This winery was founded by Bradley Brown and his sister Wendy Brown on an historic site next to Big Basin
Redwoods State Park. The Pinot Noir wines are vnified in small lots using significant whole cluster
fermentation, native yeast, and no additions other than sulfur dioxide after secondary fermentation is
completed.
2015 was a classic, low yielding, high concentration vintage in the Santa Cruz Mountains according to Bradley.
Years of drought followed by an early bud break and then spring rains reduced yields in most of Big Basin’s
vineyards by 50% of normal. Summer was moderate to warm, bringing on rapid ripening during the harvest
season. Winemakers had to be cautious to avoid picking excessively ripe fruit.
The wines are sold through a mailing list, wine club and tasting rooms at both the estate winery and in the town
of Saratoga: see website at www.bigbasinvineyards.com.
2015 Big Basin Vineyards Alfaro Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 100 cases, $60.
Released November 2017. 16-year-old vines planted at
588-730 feet in sandy gravelly loam in Corralitos. Clones
115, 667 and 777. 100% whole cluster native yeast
fermentation. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels.
Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet
color in the glass. Enveloping aromas of blackberry, cassis, potpourri,
fertile earth and ash. Satiny, smooth and flowing on the palate, with
impressive richness that fills every nook and cranny in the mouth with
serious intent. The mid weight flavors of purple grapes, blackberry,
pomegranate, tea and tobacco really saturate the finish. Beautifully
balanced, this wine’s mouthfeel is highly seductive. Still exceptional
when re-tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 94
2015 Big Basin Vineyards Lester Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 200
cases, $55. Released November 2017. 17-year-old vines in Corralitos planted at 485-570 feet elevation in
sandy clay loam over sedimentary bed rock. Mt Eden, 115 and 667 clones. 70% whole cluster native yeast
fermentation. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels.. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in
the glass. Very reserved and savory nose, offering aromas of earthy flora, vegetal juice and seasoned oak. Mid
weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and burnt tobacco emerge royally over time in the glass. Silky in
the mouth with gentle tannins and a quenching finish. The wine seems a bit closed even when re-tasted two
days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Time will tell, but for now,
Score: 91
2015 Big Basin Vineyards Coast Grade Vineyard Ben Lemond Mountain Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 70 cases, $55. Release April 2018. 7-year-old vines planted at 1,240-1340 feet elevation.
Pommard and “828” clones planted in sandy loam over limestone base rock. Extensive shatter resulted in a
very small harvest. The majority of grapes were de-stemmed since the clusters were sparse and contained
some green shot berries that were eliminated. 25% whole cluster native yeast fermentation. Aged 15 months in
French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly
aromatic, with hi-tone scents of cherry, rose petal, burnt tobacco and savory herbs. Light to mid weight in style,
noticeably fresh and juicy, with flavors of red cherry and cranberry and a hint of tobacco framed by frisky
acidity. The most vibrant and juicy wine in the 2015 lineup. Still pumping out enticing aromas when sampled
two days after opening.
Score: 93
2015 Big Basin Vineyards Woodruff Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 80 cases, $65. Release April 2018. About
38-year-old vines planted at 436 to 515 feet elevation in sandy loam. Unknown heritage selection. 100% whole
cluster native yeast fermentation. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of underbrush, mulch and flower blossom persist in the
glass. Quite restrained initially with a primarily savory undergrowth and earth character. When tasted later in
the day from a previously opened bottle, this wine showed the most dramatic change, offering appealing mid
weight flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, black cherry and spice.The silken mouthfeel attracts. Somewhat
rigorous tannins need time to mollify. This is definitely a wine to lay down for a year or two.
Score: 93
2015 Big Basin Vineyards Coastview Vineyard Monterey County Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 155 cases, $50.
Release February 2018. 17-year-old vines planted at 2,200 feet elevation in decomposed quartz Diotite and
limestone over base rock. Clones 667, 777, 113, 114, 115, Swan and Pisoni. One lot fermented 33% whole
cluster and the other 75% whole cluster. Native fermentation. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels. Bottled
unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas that build over time in the glass
including back cherry, spice, floral goodness, pipe smoke and fresh turned earth. Good richness in a mid
weight plus style, with flavors of earth-kissed boysenberry and blackberry fruits with a riff of tobacco, toast and
spice in the background. A lot going on in this wine with an inquisitive texture of suede and a prolonged finish.
