Schultze Family | The PinotFile

2016 Windy Oaks Estate Terra Narro Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $29. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A simple and forward-drinking wine in a lighter weighted style featuring aromas and flavors of plump, red cherry, strawberry, savory herbs and toasty oak. The wine finishes on a dry, but not astringent note. Score: 89. Reviewed December 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard Estate Cuvée Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 296 cases, $39. A blend of 5 clones. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of dark berry and cherry, rose and spice and a subtle touch of oak. The party continues on the mid weight palate that offers a wholesome attack of black cherry fruit accented with baking spices. Very fine grain tannins, juicy acidity and welcome intensity and length on the finish. A forward drinking offering that builds in appeal over time in the glass. Score: 93. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard Limited Release 100% Wild Yeast Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 72 cases, $58 (wine club and tasting room only). Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Plenty of appealing aromas of red cherry and berry, spice, underbrush and white pepper that are more showy when the wine was tasted the following day. The black cherry core of fruit has noticeable presence on the mid weight palate, working in harmony with compatible tannins. The mouthfeel is seductively silky, there is a tasty spice and floral thread, and some finishing persistence. Oak is definitely involved, but less so when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard Limited Release Wood Tank Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 106 cases, $58. Fermented up to eight weeks in one-ton, French oak, open-top fermentation tanks. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. I couldn’t stop sticking my nose in the glass as the aromas of cherry, spice cabinet and marzipan were mesmerizing. Light to mid weight in style, with a redder fruited core that is embellished with wood-driven spice and nuttiness. Noticeable but not intrusive tannins and a lip-smacking finish complete the experience. There is more barrel presence in this wine but it enhances rather than detracts. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard Terra Narro Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $29. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Scents of cherry, raspberry and oak spice hold up nicely over time in the glass. A light to mid weight red cherry-driven wine with complimentary oak seasoning and supple tannins. Very demure, with a modest attack and finish. An easy drinker that will compliment any picnic. Score: 88. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $39. 100% estate fruit from the 15-acre Schultze Family Vineyard at the southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA in Corralitos. Five clones. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The nose personifies what I love about the Pinot nose: aromas of cherry, spice, rose petal and sandalwood. Delicious core of well ripened black cherry fruit, accented with a hint of white pepper and other spices and root beer. Very sleek and silky, with suede tannins and an elegant, charming presence. The preverbal iron fist in a velvet glove. Score: 94. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wild Yeast Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $55. A limited release wine that features the unique aromas of wild yeast fermentation. Available to wine group members and visitors to tasting room. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Interesting aromas of lees, black cherry, spice cake, mushroom and a touch of oak. Light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and blueberry in a vibrant style with lifted acidity, balanced tannins, and a modest finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Windy Oaks Estate Les Deux Grands Cru Special Release Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.69, 24 cases, $105. Estate grown, produced and bottled. This single barrel was so outstanding that it was deserving of its own special release. Partial native fermentation, 30% whole cluster, aged in a single new French oak barrel for 25 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. · Aromas of fresh berries plucked from the vine, cherry, spice and a touch of barnyard. Tremendous attack of black cherry fruit with accents of rhubarb and baking spices, and a hint of nutty, toasty oak. The texture is dreamy and the finish goes on and on. Even better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, with round shoulders, soaring aromas, and flavors of spiced cherries wrapped up in an elegant package. Score: 96. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard 1-Acre Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

