Spotlight on a Star in the Making: Drew
On a gorgeous Sunday morning following the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival Grand Tasting, I drove the
circuitous Philo Greenwood Road west from Philo. Dotted with towering redwoods and with little sign of life, I
finally emerged 15 miles later into a clearing where an apple orchard was perched on a knoll with sweeping
views of the countryside extending to the Pacific Ocean. I felt like the gates of heaven had opened and I had
entered paradise. Jason and Molly Drew felt this way as well when they first came upon this property
renowned for growing “Greenwood Gold” apples. In 2004, they had been searching the North coast for an
appropriate location for vineyards and a winery and as fate would have it, this was the first property the real
estate agent in Elk showed them. They moved in with their family (two boys) and lived in a trailer until the
winery and their upstairs home was completed. As I viewed the orchard from the upper deck of the winery
building, Jason pointed out the perfect exposures that are slated to be developed into vineyards. He spoke
with reverence about the land and I could sense his heart-felt appreciation and gratefulness for his destiny in
finding this special spot of earth. Located in the only incongruous appellation in California known as
Mendocino Ridge, this newly discovered region just north of the Sonoma Coast just might be the next haven
for California Pinot Noir.
The photo below shows the future initial vineyard site in the distance and the shaded table where I sat down
with Jason and talked.
Jason Drew began his career in the wine industry in 1991 when he served an internship at St. Supery Winery
while at University California Santa Cruz. His first real job was at Carmenet Vineyards in 1992 through 1995.
In 1996 he became the vineyard manager at Navarro and was intrigued by the potential for winegrowing in the
Anderson Valley and the adjacent ridge tops. To pursue further training in enology he chose to go to University
of Adelaide in south Australia. His wife Molly was with him and his first son was born during finals week in
Australia. He returned to the states and began work as an assistant winemaker under Brian Babcock at
Babcock Vineyards in Santa Rita Hills in 1999. In 2000, he founded the Drew label and in 2003, left Babcock
to concentrate fill-time on his own label. Listen to the full story in my recorded interview: “Interview with Jason Drew” 
Since 2005, Jason’s wines have drawn my attention as well as many well-deserved accolades from the wine
press. Last year, Drew was chosen as one of the Wineries of the Year by Wine & Spirits magazine. He is a
gifted artisan producer of wine and drawing from grape sources as diverse as Sta. Rita Hills, Sonoma Coast
and Anderson Valley, he consistently produces Pinot Noirs that show great purity of fruit, balance and structure
to predict age ability. His wines are sold largely through an eager mailing list of devotees with limited retail
distribution. I would recommend you join the list to obtain these limited production gems for this is a star in the
making.
I tasted through the entire 2007 lineup of six Drew Pinot Noirs. There will be no Savoy Vineyard bottling in
2008. Jason will be adding the Manchester Ridge Vineyard to his lineup in 2009. Jason also crafts cool climate
Syrah from the Anderson Valley (Valenti Vineyard and Broken Leg Vineyard) and Manchester Ridge
(Perli Vineyard Potato Patch). All the wines are sensibly priced ($40-$50) considering the quality of the
vineyard sources and the impeccable winemaking.
2007 Drew Gatekeeper Rio Vista Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.8% lc.,
426 cases, $42. Sourced entirely from Rio Vista Vineyard located on the
southeastern side of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Jason has worked with the same
blocks from this vineyard since 2002. Average Brix at harvest 24.7º. Yields
2-3 tons per acre. Clones are 50% 777, 25% 667, and 25% 115. High density
plantings dating to 1998. 10% whole cluster fermentation, 30% stem inclusion,
8-day cold soak, 21 days on skins. Aged 11 months in 30% new and 70%
seasoned French oak barrels.
·
Expressive aromas of cherries, cedar, pine and
mint. Delicious cherry and red plum with an appealing earthiness. Very
smooth and elegant, nicely spiced, with soft tannins and a finish that lures you
back for more.
2007 Drew Monument Tree Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc.,
200 cases, $42. This vineyard is located in the deep-end of the
Anderson Valley in Philo. 15 acres planted to Dijon clones 114, 115 and
667 in 1999. Charles McBride is the owner. Yields were 2.4 tons per
acre. Brix at harvest was 24.5º. 15% whole cluster fermentation, 30%
stem inclusion, 7-day cold soak and 20 days on skins. Aged for 11
months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels.