Score: 93
Cristom Vineyards, Salem, OR
There isn’t a whole to say about this iconic Oregon winery that hasn’t been written with boundless enthusiasm
over and over. Winemaker and biochemist Steve Doerner has been at Cristom since its founding in 1992 and
that is an eternity for most winemakers today. His style is influenced by his time at Calera and study under
Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac in Burgundy before arriving at Cristom.
Today, Cristom Vineyards consists of eight distinct sustainable vineyards on 65 acres in the Eola-Amity Hills.
Four of these vineyards, known as “The Four Ladies,” include Marjorie (the only planting that was part of the
property when it was acquired and the only vines planted on their own roots), Jessie, Louise and Eileen, and
form the quartet of vineyard-designated Pinot Noir wines that has brought Cristom notoriety.
Marjorie Vineyard at Cristom
The Cristom Pinot Noir wines combine Oregon terroir with a Burgundian sensitivity. The wines are produced
with some percentage of whole cluster fermentation, a technique not in widespread use in Oregon. The wines
are noninterventional, meaning native yeasts, no cold soak, no filtration, and minimal fining and racking.
Because of the whole cluster inclusion, acid additions are often necessary.
Perhaps even more unique than the Pinot Noir wines are the winery’s other varietals, all of which are
outstanding: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier and Syrah. The Syrah, produced from 1.25 acres of estate
vines, was the first estate grown and bottled Syrah in the Willamette Valley when it was first released in 2003.
Cristom Pinot Noir is consistently the number one Oregon Pinot Noir sold in United States restaurants. Cristom
wines are also widely distributed in fine retail stores and sold on the winery’s website. Despite the popularity of
the wines, they are accessible to the consumer. You can book tastings including “The Cristom Experience” or
“Picnic in the Vines” at www.cristomvineyards.com. Cristom is currently offering Vineyard Retrospectives,
2008-2013, for Marjorie, Eileen, Louise and Jesse Pinot Noir.
In the 2015 vintage, bud break occurred in March, the earliest ever recorded at Cristom Vineyards and a full 3
weeks earlier than the winery’s twenty-five-year average. Warmth continued through spring, leading to bloom
beginning in most blocks at the end of May (also the earliest ever recorded at the estate). Warm, dry weather
during flowering led to a heavy fruit set and the vines produced sizable clusters with large berries. The result of
the vintage growing conditions was a rare combination of abundant quantity and exceptional quality fruit.
The 2015 vintage single vineyard Pinot Noir wines are highly concentrated and not as forward now as the 2014
vintage wines were at this stage. Decanting would be advisable if you plan to drink them soon. Better to lay
they down for awhile while you drink the more accessible Mt. Jefferson Cuvée.
2014 Cristom Estate Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 1,620 cases, $50. First produced in 2013 to
replace the Sommers Reserve. An ensemble of each of the four estate Pinot Noir vineyards to tell the story of
the specific vintage. Whole cluster fermented by native yeast. Unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. Comforting aromas of cherry, potpourri, rose petal and herbs. Lighter weighted flavors of cherry and
strawberry fruits in a refined, juicy and crisp style with very suave tannins and a modest finish. Elegantly
composed and welcoming now, with the slightest herbal oak note in the background.
Score: 90
2015 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.57,
9,562 cases, $32. A blend of Cristom estate Pinot Noir vineyards and fruit sourced from
neighboring vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The aim with this wine is consistency each year.
Clones 113, 114, 115, 667, 777, “828,” Pommard and Wädenswil. 41% whole cluster, native yeast
fermentation, fined with egg whites, unfiltered. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 12.5%
new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of black cherry, ripe strawberry,
blueberry, and exotic spices. Mid weight flavors of black cherry and pomegranate have an earthy,
rustic lean. Forward drinking and satisfying, with micro grain tannins, adequate acidity and some finishing
length. One of Oregon’s most true to type wines that offers special value.
Score: 91
2015 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.55, 554 cases, $70.
Marjorie Vineyard is Cristom’s oldest estate plantings,
predating the company back to 1982. Named in honor of
winegrower-owner Tom Gerrie’s grandmother. Own-rooted,
lower-density plantings. Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon
114, 115 and 777. Vines produce very small, highly
concentrated clusters. 59% whole cluster native yeast fermentation.
Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 58% new. Fined with egg
whites, unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Complex and
sexy nose, presenting aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, spice,
tobacco leaf, menthol and vanilla. Mid weight flavors of dark cherry and
berry framed by husky tannins. Commendable richness and length in
the mouth, with the fruit becoming more charming over time in the glass. The juicy, persistent finish rounds out
a special wine. Noticeably better when re-tasted later in the day and still exceptional when re-tasted three days
later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Marjorie is usually my Cristom paramour.