13.9% alc., $45. Barrel fermented, aged in French oak barrels for 15 months. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden straw color and clear in the glass. This is a pristine Chardonnay with aromas of citrus, nut oils, char and flint and flavors of lemon zest and yellow apple. Crisp and clean and slightly creamy on the palate with an appealing flinty minerality and good finishing intensity. Score: 90. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard Henry’s Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $55. From a 1-acre block in the oldest part of the original 3-acre estate vineyard planted to Wädenswil 2A clone. Unfined and unfiltered. Available only through Wine Group or tasting room. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of fresh mashed berries and cherries draw you into the glass. The core of oak-kissed dark red cherry fruit is mouthwatering and expansive, holding more concentration that the Proprietor’s Reserve. A slick texture and balanced tannins enhance the experience. Quite forward and pleasing now. Score: 93. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard Limited Release-100% Whole Cluster Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $55. Unfined and unfiltered. Available only to Wine Group members and at the tasting room. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Distinctive and interesting, this wine offers aromas and flavors of cherry, spice and floral accents with perfect oak integration, modest, smooth tannins, and a tenacious finish. There is a hard-to-describe textural feature that I find very appealing. Score: 93. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard Limited Release-Wood Tank Fermented Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $55. Fermented up to 2 months in French, 1-ton, open fermentation tanks. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very giving on the nose, with bright aromas of black cherry, spice and dark red rose. A very charming wine with a full attack and finish, featuring a succulent core of dark cherry fruit accented with oak seasoning. Discreetly concentrated with balanced tannins and an elegant demeanor. Score: 92. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard Proprietor’s Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $60. Primarily from the 1.5-acre Bay Block of the original 3-acre vineyard. Unfined and unfiltered. Available only to Wine Group members and at the tasting room. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of blueberry, cherry, Damsel plum, and nutty oak, picking up more cherry goodness over time in the glass. On entry, the attack of mid weight black cherry, plum, raspberry and spice flavors are tantalizing and persistent. The wine’s juicy acidity and modest tannins bring out the best of the fruit in this well-rounded and beautifully composed wine that finishes on a high note with plenty of well-spiced fruit. Score: 92. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Windy Oaks Estate Special Release Les Deux Grands Cru Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., one barrel (24 cases), $85 (futures). Offered to Wine Group members only. A co-fermentation of the estate vineyard special Burgundy clone and a little half-acre of the newly certified Chambertin clone. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Very pleasing aromas of cherry and red berry with a compliment of toasty brioche. Light to medium weight flavors of red berry preserves with a seasoning of oak. Softly textured with admirable balance, and a long red cherry and red berry fueled finish. This wine grows on you over time in the glass, picking up intensity and nuances. A cellar-worthy wine of considerable promise. Score: 92-93. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Windy Oaks Estate Henry’s Block Schulte Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Initially demure aromas of cherry fruit pick up intensity over time in the glass. Silky, with suave tannins in a mid weight style, offering flavors of oak-kissed black cherry and cola. Finishes with a generous cherry-themed charge. Drink now to 2023. Score: 91. Reviewed December 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wild Yeast Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The bouquet speaks of herbs, vegetation, turned earth, sandalwood and spice. Light to mid weight flavors of red cherry and cranberry. The tannins supersede the fruit sap. Lacks interest and intensity and reflective of this vintage. Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The fruit is faded, replaced with nutty oak bouquet and a slight oxidized note of sherry. Light in weight and lacking enthusiasm, this wine features flavors of red cherry and cranberry framed by gentle tannins. This wine will not improve with further aging and is a victim of the vintage. Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

