Thirty-Seven Wines
The name of this winery is curious and its origin is something I never learned in college. According to the
winery, thirty-seven interlocking circles create the “Flower of Life,” an ancient representation of the
interconnectivity between all living things and the inherent balance of nature. The icon has been found in the
art, temples and manuscripts of cultures from all over the world throughout history. All that said, the wines are
straightforward and easy to grasp.
Proprietors Al and Lisa Brayton launched Paradise View Wines in 2003 and Thirty-Seven Wines in 2007. They
latched onto winemaker Shane Finley, someone I have known and respected for many years. Shane
developed his winemaking skills over many years through stints at Copain in the Russian River Valley, Torbreck
Vintners in South Australia, Domaine Pierre Gaillard in the Northern Rhone, Paul Hobbs Winery, Kosta Browne
Wines and Lynmar Estate. In 2013, he became the winemaker at Thirty-Seven Wines. The wines are produced
and bottled in Santa Rosa.
The Thirty-Seven Wines portfolio includes multiple varietals including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The reason I
am featuring the wines in this issue is that they represent excellent value. The wines are sold through a
mailing list and online through the winery’s web store at www.thirty-sevenwines.com.
2015 Thirty-Seven Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 270 cases, $26. 5-day cold soak, 14-
day skin contact, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in
the glass. Inviting aromas of cherry, baking spice, sandalwood, earthy flora and a hint of tobacco.
The flavor profile replicates the aromas in a mid weight style that has decent depth and excellent
balance. Forward drinking with reserved tannins, a silky mouthfeel and a juicy red cherry finish.
Score: 91
2015 Thirty-Seven Sonoma Coast Reserve Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 275 cases, $40. 100% 667
clone. 5-day cold soak, 14-day skin contact, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 80% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. More oak, tea and earth notes than fruit on the nose with a
floral aspect as well. A mouth filling array of darker red and purple stone and berry fruits with a
spice and floral tone in a mid weight plus style. Quite approachable for a reserve bottling, with
modest tannins and a long and tangy finish. There is considerably more oak overlay than in the
regular bottling and a hint of alcoholic warmth shows up on the finish.
Score: 90
2015 Thirty-Seven Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc., 270 cases, $24. Aged 10 months in
33% concrete egg and 66% neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass.
Intriguing aromas of lemon peel, pineapple, yellow applesauce, vanilla creme and spice.
Expressive on the palate, with flavors of lemon, pineapple and banana. Slightly oily in texture, with
a pleasing acid vibe and a tight, lemon zest finish. A terrific everyday Chardonnay priced right.
Score: 90
2015 Thirty-Seven Sonoma Coast Reserve Chardonnay
14.6% alc., 195 cases, $36. 30-day
primary fermentation in barrel, 100% malolactic fermentation. Lees stirred twice a month for 4
months after completion of primary fermentation. Aged 15 months on the lees in French oak
barrels, 100% new.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose opens slowly to reveal hitone
aromas of lemon pudding, melon, nutty caramel and a hint of flint. Bigger, riper and creamier
than the regular bottling, yet not as vibrant. Still, the boisterous flavors of pear, tropical fruits, citrus,
caramel and honey satisfy. The 100% new oak is evident and there is a slight alcohol burn on the
finish. For lovers of big, fruity, oaky Chardonnays that will not please those who prefer lean, aciddriven
Chardonnays.
Score: 89
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