Score: 94
2015 Cristom Louise Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.57, 945 cases, $65.
Vineyard planted in 1993 and named for winegrower and owner Tom Gerrie’s great-grandmother, Louise
Dinkelspiel. The lowest elevation Pinot Noir planting on the Cristom estate. The first vineyard established by
Cristom and densely planted. 43% whole cluster native yeast fermentation. Aged 18 months in French oak
barrels, 56% new. Bottled fined with egg whites and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Aromas of black cherry, clove, brioche and barrel lead off. More aromatic the following day, showing attractive
cherry, spice and dried rose scents. A well balanced wine with harmonious flavors of dark red and purple berry
fruits and firm, but supportive tannins. Silky in texture, with some finishing power, This wine was more
expressive when re-tasted the following day and even better when re-tasted two days later from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93
2015 Cristom Jessie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.56, 1,006 cases, $65.
This vineyard is named for winegrower and owner Tom Gerrie’s great-grandmother Jessie Summers. Vineyard
was established in 1994 on one of the steepest hillsides in Oregon and therefore one of the most challenging
to farm on the Cristom Estate. High-density plantings of 2,311 vines per acre. 49% whole cluster native yeast
fermentation. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 52% new. Bottled after egg white fining without filtering.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of fresh berry basket, spice, burnt
tobacco and toasty oak, soaring in intensity over time in the glass. Mid weight flavors of black cherry and black
raspberry have a savory spice and tobacco underpinning. Fresh and vivid, with somewhat firm tannins and a
satiny mouth feel. A bit tight upon opening, showing more openness and harmony when re-tasted the next day
and two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93
2015 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.56, 1,043 cases, $65.
This vineyard is named for Cristom’s co-founder, Eileen Gerrie. Planting began in 1997 and expanded in 2006,
resulting in a total of 16.61 acres, making Eileen the largest Cristom estate vineyard. It is also the highest
elevation vineyard. Clones 113, 114, 115, 777, Pommard and Wädenswil. 42% whole cluster native
fermentation. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 56% new. Fined with egg whites and unfiltered.
·
Moderate
light garnet color in the glass. An array of charming aromas including cherry, rose petal, mushroom and sous
bois greet the drinker. Upon opening, the wine is a bit flat and withdrawn. The following day, mid weight flavors
of black cherry, dark strawberry, spice, mushroom and green vegetable emerge.The tannins are highly
structured, yet integrated with the healthy fruit sap. The whole cluster vegetal note leaves me concerned.
Perhaps time in the cellar will fully revive and acclimate this wine and prove the score too conservative.
Score: 90
2016 Cristom Estate Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Gris
13.5% alc., 1,244 cases, $20. 5 acres of vines
planted in 1993. The only Cristom vineyard planted solely on sedimentary soils.
·
Light golden
yellow color in the glass. Lofty aromas of pear, pineapple, ripened peach, kiwi, nut oil, olive oil
and balsam. The flavors echo the aromas with added notes of lemon and melon. Good richness
of flavor while maintaining a crispness and brightness. A serious, highly nuanced wine with an
uncommon finishing length. Pinot Gris is Oregon’s Rodney Dangerfield varietal as it receives little
respect. Yet when made in this fashion, it is a connoisseur’s wine that is highly versatile at the
dinner table as well as offering superb aging potential.
Score: 93
2016 Cristom Estate Eola-Amity Hills Viognier
14.0% alc., 978 cases, $30. Cristom pioneered
this grape variety in Oregon with a 1993 planting. Barrel fermented in a combination of stainless
steel and neutral French oak.
·
Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Satisfying perfume of
tropical fruits including mango and banana, as well as orange peel and grassland. The flavor
profile is quite typical with tastes of peach, apricot, citrus and petrol. Nicely composed and
refreshing, with the slightest tannins adding body. The finish has purpose and quenching acidity.
Along with the Penner-Ash version, this is the best Viognier currently produced in Oregon.
Score: 93
Cuvaison, Carneros, Napa Valley, CA
Cuvaison is one of California’s most established and worthy wineries, dating to 1969. It was one of the first
post-Prohibition Napa Valley wineries and played a key role in the evolution of luxury Napa Valley Chardonnay
and Pinot Noir. Cuvaison also championed the recognition of the Los Carneros AVA. For the past four decades,
Cuvaison has focused on estate grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from its expansive 200 acres of vineyards
first planted in 1980. With 44 different blocks of Chardonnay and 20 blocks of Pinot Noir, the vineyards are one
of the oldest and most diverse sites in the region. Over almost 40 years of farming, the Cuvaison team has
developed a block-by-block approach to cultivating the vineyard.
A few years back, Cuvaison unveiled their Single Block wines two of which are reviewed here. The wines are
crafted by long-time winemaker Steve Rogstad, who designed the purpose-built Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
winery. Visit the website at www.cuvaison.com.
2015 Cuvaison Single Block Series Spire Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.51, $52. Clone 115, 18-year-old
from a low-yieldings high elevation site on the estate vineyard. This site
stands out for its depth and concentration according to the winemaker.
Yields in 2015 were down about 40%. Aged 16 months in French oak
barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant
aromas of dark cherry and a compliment of oak. More expressive on
the palate, offering a mid weight plus charge of black cherry and black
raspberry fruit flavors underlain with earthiness and notes of dark
chocolate and cola, Satiny in texture, with inviting harmony, finishing
with some generosity. Can be enjoyed now but will benefit from another
year in the cellar.
Score: 92
2015 Cuvaison Single Block Series Adda Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.50, TA
0.58, $50. A barrel selection of lowest yield Old Wente vines averaging 15 years of age. Aged 18 months in
French oak barrels 50% new.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of lemon peel, peach skin
and nutty oak. Richly endowed with well-ripened citrus, yellow peach and tropical fruit flavors blessed with a
deft touch of oak. Rich and creamy in the mouth, with engaging finishing power. This wine reflects plenty of
California sunshine in a style more driven by fruit than acidity.
Score: 93
Laetitia Vineyards, Arroyo Grande, CA
2015 Laetitia Single Vineyard La Colline Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., $60. Name means
“The Hillside” in French. Sourced from low-yielding blocks in the heart of the Laetitia estate vineyard. Only
produced in exceptional vintages.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of cherry
reduction sauce, rose petal, pomegranate and terra cotta. Light to mid weight cherry core with a subtle smoky
note in the background. Inviting juiciness and balanced fine-grain tannins, finishing a bit flat and short. The
aromatics are the most appealing feature of this wine at this stage. I have had much better examples of this
wine in previous vintages.
Score: 89
2015 Laetitia Single Vineyard Les Galets Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc. $60. The name
means “Stones” in French. Sourced from low-yielding blocks of modern plantings. Only produced in the most
promising vintages.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple berry, underbrush and barrel are
muted. Mid weight flavors of blackberry and boysenberry with a thread of oak in the background. Very lacy and
silky, with spot-on balance, but the fruit flavor is a bit flat and infused with a conflagrant taste that is unusual
and persists even over a day’s time of tasting. This wine is not up to its usual excellence in this vintage.
Score: 89
MacRostie Winery & Vineyards, Healdsburg, CA
2015 MacRostie Winery & Vineyards Thale’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 740
cases, $56, screw cap. Steve and spouse Thale founded MacRostie together in 1987. Thale’s Vineyard
surrounds the winery’s new home in Westside Road in the Russian River Valley. The winery’s first estate
vineyard. Clones 2A and 23. 100% de-stemmed, inoculated with yeast after a 3-day cold soak. Aged 12
months in French oak barrels, 37% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers a
combination of fruity black cherry aromas and savory notes of earthy flora, herbs and toasty oak. Light to mid
weight in style, offering flavors of Bing cherry and purple grape with an accent of baking spice and herbs.
Somewhat reserved in character, but displaying satisfactory mid palate intensity and a juicy finish.
Score: 90
2015 MacRostie Kent Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.9% alc., 315 cases, $46, screw
cap. Kent Ritchie has farmed his iconic vineyard for nearly
40 years. Wente selection from original 40-year-old
plantings and 15- to 20-year old vines. Whole cluster
pressed, barrel fermented and aged on the lees with
occasional stirring for 15 months. 15% new French oak.
·
Light golden yellow color in the glass. Soaring aromas of lemon,
pineapple, pear, creme brûlée and a hint of slate. Lovely flavors of pear,
lemon, pineapple and melon that are both intense and lifted by vibrant
acidity. Impeccably composed and balanced, with a slightly viscous
mouth feel and a grand finish that really holds on. Goes down like
mother’s milk. A special wine from a venerable vineyard and exceptional
by any measure. Terrific price to boot.