% alc.. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Inviting aromas of black cherry, dark berry, toast and woodland spice. Beautifully composed, with mid weight flavors of vivacious black cherry and blackberry fruits. Silky in the mouth with fully merged tannins. This wine seduces with its harmony. Drink now to 2025. Score: 93. Reviewed December 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Windy Oaks Estate Terra Narro Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $29. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex array of aromas including spicy plum, red raspberry, clove, Asian 5-spice, pepper and a hint of oak. Straight forward and easy to drink, featuring dark red berries and spice backed by a generous tug of oak. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wild Yeast Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $55 (wine club and tasting room only). Estate grown, produced and bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose draws you in with aromas of dark red cherry pie glaze, baking spices including nutmeg, graham, black oak and dried rose petals. An earthy wine with plentiful dark red cherry and berry flavor and a complimentary oak and leesy accent. Very well crafted with a silky presence and some finishing aplomb. Score: 90. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wood Tank Fermented Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $55. Estate grown, produced and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fermented up to 8 weeks in French oak, one-ton, open fermentation tanks. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is both complex and interesting, offering aromas of cherry, baking spice, mocha, and graham. Crisp on the mid palate with vigorous flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, and toasty oak, finishing with a long and juicy, oak-kissed cherry riff. Easy to like now. Score: 91. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $60 (wine club or tasting room only). The winery’s signature wine, primarily sourced from the 1.5-acre Bay Block of the original 3-acre planting. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Dark red cherries and berries and spice are featured on the precocious nose. Delicious core of mid weight dark red Bing cherry, blueberry and blackberry flavors accented with well-integrated oak-driven notes of vanilla and dark chocolate. More concentration and richness in this bottling, with more spirit, and a grand cru finish of extraordinary length. Score: 93. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wild Yeast Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but welcoming bouquet of wild berries, marzipan and vanilla with a hint of “wet dog.” Polished and charming, with good freshness, featuring mid weight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry. The wine’s youthful character reminds one of a just released wine. Impressive balance. Drink now to 2025. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wood Tank Fermented Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose leads with bright aromas of warm cherry pie, spice, baked bread and sandalwood. Tastes like a recently released wine with a mid weight plus core of vivid black cherry fruit accented with a complex spice and herb mix. The tannins are suave and the texture is velvety. I liked this wine. Drink now to 2023. Score: 93. Reviewed December 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release 100% Whole Cluster Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $55. Available only to Windy Oaks Wine Group members and at the tasting room. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of deep red cherries, dark berries, spice and oak vanillin. Middleweight flavors of darker red stone fruits and berries with a savory undertone. Soft and elegant with respectable length, showing firm tannins and a hint of stem. A little more open and appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Not as good as the bottle of this wine I reviewed earlier in the year. Good (+). Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wild Yeast Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $55. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of ripe cherries and berries with appealing spice. Deep, dark red cherry and berry flavors with a note of cola and sarsaparilla. Easy going and silky in the mouth with a dry, noticeably generous finish. Score: 90. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wood Tank Fermented Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $55. Fermented up to 8 weeks in 1-ton, open fermentation French oak tanks. · Medium garnet color in the glass. This wine has the type of nose that drives pinotphiles crazy. Effusive aromas of dark red cherries and berries, dark red rose petals and spice. Moderately rich dark red cherry and raspberry fruits accented with caramelized oak and spice. The tannins are a little more aggressive in this wine but they are not obtrusive and will moderate with time. I like this charming wine for its additional complimentary oak contributions including the exotic spice that marries with Pinot fruit so well. Rare to find an oak tank fermented Pinot Noir in California since it is more challenging to successfully vinify. Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $60. Signature wine primarily from the 1.5-acre Bay Block of the original 3-acre vineyard. Unfined and unfiltered. Available only to Windy Oaks Wine Group members and at the tasting room. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of fresh cherry pie filling, baking spices, compost and sandalwood. Light and elegant, gentle and calming, this wine offers flavors of red cherries, strawberries and spice balanced with ripe tannins and lively acidity. The cherry flavor holds on tight on the long finish. A little lighter in this vintage and needs more time in the cellar for the tannins to recede. Very good. Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release 100% Whole Cluster Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, blueberry and prune lead to a charge of black cherry fruit that embosses the mid palate. Compatible tannic support with deft oak input. The overall balance is impressive. Drink now to 2023. Score: 91. Reviewed December 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wild Yeast Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Complex bouquet of dark red cherry and berry, woodland spice, rose petal, marzipan, vanilla and stem. Very tasty core of middleweight cherry fruit with impressive mid palate intensity and remarkable persistence. Subtle tertiary notes of tea, root beer, chocolate and mushroom. Inviting harmony, with a silky mouthfeel and an appealing freshness. The fruit is not dried out at all. Enjoy this now through 2025. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wood Tank Fermented Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Appealing aromas of cherry, dried plum, wilted rose and grilling spices. Very fresh, with a compatible mix of cherry fruit and oak spice and toast. Silken in texture, with some tannins in the background. The oak has superseded the fruit with age. Drink now to 2020. Score: 89. Reviewed December 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Windy Oaks Estate Special Burgundy Clone Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $75. Very limited. From a special half-acre section of the vineyard that is carefully hand-tended exclusively by Jim Schultze. The clone is a rarely propagated French Pinot Noir clone not available in the United States. Aged 27 months in 100% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A very polished and sophisticated offering that reminds me of a Frédéric Mugnier wine from Chambolle-Musigny. Deep cherry and spice aromas and flavors that take on an extraordinary appeal over extended time, seemingly partnering with the glass. Comforting and silky with soft tannins and beautifully integrated oak. Very food friendly (try roast chicken). My wife was impressed and that is saying something. Still great the next day when we finished the bottle. Truly in a class by itself. Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This wine is oxidized, with aromas of sherry and nail polish remover. Better on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, plum and brown spice with good vitality and some persistence on the finish. This particular bottle is defective but drinkable. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wild Yeast Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Nice bouquet of black cherry, forest floor and a touch of oak. Exuberant in a mid weight style, with flavors of black cherry and black raspberry framed by supportive tannins. Enjoyable, but leans a little too much on oak. Drink now to 2020. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is a compatible marriage of cherry and sous-bois aromas. Fresh and and juicy on the palate, with flavors of cherry, strawberry and cranberry in a mid weight style with modest persistent tannins and a compliment of oak in the background. Aging beautifully. Drink now to 2022. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy fruit aromas of dried plum and prune with a note of earthy flora and oak. Light and weight, even shallow, with flavors of earthen cherry and berry. The tannins are resolved, but some toasty oak remains that supersedes the fading fruit. Drink now to 2020. Score: 88. Reviewed December 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Martin Alfaro Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 235 cases, $36. The Schultze Family Vineyard is planted to 15 acres of Dijon clones 115, 667, 777 and 2A and Pommard 4. Grapes were 100% de-stemmed and lightly crushed into small open-top fermenters. A cold soak of 5 days ensued. Fermentation was traditional and the wine was aged 10 months on the lees in 40% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark and ripe fruits with underlying herbs and earthiness. A bit rough now in its youth but shows the stuffing and balance to blossom nicely in a year. Reviewed March 15, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 360 cases, $38. A blend of clones from the estate vineyard. Aged 16 months in 55% new French oak. · The nose is full of interest with scents of juicy cherries, spice, graham, herbs, oak and a hint of good funkiness. A whiff of alcohol peaks out. Earth-kissed dark red cherry and berry fruit flavors are on the light side but pleasing. Very polished and smooth with supple tannins creating some charming elegance. Decent (+). Reviewed November 13, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 360 cases, $38 (sold out but the 2008 vintage has been released). A blend of all clones from the estate vineyard. Aged 16 months in 55% new French oak. Unfined, unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very attractive perfume of spiced and confected cherries, cherry cola and red berries. The flavors echo the aromas and are offered in a lightly weighted style with soft, silky tannins. A very solid easy drinker. Very good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Estate One Acre Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

