2018 Reichwage Winery Twin Hills Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $N/A. Estate vineyard in the
Sebastopol Hills.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry, dark red rose petal,
cardamom spice and a subtle herbal note. Mid-weight flavors of dark red cherry, raspberry, clove and cola with
subtle oak in the background. A grassy, herbal perfumery note is pervasive.
Score: 90
2019 Reichwage Winery Twin Hills Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 350 cases, $50. Estate vineyard farmed
organically since 2014. Native yeast fermentation, 10% whole
cluster, aged 22 months in 15% new oak.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dark cherry,
potpourri, rose petal and spice. Deep, dark cherry core in a midweight
plus style with added notes of dark chocolate, cola and
refined oak. Supple tannins with a soft, seductive finish. Sheer
beauty of flavor.
Score: 94
2018 Montagne Russe Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 350 cases, $32. Aged in oak on the lees for
10 months, 10% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherry, baking spices and
sweet oak. Confected fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry with a hint of vanilla. Soft, gentle tannins and a
moderate finish. Less appealing over time in the glass and a hint of alcoholic heat shows up as the wine warms
in the glass.
Score: 88
2018 Montagne Russe Terra de Promissio Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 95 cases,
N/A. Aged 10 months on the lees in oak, 40% new. Calera clone.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Pleasant aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, cassis, vanilla and caramel. Mid-weight plus in style with a
plethora of well-ripened, darker cherry and berry fruits backed by svelte tannins. Tobacco oak plies the
background. A sense of alcoholic heat shows up over time as the wine warms in the glass.
Score: 89
2018 Montagne Russe Tondre Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
15.3% alc, 100 cases, $N/A.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. A strong smell of oak pervades the nose that also offers aromas of black
cherry compote and rose petal. Full-bodied, with a succulent core of oak-kissed black cherry, blackberry and
pomegranate fruit flavors. The high ABV offers a silken, polished mouthfeel. Beautiful fruit but too much oak
overlay.
Score: 89
2018 Montagne Russe Dragon’s Back Black Knight Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 143
cases, $60. Aged on the lees in French oak, 40% new for 10 months.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Pleasing aromas of blueberry, blackberry and forest floor. A cheerful and uplifting wine offering discretely
concentrated flavors of black cherry and dark red berry with an herbal thread and only a shadow of oak. Wellmannered
tannins and balancing acidity. If you believe in minerality, this wine has it!
Score: 92
2018 Montagne Russe Spring Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 115 cases, $69. Aged
on the lees for 10 months in French oak, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers
a noticeable floral perfume along with scents of earth and terra-cotta. Full-bodied, lush and creamy with a gush
of blackberry and cassis flavors framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins. The fruit pushes the ripeness envelope
but does not cross over into sur maitre.
Score: 91
2018 Montagne Russe Le Meilleur Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 25 cases, $105. A selection of the
five best barrels from the 2018 harvest. A blend of grapes from five vineyards. Aged for 12 months in new
French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of black cherry cola, baking
spices, forest floor and sawdust. Richly appointed array of dark red and black fruit flavors with a nice spice
accent. The fruit is vivid with good weight and presence. Very polished with admirable balance.
Score: 93
