Vineyard: Albatross Ridge Estate

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Albatross Ridge (12.7 6/14/2020)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.24 1/17/2016)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (11.38 2/2/2019)
Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay (10.24 1/17/2016)
Alana Estate: New Star Arrives in the U.S. (7.25 9/5/2009)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.32 6/18/2016)
Final California Wine Reviews of 2016 (10.44 12/13/2016)
California Pinot Noir Worth Toasting (11.20 3/15/2018)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Samuel Louis Smith
Albatross Ridge

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2018 Albatross Ridge Cuvée Vivienne Carmel Valley Monterey Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.68, 600 cases, $45. This bottling is named after the winemaker’s daughter and was sourced from 8 blocks of the estate vineyard. Clones “828,” Pommard, 115 and 777 yielding 1.55 tons per acre. Harvest Bris 21.5º-23.7º. 20% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of cherry, rose petal and the slightest oak. A satisfying wine with up front appeal in a mid weight style featuring black cherry and purple berry flavors with a hint of smokiness in the background. Nicely balanced, with fine-grain tannins and a credible finish. Score: 90. Reviewed June 14, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Albatross Ridge Estate Carmel Valley Monterey Chardonnay

13.0% alc., pH 3.23, 450 cases, $68. Clones 96 and 15 harvested at 1.53 tons per acre and a harvest Brix of 20.0º-23.5º. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Subdued aromas of lemongrass, bruised apple, straw and wet oak. Slightly viscous in the mouth offering flavors of lemon and yellow peach. There is some persistence on the finish, but overall the wine lacks inspiration and crispness. Score: 89. Reviewed June 14, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Albatross Ridge Estate Reserve Carmel Valley Monterey Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.65, 600 cases, $68. A barrel selection of the finest barrels of the vintage. Clones “929,” Pommard, 115 and 777 picked at 1.55 tons per acre. Harvest Brix 22.5º-23.5. 30% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved but pleasant aromas of cherry, blueberry, spice and rose petal. A bold, mid-weight plus style that floods the mouth with black cherry and black raspberry goodness. Satiny in texture with gracious tannins and an appealing compliment of oak. A fruit-driven wine showing excellent harmony. Score: 92. Reviewed June 14, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Samuel Louis Smith Albatross Ridge Vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., pH 3.62, 146 cases, $44. Albatross Ridge is perched at the top of Laureles Grade at an elevation of 1,250 feet and seven miles from Monterey Bay. The site pushes the limit for winegrowing: windy is constant from the Carmel coast, degree days are minimal, and resulting yields are usually less than two tons-per-acre. 35% whole cluster. Native primary and secondary fermentation. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Appealing aromas of black cherry and raspberry that sustain over time in the glass. The friendly mid weight core of black cherry and raspberry fruit flavors have impressive mouth filling intensity. A captivating wine full of good cheer, with superb balance and a lengthy finish. Score: 93. Reviewed February 3, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Albatross Ridge Estate Reserve Carmel Valley Monterey Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.50, $68. Clones “828,” Pommard, 115 and 777 harvested at 1.25 tons per acre and a harvest Brix of 21.0-23.5º. 20% whole cluster. Aged 19 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Uplifting aromas of dark cherry, dried herbs and oak vanillin. An intensely fruity wine in a mid-weight plus style that features a vibrant core of black cherry and blackberry fruit. Juicy, with tame tannins and fruit that really clings to the feature. Still fine when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Nothing but good things to say. Score: 93. Reviewed June 14, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Albatross Ridge First Flight Carmel Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., pH 3.20, $95. Clones 96 and 15 harvested at 1 ton per acre and a harvest Brix of 23.3º. Aged 16 months in 90% new French oak barrels and 10% in a concrete vertical tank. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Engaging aromas of lemon curd, wildflower honey, moist ocean air, vanilla and a hint of matchstick. Bright flavors of lemon-lime and pineapple with a gentle overcoat of oak. Delicious fruit flavors paired with mouthwatering acidity and judicious oak in the background. This beauty literally dances on the palate. Score: 94. Reviewed June 14, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Albatross Ridge First Flight Carmel Valley Monterey Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.52, 100 cases, $115. Clones “828,” and Pommard harvested at 1.25 tons per acre. Harvest Brix 22.0º-23.5º. 30% whole cluster. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry, underbrush, vanilla and campfire embers. A sappy wine with waves of black cherry and blackberry fruit with a whack of smoky, herbal oak in the background. The wine does have a congenial mouthfeel and some length on the finish, but I wish for more Pinot than oak perfume. Score: 88. Reviewed June 14, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Samuel Louis Smith Albatross Ridge Vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., pH 3.56, 109 cases, $44. Samuel Louis Smith is a micro négociant based in Salinas, CA. Sam is currently the winemaker at Morgan Winery in Salinas, producing 200-400 cases annually of Pinot Noir, and Syrah under his eponymous label, Samuel Louis Wines. The Albatross Ridge Vineyard is perched at 1,250 feet northwest of Carmel Valley. Yields are less than 2 tons per acre. 25% whole cluster fermentation, native primary and secondary fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. Bottled unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, raspberry, toast, smoke and ash lead off. Discreetly concentrated flavors of cherry and raspberry fruits with a noticeable guaiacol (smoke) note. The wine has nice harmony and fruit purity with suave tannins and up front drink ability. The smoke taint may or may not be averse to the drinker depending on their sensitivity to it. In any case, the wine should be consumed now as over time the as the fruit fades, the smoke taint will become more obvious. NOTE: In 2016, this vineyard was exposed to the Soberanes fire. Sam told me that he tracked the wine carefully through its elevage and there was a negligible level of smoke taint in the wine and his impression upon tasting was consistent with that level. He considers the amount of smoke taint to be part of the terroir of the vintage and is not enough to discard or even RO filter the wine. Score: 88. Reviewed March 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Albatross Ridge Estate Carmel Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., pH 3.29, 280 cases, $55. Clones 96 and 15. Yield 1.25 tons per acre. 100% whole cluster pressed and native barrel fermented on the lees with no lees stirring or racking. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Exuberant aromas of citrus, warm brioche, spice, nutty oak and sea breeze. Beautifully crafted with spot on balance, offering flavors of citrus, Bartlett pear, apple, subtle oak and a hint of salinity. The sustained finish is particularly notable. Score: 93. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Albatross Ridge Estate Reserve Carmel Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.64, 300 cases, $55. Harvest Brix 22.0º-23.0º. Yield 1.25 tons per acre.15% whole cluster. 4-day cold soak, long, cool fermentation in small open-top tanks. Multiple individual native fermentations involving four clones of Pinot Noir spread over eight unique blocks. The majority clone is “828,” with additions of 777 and Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. A selection of the finest barrels of the vintage. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens quickly to reveal aromas of purple berries and sous-bois. Exquisitely balanced and unctuous on the palate, with nicely ripened flavors of black cherry and boysenberry. Very polished, with seamless tannins, and a thread of dried herbs that adds a savory note. Score: 92. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Albatross Ridge Cuvée Vivienne Estate Grown Carmel Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., pH 3.62, 1,080 cases, $40. This wine is named after winemaker Garrett Bowlus’ young daughter Vivienne. It is a blend of all eight vineyard Pinot Noir blocks. Harvest Brix 21.5º-22.5º. Clone 777, 115, “828,” and Pommard. Yields 1.7 tons per acre. 85% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new, bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Engaging aromas of black cherry, cardamom spice, unlit cigar and humus. The mid weight, earth-kissed black cherry and black raspberry fruit core is backed buy juicy acidity. A riff of tobacco oak plies the background. The wine finishes modestly with redder cherry fruit. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Albatross Ridge Estate Carmel Valley Chardonnay