Score: 95
Martinelli Winery & Vineyards, Windsor, CA
The Martinelli family are part of the historical fiber of the Russian River Valley. They have been growing grapes
and apples in Sonoma County since 1887, planting their first Pinot Noir in 1970. Two historic hop barns grace
the estate property on River Road that were converted into a tasting room and winery. The Martinellis began
producing Pinot Noir under their own label in 1993, with Helen Turkey as the winemaker.
Currently, Lee Martinelli, Sr., and his two sons, Lee, Jr., and George, oversee the management of 400 acres of
prime vineyard land in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations.
Helen Turley left her consulting winemaking position in 2010 and turned winemaking over to Bryan Kvamme.
Courtney Wagoner, a veteran of winemaking stints at Wild Horse Winery, Gundlach Bundschu, and Alderbrook.
She joined Martinelli as assistant winemaker in 2015 and was promoted to winemaker in 2017. Erin Green has
been the consulting winemaker since 2010.
I became interested in Martinelli many years ago, not because of Pinot Noir, but because of their Jackass Hill
Zinfandel which I relished. As you can see from my website, I have not tasted many Martinelli Pinot Noir wines,
in part because they have never been submitted for review.
Many wines are sold on the winery’s website at www.martinelliwinery.com, with special bottlings only offered to
tasting room visitors and long time mailing list members. All Martinelli wines are from estate vineyards.
The Martinelli Pinot Noir wines have a distinctive style characterized by high extraction, fruit picked at higher
Brix and resultant higher alcohols. Although the goal of winemaking here is to display the individuality of
different vineyard sites, the hedonistic, fruit-driven style tends to obscure the terroir. That said, the wines are
consistently lauded by the wine press with high scores and this piqued my interest enough to buy two bottles
and see for myself.
2015 Martinelli Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.4% alc., $70. 23 acres
of clones 114, “828,” 777, 667, 943 and Calera planted in Goldridge
sandy loam soil.
·
Very dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black
fruits, toast and vanilla creme. Full-bodied and luscious with copious
purple and blackberry flavors supported by complimentary oak. The
alcohol and tannins are well-integrated in this wine that could be
mistaken for a Zinfandel. Well-made in this style that pleases with a
slick and smooth mouthfeel.There is less acidity than wines from Green
Valley typically offer but there is enough to propel the wine. Noticeably
more mellow when tasted the following day from a previously opened
and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92
2015 Martinelli Zio Tony Ranch “Grace Nicole” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.3% alc., $70. This
vineyard is named after Lee Martinelli Sr.’s uncle. Zico means “uncle” in Italian and is pronounced “tseo.” At
one time, this site was the largest apple orchard in Sonoma County. When Zico Tony passed away in 1971, his
nephew, Lee Martinelli, Sr., took over management of the estate. This 45-acre vineyard was planted to Pinot
Noir (115, 777 and “828”), Chardonnay and Syrah wine grapes in 2000, 2001 and 2006. Goldridge sandy loam
soil.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of blackberry reduction sauce, spice, raisin and redwood
forest. A mid weight plus styled wine that has a bit more vibrancy than the Bondi Home Ranch bottling and
more Pinot charm. The sappy fruit flavors of blackberry and ollaliberry are engaged with a welcome spice note.
Very silky in the mouth, with good balance, finishing with willing intensity. Unchanged when tasted the following
day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92
Migration, St. Helena, CA
Since winemaker Dana Epperson has taken over, the brand has increased in quality by leaps and bounds for
both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Dana does upwards of 50 individual Pinot Noir fermentations each vintage,
with some as small as a single ton.
Migration is now going beyond its Anderson Valley origins and exploring Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from other
special cool-climate wine growing regions.
The wines are cellared and bottled by Migration, Hopland, CA. Migration is part of the Duckhorn Wine
Company portfolio. Visit www.migrationwines.com.
2015 Migration Running Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $68. Migration’s
estate vineyard located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. A selection of the best blocks and barrels from
this site (only about 3% of the vineyard’s total grapes). Second vintage. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels
40% new and 60% neutral.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasurable scents of black
fruits and gentle oak. A little riper fruit and more sap and structure than the Dutton bottling. Fruit-driven, with
hints of cola, earth and oak. Nicely balanced, with a satiny texture and an agreeable ending.
Score: 92
2015 Migration Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $68. There is not much specific
about the Dutton Ranch designation since the Duttons farm so many acres, but this bottling concentrates on
the Green Valley or coolest and foggiest part of the Russian River Valley. Clones 115 and “828.” Aged 10
months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 60% neutral.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose opens
broadly in the glass, sporting aromas of black cherry, Asian spices, and underbrush. An intense attack of black
cherry fruit alerts the senses in this middleweight styled wine that is giving and forward. Creamy and sleek in
the mouth, with melded tannins, and compatible acidity. The finish is gratifying but not extraordinary. The mild
oak shadow needs some time to fully integrate.