138 cases, $38. Sampled with lunch at the winery. This proved to be the top Chardonnay tasted during my week in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Barrel aged 18 months in 33% new French oak. · Bright, crisp and fresh with enough white stone and tropical fruit flavor to thoroughly satisfy. Barrel fermentation has contributed complimentary notes of butter, spice and vanillin. A little minerality creeps in on the finish. I have called this wine “a Kistlerkiller” in the past and I am sticking to my claim. Very good. Reviewed November 13, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release 100% Whole Cluster Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $55. Selection of 4 to 6 whole cluster barrels. Aged 21 months in 50% new French oak. · The fruit is darker-toned in this wine and more intense. Scents of plums and berries, oak toast, spice, and a little fecundity lead to a full palate of loamy black cherry and black raspberry fruit with underpinnings of dark chocolate and grilled meat. Perhaps “down and dirty” is a good descriptive. The tannins are fine-grained and dry, the oak is nicely partnered with the fruit, and the wine has the polished sensuality that drives Pinot lovers crazy. Very good. Reviewed November 13, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Limited Release Wild Yeast Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 133 cases, $55. A five barrel selection. Aged 17 months in 65% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very reserved scent of black cherries and dark red berries with a hint of mint. Pretty tasty black cherry and berry fruit, nicely spiced and earthy, clothed in ripe firm tannins, and harmoniously composed. A solid drink, but doesn’t excite. Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Limited Release Wood Tank Fermented Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $55. Fermented in one-ton French oak open fermentation tanks. Aged 21 months in 75% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light garnet in color in the glass. A striking aromatic profile of cherries, berry pie, sandalwood, spice and a touch of caramel. Charmingly delicate but pleasingly flavored core of redder cherries and berries. Sleek and refined with mild tannins and no oak intrusion, this is a lullaby. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Windy Oaks Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 384 cases, $60. Primarily sourced from the 1.5-acre Bay Block, part of the original 3-acre vineyard. Aged 23 months in 75% new French oak barrels. · Interesting disconnect between the reserved earthy nose and the flavorful fruit core. Shy scents of damp earth, decay, mushroom and oak. Intense flavors of dark red stone fruits and berries with hints of lovely spice, cherry cola and oak. Picks up power and interest over time in the glass offering a persistent tug of tasty strawberry fruit on the finish. Similar to the Estate Cuvée in taste, but ramped up another notch. Very Good Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate brown tinged reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with a bouquet of rose petal, exotic spices, stem and sous-bois. Good vibrancy, with appealing flavors of black cherry, raspberry and spice. Silky on the palate with a juicy finish. This wine has held up remarkably well, but begins to fade over time in the glass. Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Revealing bouquet of cherry jam, spice, brown sugar and brioche. Tasty cherry core backed by integrated tannins, displaying good acid verve and a decent finish. A nicely aged, comforting Pinot. Drink now to 2020. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 345 cases, $60. Primarily sourced from the original 3-acre block of the vineyard. Aged 22 months in 80% new French oak. · The nose is quite refined with attractive cherry and berry aromas with a touch of oak, green herbs and barnyard. On the palate the wine is strikingly soft and smooth, refined and seamless, with discreetly concentrated fruit encased in caressing tannins. Flavors of currants, baking spice and savory herbs add interest. Very good. Reviewed November 13, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Windy Oaks Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 345 cases, $60. Primarily sourced from a 1.5-acre block planted as part of the original 3-acre vineyard. Aged 22 months in 80% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Bright and intensely perfumed berry and cherry fruit on the nose. Mouth filling core of ripe berry fruit with notes of dried cherry, cassis and spice. A refreshing acid tang frames the aromatic finish. Very Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate brown tinged reddish purple color in the glass. This wine was pretty interesting upon opening but faded quickly. Aromas of spice, pine oil and worn leather led to some faded flavors of black cherry, burnt tobacco and spice. Elegant and silky, with immersed tannins and some drive on the finish initially. Drink up. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