12.5% alc., pH 3.24, 410 cases, $55. Sourced from four distinct blocks on the estate vineyard. Cones 96 and 15. Harvest Brix 20.5º-21.5º. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented with native yeasts on the lees with no stirring or racking, 100% native malolactic fermentation, aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Welcoming aromas of canned peach, lemon zest, vanilla creme and subtle toast. A discretely concentrated offering featuring bright flavors of lemon, pineapple and peach with complimentary nutty oak and a subtle salinity. Engaging acidity provides vivaciousness. Score: 91. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Albatross Ridge Estate Reserve Carmel Valley Monterey County Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., pH 3.60, 375 cases, $55. Vinted and bottled by Bowlus Vineyards, LLC, Healdsburg and vinified by Garrett Bowlus. The 25-acre estate vineyard is located on a steep and rocky ridge at 1250 feet overlooking the Pacific Ocean that lies seven miles away. A very cool site with less than 2,000 degree days each season. This wine is a selection of the finest barrels of the vintage. Yields 1.7 tons per acre. Harvest Brix 21.5º-23.5º. Clones 777, Pommard, and “828.” 15% whole cluster. 4-day cold soak, long and cool fermentation in small open top tanks with native yeast. Aged 11 months in 33% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Enticing marriage of dark red cherries, baking spices and sandalwood on the nose. Light to mid weight flavors of red cherry, strawberry and cranberry presented in a delicate, charming style with a slightly tart and saline-infused acid frame. Nicely balanced with sandy tannins and a finish replete with cherry and blood orange flavors. Score: 90. Reviewed June 18, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Albatross Ridge Estate Reserve Carmel Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.68, 300 cases, $55. A selection of the twelve finest barrels of the vintage. Harvest Brix 21.5º-23.5º. Clones 777, 115, “828,” and Pommard. 90% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new, bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A tug of oak currently spearheads this mid weight plus wine offering aromas and flavors of blackberry, black grape, cassis, spice and black tea. The fine grain tannins and acidity are well balanced and the silky texture is très Pinot. The wine is currently a bit tight and the oak overlay is a bit much, but these features should mollify with a few years in the cellar. Score: 90-91. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »