VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Campbell Ranch

OwnerSteve Campbell
AppellationSonoma Coast
LocationNear Annapolis.
AspectWest Sonoma Coast high above the Pacific Ocean at 750 feet just above the fog line.
VarietiesPinot Noir
ManagersSteve Campbell

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Friedeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.61, 165 cases, $45. Released May 31, 2018. Sourced from Campbell Ranch, Lancel Creek and Terra de Promissio vineyards. 60% 115, 20% 777, 20% Calera. 4 to 5-day cold soak, 5 to 7-day native fermentation, aged on the gross lees in French oak barrels, 50% new for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Complex aromatic display featuring scents of black cherry, earthy flora, bark and cardamon spice. The juicy mid weight cherry cola core makes an impression as does the glossy texture. A wine for upfront enjoyment that has a bit more tug of oak at present than I prefer. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Alma Fria Campbell Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.3% alc., 95 cases, $50. Vines planted in 2008 in Annapolis at 750 feet elevation. Wild yeast fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. Native yeast fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Richly perfumed with aromas of lemon creme, pie crust and custard. Lighter and leaner in style with vivacious acidity, offering flavors of green apple, lemon-lime and a hint of tangerine and caramel. Only the slightest tannin in the background and a finish if grandeur that leaves persistent aromatic memories and quenching acidity. Score: 93. Reviewed June 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Kutch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 1,500 cases, $39. A blend of fruit from Campbell Ranch Vineyard (100% whole cluster) in the remote coastal mountains near Annapolis, and Sonoma Stage Vineyard (100% de-stemmed) located at the cold southernmost tip of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Net is 60% whole cluster. Fruit crushed and punched down by foot, native yeast primary fermentation and native malolactic fermentation, aged 11 months without racking on lees in 100% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very aromatically pleasing with scents of black cherry coulis, rose petal, spice and pine sap. Beautifully balanced, with a mid weight core of black raspberry fruit enhanced by a floral thread that is appealing. Soft in the mouth with a gracious finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was less aromatic, more tannic and more savory yet the black raspberry core continued to show good intensity. Score: 89. Reviewed April 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 1,002 cases, $45. The largest contribution to this wine came from Rayhill Vineyard (115 and 777), with small amounts of grapes from Campbell Ranch (777), and the very young Yu-ki Estate Vineyard located just five miles from the Pacific Ocean at 1,000 feet elevation (114, 667, “828,” 2A and Mariafeld). 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, hand punch downs, free run juice directly to barrel, press wine barreled separately. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 22% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, Damsel plum and amphora lead to mid weight flavors of earthy cherry that make an impression. A bit of nutty oak shadows the fruit, the tannins are chalky and supportive, and the finish ends with appealing savory and juicy fruit notes. Score: 90. Reviewed March 29, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Anthill Farms Campbell Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., $52. Sourced from a vineyard near Annapolis situated above the Pacific Coast at the fog line at 750 feet elevation farmed with owner Steve Campbell. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is both savory and fruity, offering a mix of earthy flora, stem and rose petal aromas, as well as aromas of blue and black berries. A bit closed at this stage, but giving enough flavors of blueberry, pomegranate and black raspberry to satisfy. Elegant, with frisky acidity, like able polish and balance, and an appealing feral quality. Score: 91. Reviewed June 5, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Couloir Wines Campbell Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 146 cases, $58. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Highly enjoyable in every way, with enchanting aromas of blackberry liquor, plum, soy sauce and subtle oak. Mid weight flavors of ripe black cherry and purple berries are accented with a hint of toasty oak and Asian spices. Suave in the mouth with soft tannins, leading to a bright, gifted finish that leaves a little alcoholic heat in its wake. Score: 92. Reviewed August 16, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Sojourn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.60, 600 cases, $38. Release in spring 2015. A blend from several vineyards including Sangiacomo Vella and Green Acres ranches, Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard, Durell Vineyard, and Campbell Ranch Vineyard. Each component was fermented separately with native yeast in French oak barrels, 30% new and underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. Regular lees stirring was performed during the first three months of fermentation and aging. After 11 months, the components were blend to create a winemaker’s cuvée, and bottled unfined. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon cake, nutty spread and floral bouquet. Some richness of lemon, honey and caramel flavor with a noticeable oak overlay. Slightly creamy, finishing with a subtle saline note. Score: 89. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Kutch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.3% alc., 1,500 cases, $39. 60% Campbell Ranch, 40% Sonoma Stage and 20% Le Jons vineyards. Aged in 30% new and 70% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Sumptuous aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and sous bois are tenacious over time in the glass. The mid weight flavors of blue and black berries and plum are intense and seductive on the attack, maintaining an earthy presence on the finish which offers a whisper of oak. The dry tannins are well proportioned and the wine!s overall balance is commendable. This wine could use a little more time to fully evolve. Score: 89-90. Reviewed January 22, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $45. Double Gold 2015 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Grapes are from Horseshoe Bend and Campbell Ranch vineyards. · Highly aromatic, with aromas of blueberry and cherry. Soft and lush on the palate, with giving flavors of wild berries, blueberries and plums framed by vivid acid and slinky, fine-grain tannins. Score: 90. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Couloir Campbell Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 240 cases, $58. 50% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose mixes aromas of fresh cherries with red currants and candied apple. On entry, the wine saturates the palate with flavorful cherry and berry fruits and persists with a vengeance through a glorious finish replete with highly aromatic fruit. Beautifully crafted, with balanced tannins and shear beauty of flavor. Score: 92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Campbell Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $65. Vineyard perched at 1,000 foot elevation above the fog line. An extremely cool site along the Pacific coastline. Gold 2015 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very perfumed, with the aroma of fresh, earth-kissed black cherries, dark berries and an enchanting floral-inspired scent. Silky soft on the palate with succulent flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, plum and fennel framed by integrated tannins and a vivacious acid backbone. A classy, refined wine with perfectly ripened fruit and noticeable length on the vibrant finish. Score: 92. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kutch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $39 ($78 per magnum). A blend of two-thirds Campbell Ranch located on a rugged portion of the true Sonoma Coast, and one-third from Sonoma Stage Vineyard on the northern edge of San Pablo Bay. 100% whole cluster. · Deep, dark reddish purple color in the glass. Complex nose with expressive aromas of blackberry, cassis, and whole cluster spice and floral goodness. The full Monty with thick, broad flavors of dark berries, black currants, spice and slate. Although sappy, the wine is not cloying. The sinewy tannin structure is neither astringent or particularly intrusive, but bottle aging will lead to more softness and integration. The finish is satisfying but shy at this stage. Amazing phenolic ripeness at this low alcohol level. Still quite aromatic the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Best to cellar for a few years at least. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Papapietro Perry Campbell Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 825 cases, $56. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of cherry tart and sandalwood. Acid-driven, and a bit austere, with flavors of tart cherry and citrus. Refreshingly crisp, but modest in attack and finish. Score: 88. Reviewed May 4, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Davis Family Vineyards Campbell Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $65. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This is a stunning wine upon opening with invigorating aromas of fresh cherry tart, raspberry sauce and spice that jump from the glass. Very satisfying, with a silken richness of perfectly ripened wild berry and black cherry fruit accented with vanilla and a savory, dark sous-bois riff. The mid palate attack is vivid and mouth filling, and the generous finish echoes with an exotic goodness. This wine is blessed with perfect harmony between the supportive, sinewy tannins and the pleasing acid tension. It is scary to think this wine will undoubtedly improve over the new few years in bottle. A special occasion wine that reflects the extraordinary terroir of the West Sonoma Coast. Score: 95. Reviewed October 21, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Gros Ventre Campbell Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 110 cases, $54, sold out. Inaugural release from this vineyard located in Annapolis and managed by Ulises Valdez. Clones 115 and 777. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose becomes more expressive over time in the glass revealing aromas of dark berries, game, floral bouquet, and sweet mesquite smoke. Silky smooth on the palate with flowery black cherry, plum and spice flavors in a full-bodied style. The tannins are nicely balanced and the oak is well integrated. A slight vegetal undertone surfaces over time in the glass. Score: 88. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Sojourn Cellars Campbell Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.58, 175 cases, $59. Release fall 2013. Ulises Valdez has taken over vineyard management of the property. Located in the remote coastal mountains near Annapolis, it is surrounded by redwoods at about 750 foot elevation. Clones 115 and 777. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of dark red cherries and berries as well as wooded forest. Very tasty and harmonious, with ripely flavored blueberries, raspberries and cherries. Smoothly textured with soft, dry tannins and a generous finish. Nothing out of place. Still pumping out the flavors nicely the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 La Rochelle Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 55 cases, $42. Released August 3, 2012. 100% Pommard clone grown on the Dutton’s Campbell Ranch with a small amount of Mission Ranch Swan selection blended in. Aged 17 months in 100% second used French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of fresh picked black cherries, black raspberries, rose petals and spice. Deep, but not overbearing flavors of Bing cherries and cola, caressed by soft tannins, infused with vim by bright acidity, and offering a lengthy memory of cherries on the finish. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and one of the better appellation wines from that region on the market. Very good (+). Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 La Rochelle Dutton Ranch Campbell Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 142 cases, $48. Pommard clone. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of dark cherries, sage, spice and potpourri really draw you into the glass. Delicious (written twice in my notes) cherry bombast with subtle accents of edible roses, spice and mocha. Discreetly concentrated mouthful of Pinot with supple tannins and an incredible finish featuring extravagant ripe cherry fruit. In three words, flat out great. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Thomas George Estates Campbell Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.50, 336 cases, $48. The Campbell Ranch Vineyard is located near the town of Annapolis in the true Sonoma Coast. Clone 777. Aged 18 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · The aromas and flavors are more savory than fruity with a hint of tar evident. Well-endowed with plenty of tannic backbone. Needs time to open. Decent. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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