Score: 92
2015 Migration Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $68. This vineyard was planted in 2003 by the Dierberg
family and is located at the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.
Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black
cherry, earthy flora, toast and cigar box. Stunning on entry, with loads
of black cherry, raspberry and spice flavor in a mid weight plus style
that delivers immersed tannins and vibrant acidity. Nuances of earth
and mushroom add interest. Very sleek and refreshing with the longest
finish of the trio of 2015 Migration Pinot Noir wines tasted.
Score: 93
Windrun Vintners, Buellton, CA
This winery, founded by Lance Mason in 2010, is a Santa Barbara County-based negotiant focused on Pinot
Noir and Chardonnay. The wines offer outstanding value. Veteran Ken Brown in the winemaker. Wines are
cellared and bottled by Windrun Vintners, Buellton, CA.. Visit www.windrunwine.com.
When Lance emailed me in December 2017 offering to send two of the Windrun wines for editorial
consideration, I really had to laugh at his clever presentation. I will pass it on in edited form. “To your Royal
Highness. Your Grace. With all respect to your position in the Royal Houses of Ampelography and Oenology,
may this humble servant request an audience with your grace for our new offerings. With your indulgence,
m’lord, the two wines are quite distinct from each other. May we tempt your Highness with a taste?”
2014 Windrun Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.68, 733 cases, $32. 100%
Wädenswil 2A clone, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Enjoyable fragrance of Bing cherry, cola and brown spice. Light to mid weight oak-kissed cherry
core that is more intense on entry than exit. Easygoing, silky and refined, with good acidity and
equitable tannins.
Score: 89
2015 Windrun Vintage Selection No. 12 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.44, 359 cases, $34.
Four clones including 667 and 115 from primarily Evans Ranch and nearby vineyards.
·
Moderate garnet color in
the glass. Moody aromas of well-ripened black fruits, raisin, toasty barrel and underbrush. Fruit driven in a mid
weight style, with a foundation of blackberry and cassis flavors overlain with toasty, even charred oak. Deep,
dark and mysterious, with integrated tannins, a satiny mouthfeel and some finishing intensity. Too much barrel
input for my taste.
Score: 87
More Wines
2015 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $55. Released
August 2017. Heavy wax on neck with pull tap opener, Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner. Produced and bottled by
Belle Glos Wines in St. Helena. Martini clone. 100% de-stemmed. Up to 2-week cold soak. Fermented in a
combination of closed and open-top stainless steel fermenters with punch downs and pump overs. Free-run
juice to barrel. Aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, 40% seasoned. Racked twice, once after MLF
and once before making the final blend.
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Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of boysenberry jam, vanilla,
caramel and menthol. Full-bodied and lush, with flavors of blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry backed by
sweet oak and vanillin. There is a vanilla ice cream cone flavor that stands out to me. A flowing wine with a
velvety texture that will appeal to those who like a succulent style. Very similar to Meiomi Pinot Noir.
Score: 86
2015 Comartin Cellars R-Bar-R Ranch Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 50 cases, $29.99
(SRP is $55 on website). Vineyard is located at 1,100 feet elevation at the southern tip of the Santa Cruz
Mountains. Adam Comartin is the winemaker. A puzzling wine for me as Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 94
points. The winery has been highly praised for a number of varietal releases so I was curious to try this wine
that I purchased.
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Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose reveals piquant aromas of tobacco, hot smoke
and toast. The mid weight core of black cherry fruit is heavily infused with charred oak and green tobacco
flavors. Silky in the mouth, with fine-grain tannins and some cherry-driven finishing intensity and length.
Unchanged when tasted the following day and somewhat unpleasant to drink. Can’t reach any definitive
conclusions other than this may have been a bad bottle. Not scored.
Score: NA
2015 Yamakiri Filigreen Farm Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $33. Produced and
Balo Vineyards as a custom crush client by Yamakiri Wines, Philo. Name means, “Mountain Fog.”
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Moderate ruby red color in the
glass. Lovely aromas of red grape, cherry, rose in bloom, and earthy vegetation. Light to mid
weight flavors of cherry, cranberry and spice framed by spirited acidity and notable fine-grain
tannins. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine
was even more appealing with better acid and tannin integration.
Score: 89
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