·
Moderately
deep reddish-purple color. On the nose there are slightly confected red plums
and berries, forest pine and cedar with a hint of camphor and spice, becoming
more floral with time in the glass. Woodsy and earthy red berry fruit with a
supporting dusting of oak. Beautifully composed with fine tannins, a spark of acidity and a soft and clean
finish. Builds in momentum in the glass and keeps getting better and better. Like a well-perfumed and adorned
debutante, this wine is a charmer. Tasted twice with consistent results.
2007 Drew Fog-Eater Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 495 cases,
$42. Fog-eater is a regional boontling term used by the early settlers of the
Anderson Valley to denote a coastal dweller or someone living out on the
margin. 60% Balo Vineyard (Dijon clone 828 and Martini selection) and 40%
Valenti Vineyard (Dijon clone 667). Yields were 1.25-1.95 tons per acre. Brix at
harvest 23.5º-24.2º. 15% whole cluster, 20% stem retention, 8-day cold soak,
gravity racked twice, aged for 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned
French oak barrels.
·
Expressive and enticing aromas of black cherries, cedar
and forest floor.This wine speaks of its forested terroir with cherry fruit flavors
enhanced with wooded forest and juniper berry flavors, moderate tannins and
lively acidity. Still outgoing the next day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle signifying age ability.
2007 Drew Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
14.2%
alc., 200 cases, $42. This vineyard sits in a cool pocket among the
redwoods at the southeastern border of the Anderson Valley. Situated
on a steep southeastern slope at 850 feet, the soils consist of shale
and clay. The vineyard was planted in 1992-1998 and is about 15
acres in size and contains rare heritage clones of Pinot Noir. For this
bottling, four clones were combined: 2A, Pommard 4, DRC selection and
Rochioli Riverblock selection planted in 1992. The owner, Bill Weir, is a
Burgundy fanatic and has strived to produce old world character in his north
coast vineyard. I have had some stunning Pinot Noirs from this vineyard!
Yields were 1.88 tons per acre. Average Brix at harvest 24.2º. 15% stem inclusion, 4-day cold soak, 15 days
on skins. Aged 11 months in 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels.
·
A complete wine of great
interest beginning with scents of dark fruits, cedar and middle eastern spices. Dark plums and berries assault
the palate with intensity. A big-boned bruiser but not jammy. Flamboyant tannins balanced nicely with tangy
acidity. The black knight in the lineup that Jason has managed to corral. Needs short ribs. Drank perfectly
fine the next day from a previously opened re-corked bottle indicating a long life ahead for this wine.
2007 Drew Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 225
cases, $45. This meticulously farmed vineyard is located in the cooler reaches
of the Anderson Valley near the town of Philo. Planted in 1992-1998, the clones
are Pommard, Calera, and Dijon 113, 114, and 115. Yields were 1-1.8 tons per
acre. Brix at harvest was 24.5º. 30% whole cluster fermentation, 30% stem
inclusion, 7-day cold soak, 14 days on skins, aging for 11 months in 30% new
and 70% seasoned French oak barrels.
·
Rather shy nose exhibiting aromas of
red fruits, wet stone, minerals, wood and spearmint. Light and restrained for a
Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir, with pleasant cherry, cranberry and strawberry
flavors. Notable tannin and brisk acidity. Decent but not a revelation.
2007 Drew McDougall Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 225 cases, $50. From a small 7-acre vineyard planted to
clone 114 in 1998 in a highly coveted area known as the “golden
triangle.” It sits on a small bench 1,300 feet elevation about 2.5 miles
from the Pacific Ocean on a steep south slope in the true Sonoma
Coast. Brix at harvest 24.5º. Yields 2.1 tons per acre. 20% stem
inclusion, 8-day cold soak, 18 days on skins, aged 11 months in 30%
new and 70% seasoned French oak barrels.
·
The seductive nose sports bright
fresh berries, cardamon spice, violets and Chanel #5. Sweet red fruits saturate
the palate with a faint touch of oak. A comforting drink that is smooth and
ethereal in the mouth with everything singing in harmony. Still great the next
day. Full-on seduction.
An aerial photo of McDougall Ranch Vineyard below (small vineyard just right of center).
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