Recent Sips of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

2015 Anaba Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.66, 180 cases, $48. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Clones 667, 777 and Swan selection. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, fermentation separately by clone. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, fertile earth, mushroom and sawn oak come to the forefront on the nose. Bright and crisp on the palate, virtually dancing on the tongue, with an essence of mid weight cherry flavor goodness. There are some forestry spices in the background that add interest. Very charming, with exquisite balance and a finish awash in juicy cherry. Score: 93

2016 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 335 cases, $39. 37% field blend of Pommard, 115 and 114, 37% 114, 22% 115, and 4% Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 15% new, 25% once-filled. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, ripe cranberry, underbrush, BBQ rub and sawn oak. Light to mid weight in style, offering flavors of black cherry and dark red berries. Straightforward and simple, with a silky mouthfeel and modest finish. Score: 89

2016 Anam Cara Nicholas Vineyard Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 150 cases, $53. Sourced from reserve rows that yield no more than 1.5 tons per acre. A barrel selection. Wädenswil, 16% 115, 16% 114 and 18% field blend of Pommard, 115 and 114. Aged in French oak barrels, 22% new, 22% once-filled. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Glorious aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spice and earthy flora. Very pleasing in the mouth, displaying black cherry, black raspberry and cassis flavors with a deft touch of oak. Silky and well-balanced, with mid weight plus concentration, finishing with some purpose. Score: 91

2016 Anam Cara Mark X Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $75. A blend from Reserve rows and barrels that is boldly crafted. 90% field blend of Pommard, 115 and 114, 10% Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 30% new, 30% once-filled. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of black fruits lead off. Bold, rich and full-bodied, yet possessing good energy and spirit. The core of blackberry and black current fruits are blessed with commendable oak integration. The tannins are reigned in, the texture is velvety and the finish is noticeably lengthy. Considerably more open and giving when tasted the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Best to decant first for current drinking. Score: 93

2016 Burt Street Cellars Stony Point Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 150 cases, $45. Eastfacing, hilltop vineyard situated above the fog line. Soils are Goldridge loam and adobe clay. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas and flavors veer to the ripe side in this middleweight wine. The nose offers scents of black cherry, blackberry, prune and terra-cotta. Luscious flavors of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry and spice fill the mouth. Flashy and bombastic, with integrated tannins, juicy acidity and some finishing length. A bit of heat shows up on the conclusion. Score: 88

2016 Burt Street Cellars Roma’s Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 150 cases, $45. Vineyard is located on a ridge 1,800 feet elevation above the fog line. Soil is Goldridge loam. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, dried herbs and cigar box. Savory and fruit flavors mingle in this mid weight offering with tastes of cherry, red berry and green herbs. Juicy, with modest tannins, a compliment of oak in the background, and some aromatic fruit on the finish. Score: 88

2015 Byron La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $55. Clone 777. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, underbrush, woodland spice and cigar lead to well-spiced flavors of black cherry and boysenberry. Sleek in the mouth with balanced tannins and a modest but satisfying finish. There is a bit too much oak barrel intrusion, but otherwise this is a delightful wine. Score: 91

2015 Byron Julia’s Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $45. Pommard clone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Heady aromas of purple berries and supportive oak. Silken in the mouth, featuring a discreetly concentrated core of cherry fruit and spice. This wine also leans on oak. Easy drinking with gentle tannins and an adequate finish. Score: 90

2015 Byron Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $55. Clones 2A and Gamay. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A deep well of blackberry fruit aromas gain traction over time in the glass. Velvety and luxurious on the palate, with a luscious array of dark fruit flavors including boysenberry and blackberry. A wellmannered oak compliment adds to the satisfaction as does the finish that is both ostentatious and lengthy. Score: 93

2013 KORi KW Ranch Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 150 cases, $30. 14-acre vineyard farmed by grower Kirk Williams. Pommard and 667 clones. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely perfume of Bing cherry, baking spice and toasty oak. A light to mid weight wine that is cheerful and vibrant with a core of tasty dark cherry. There is a little more oak overlay than I prefer but it is not egregiou Score: 90

2014 KORi KW Ranch Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 150 cases, $38. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. An array of dark fruit aromas arrive slowly over time in the glass. The mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and blackberry are satisfying. More sap and tannin than the 2013 bottling, and better oak management. Score: 91

2015 Gary Farrell Martaella Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.68, 342 cases, $65. 42-acre high-density plantings including 9 different clones and heirloom selections. 85% of fruit de-stemmed, 15% added as whole cluster. 6-day cold soak, 10-15 day extended maceration post fermentation. Aged 16 months on primary lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enticing and giving aromas of cherry, blueberry and spice engage the senses. The dreamy, satiny mouthfeel immediately grabs your attention. A full-bodied stream of black cherry and blueberry sap retains a pleasing succulence due to underlying bright acidity. This special wine aims to please from the get-go. Still stellar when tasted from a previously opened bottle the following day. Score: 95

2015 Gary Farrell McDonald Mountain Vineyard Clone 667 20% Whole Cluster Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.23, TA 0.76, 90 cases, $70. Black label indicating this is a special winemaker bottling. Vineyard is located in the cool Sebastopol Hills and was planted in 2008 in Goldridge soil. Two adjacent blocks of 667 produce seductive wines and the winemaker could not bring herself to blend it away. 80% de-stemmed, 20% whole cluster. 5-day cold soak, 10-15 day extended post-fermentation maceration. Aged 16 months on primary lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. This wine must be decanted for full enjoyment as it is very shy and monolithic upon opening. My remarks refer to tasting the wine 8 hours after opening. The nose is quite exotic and seductive, offering aromas of crushed blackberries, cassis, dried herbs and sweet oak. Well-endowed with a core of black cherry, black raspberry, and cardamom spice backed by ripe tannins. The lively acidity drives a juicy, succulent experience. The finish offers an echo of dark fruits that are both aromatically engaging and persistent. Score: 94

2016 Gary Farrell Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.67, 598 cases, $80. This bottling includes three blocks planted in 1974m 1995 and 2000, where some of the vines come from cuttings taken from the original “mother” block planted in 1968. Grapes harvested in early morning, 80% gently de-stemmed into open-top tanks. 20% of the hand-selected bunches were added to the top of the tank as whole clusters and the fruit underwent a 5-7 day cold soak before fermentation started. After fermentation, the newly fermented wine underwent a 10-15 day extended maceration. Aged 15 months on the primary lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Pleasing scents of cherry, applewood, earthy flora and a hint of oak. A “light and bright” styled wine featuring a core of juicy red cherry fruit wrapped in fine grain tannins. Excellent harmony, with impressive length and grip on the spiced cherry finish. Score: 93

2014 Kessler-Haak Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

2.6% alc., 120 cases, $N/A. Clone 2A. Aged 10 months in neutral French and Hungarian oak barrels. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of fertile earth and cigar initially. Dark fruit aromas showed up when the wine was tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. More fruit-driven on the palate, featuring mid weight flavors of black raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry, yet with noticeable woody overlay. The tannins are well integrated and the finish is very modest. Score: 87

2014 Kessler-Haak Estate Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 360 cases, $N/A. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Aged 10 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of dark fruits and oak barrel in harmony. Fruit-driven in a mid weight style, showing fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry. Rather seamless, with an easygoing character and a modest finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose expressed more black cherry and spice goodness. Score: 90

2014 Kessler-Haak Reserve Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 100 cases, $N/A. Clones 115 and 777. Aged 10 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels, 25% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of dark fruits and cigar. Serious purple berry sap is underlain with noticeable oak compliments. The fine grain tannins are well integrated and the overall impression is agreeable. The finish shows some length appropriate for a reserve bottling. Score: 91

2015 Kessler-Haak Ohana Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 635 cases, $N/A. Clones 115, 777, 667, 114 and 2A. Aged 10 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels, 18% new. “Ohana” is Hawaiian for family. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry and underbrush. Streamlined and easy to like in the mouth, with a mid weight core of black cherry fruit framed by modest tannins. Not particularly complex, but my notes include “enjoyable,” “giving,” and “agreeable.” The oak is deftly managed in this wine. Score: 92

2015 Open Claim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 57 cases, $75, DIAM closure. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers primarily oak-driven aromas of vanilla, toast and tobacco with fruit aromas of darkest cherry and blackberry in the background. The deep well of fruit includes vivacious flavors of black raspberry and blackberry, along with accents of spice and earth. The sumptuous new oak tends to dominate rather than ingratiate the gorgeous fruit. The noble tannins contribute nicely to the soothing, creamy texture. The extended finish highlights aromatic fruit glory. I tasted the wine several hours later from a previously opened bottle, and the oak intrusion persisted. I wanted a little more zip and zing, but this is a commendable wine, especially for those who relish oak accentuation in their Pinot. Score: 90

2016 RAEN Royal St. Robert Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc, $65. The most widely available bottling from this vintage and available in multiple retail outlets nationally. Dedicated to the owner’s grandfather, Robert Mondavi. Sourced from just behind Bodega Bay and consists of special lots that are the best in the cellar. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasingly aromatic, with scents of dark cherry, exotic spice, fertile earth and rose petal. The nose becomes more attractive over time in the glass. Mid weight plus in style, offering flavors of dark cherry, dark cranberry, spice, burnt tobacco and an earthy tone. Sleek in texture, with modest tannins, juicy acidity and some persistence on the finish. This wine is nicely composed and forward drinking. Score: 93

2016 Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, 215 cases, $60. Released May 2018. 40% Roberts Road, 40% Fedrick, and 20% Amaral vineyards. Clones 115, 667, 777 and Swan selection. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak with hand punch downs. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of boysenberry, spice, floral cologne and toasty oak. Soft and smooth in the mouth, with an intense mid palate presence of purple and black berry fruits. A hint of oak-driven spice and toast ply the background. The well-integrated tannins and juicy acidity compliment the wine. Score: 90

2016 Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.59, 64 cases, $70. Released May 2018. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, hand punch downs, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry reduction and toasty oak lead off. Discreetly concentrated in a mid weight style, featuring flavors of purple berry, blackberry, pomegranate and spice flavors. Very suave on the palate with cashmere tannins and some finishing purpose. There is some alcohol warmth on the finish. A bit of oak characters persist even when tasted the follow day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91

2016 Sangiacomo Vi Maria Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.57, 81 cases, $80. Release September 2018. 50% Amaral, 25% Roberts Road and 25% Fedrick vineyards. Clones 667, 777, Pommard and Swan selection. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, daily punch downs by hand, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Invigorating aromas of black cherry, cardamom spice, fertile earth and a hint of toast and graham are revealed slowly in the glass. Rather bold in a mid weight plus style, but stealthy, with an abundance of boysenberry, blackberry and black grape flavors. There is a bit of umami in this wine. Sleek tannins lead to a satiny texture and the oak blends seamlessly over time in the glass. More enchanting when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93

2016 Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.60, 87 cases, $55. Released May 2018. Sourced from Green Acres and Home Ranch vineyards. 50% Hyde and 50% Wente clones. Barrel fermented. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, with lees stirring every two weeks. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Boisterous aromas of buttery lemon, pineapple, toasted brioche and vanilla creme. Oily and polished in the mouth, with flavors of pineapple, banana, and festive oak. A ripely fruited style that is rich on the palate, yet possessing enough acidity to avoid heaviness. There is the slightest alcohol warmth on the finish. Score: 90

2016 Sangiacomo Green Acres Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.58, 79 cases, $65. 50% Hyde and 50% Wente clones. Barrel fermented and aged with lees stirring every two weeks. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, with lees stirring every two weeks. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Captivating aromas of lemon, pineapple, yellow apple, pineapple, kiwi, vanilla creme and nutty oak. More refined and vibrant than the Sonoma Coast bottling, with more uplifting fruit flavors of citrus and baked pear. Creamy and seductive on the palate with deft oak support. My only nit is that there is slight alcohol-driven warmth in this wine. Score: 92

2016 Sangiacomo Home Ranch Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.59, 78 cases, $65. Released May 2018. 100% Wente clone. Barrel fermented and aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, with lees stirring every two weeks. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Seductive aromas of citrus peel and sea breeze captivate. Noticeable energy and vibrancy, offering bright flavors of citrus, apple, butterscotch and the briny hint of the sea. The mouthfeel is supple and cleansing rather than oily. Sophisticated and pleasing in every way, except there is a hint of alcoholic warmth. Score: 93

2014 Sweetzer Cellars Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 529 cases, pH 3.59, TA 0.59, $35. Sourced from Presqu’ile, La Encantada, and Rita’s Crown vineyards. Clones 115, 667, 777, and “828.” 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and RC212 fermentation, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Red cherry and berry aromas and flavors are featured in this lighter weighted wine that is simple and forward. Oak vanillin shows up as a backdrop. Easy going tannins emerge with some astringency on the finish. Score: 87

2014 Sweetzer Cellars La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 147 cases, pH 3.55, TA 0.58, $45. Clones 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and RC212 fermentation, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas of black cherry, exotic spices and rose petal are highly satisfying. The gorgeous, well-spiced dark cherry fruit excites the senses on entree. Nicely composed, with balanced tannins and acidity, and a modest, but pleasing finish. Score: 90

2014 Sweetzer Cellars Rita’s Crown Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 148 cases, pH 3.62, TA 0.61, $60. Clones 667 and “828.” 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and RC212 fermentation, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of black cherry, fertile earth and toasty oak lead to a middleweight wine boasting a delicious core of cherry and strawberry fruit. Silky in the mouth, with gentle tannins and a seriously long finish. There is a little more oak interplay than I like, but the fruit is so luscious, that is easy to overlook. Score: 92

2014 Sweetzer Cellars Presqu’ile Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 147 cases, pH 3.64, TA 0.55, $45. Clones 115, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, native and RC212 fermentation, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of fresh black cherry and spice. Flavors of black cherry and black raspberry are framed by compatible tannins in a mid weight style. Rather simple, with too much oak input, still evident when the wine was re-tasted several hours later from a previously opened bottle. Score: 89

2016 Laurelwood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 2,000 cases, $11.99. Produced and bottled by Laurelwood Winery, Silverton, OR. Sold at Trader Joe’s. 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermented in 1.5-ton open-top bins. Aged in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and heavily toasted oak lead off. Flavors of oak-infused cherry, strawberry and red current. The taste of burnt wood pervades the wine even though neutral oak was used in its production. Approachable now, with some length in the mouth and finish. A decent wine at this price point. Score: 86