Barrel sample. · WOW! Stunning aromatics of red and blue fruits. Plenty of spiced fruit on a soft and clean platform. Seamless. This one will bring you to your knees. Reviewed September 10, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Estate Reserve Corralitos Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

Very sexy aromatics of strawberries and wild raspberries all dolled up with oak spice. Light on the palate, yet providing plenty of fruit pleasure and ending with refreshing acidity. Reviewed March 23, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Estate Wood Fermented Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

Barrel sample. · More pepper in the nose and spicier on the finish. Soft and smooth as a baby’s bottom. Very unique and great in its own way. Reviewed September 10, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Martin Alfaro Schulze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot

14.9% alc., $33. Clones 115, 667 and 777. · A beautiful and sexy fruit core here with barnyard and earthy highlights. The nose is redolent with cranberries and spice. A little warm on the finish. Reviewed September 10, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 285 cases, $35. · A beautifully balanced Pinot with an attractive dusty cherry nose backed by a little barnyard and complimentary flavors of black cherries, pomegranate, spices, gingerbread and herbs. Oak adds interest and support. Everything is in proportion from oak tannin to acid to fruit intensity. Reviewed March 17, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 285 cases, $35. A blend of 4 clones, aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. · A dusty cherry nose leads off the show. Raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate flavors star and a hint of gingerbread and herbs add interest. Oak adds appeal and support. Beautiful balance. Reviewed September 10, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Wood Tank Fermented Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 26 cases, $44. Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. · Intensity is the key word here. Flamboyant black raspberry fruit aromas fill the glass. Juicy black berry jam flavors have subtle oak, chocolate, and marzipan overtones. Power to spare in the mouth ending in a lovely raspberry-infused aromatic kiss on the back end. There is notable oak present and a touch of heat peaks out but is not intrusive. Reviewed March 17, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $60. Unfined and unfiltered. · Intense aromas of deep, dark fruit with whiffs of savory herbs, cut flowers and oak. Tasty core of cherry and berry melange that is on the verge of fading, taking on some secondary characters of brown spice, mocha and raisin. Riper and lighter in weight than the 06 and 07 bottlings but with a similar prominent acid underpinning. Drink up soon. Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Estate Limited Release Burgundian Clones Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 40 cases, $95. This special half-acre block is tended exclusively by Jim. The clone, a rarely propagated French Pinot Noir clone, is not available in the United States. Aged 27 months in 100% new French oak. I have drank both the 2004 and 2005 versions of this wine and found both to be stunning. I do not have specific tasting notes since I enjoyed the wines with special friends at dinners. I do have fond memories of both wines, however, and can only say they rival the best Burgundies I have ever drank. As good as the other Windy Oaks Pinot Noirs are, this bottling is a step above, a tour de force. · Reviewed November 13, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Windy Oaks Special Burgundy Clone Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $95. Unfined and unfiltered. · Shapely bottle with long cork and attractive embossed label. Moderate burnished red rose color in the glass. Fresh aromas of mixed berries, chocolate truffle, spice, flower garden and a hint of oak. Delicious strawberry and black cherry core nicely spiced with a subtle kick of acidity on the amazing finish that seems to persist for a minute. The layers of flavor seem to defy proper description. Very soft and plush on the palate. A very unique wine that is in a class of its own. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Windy Oaks Estate One Acre Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

94 cases, $30. · A stunner. This is a Kistler-killer for half the price! Perfect balance with butter, caramel, and exotic fruit notes, and demure acidity. Reviewed April 1, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

175 cases, $45, sold out. The Reserve is the winery’s signature wine. · This one will stand up to any wine produced in California and is everything you could hope for in a Pinot Noir. From classic Pinot aromatics of Bing cherry and spice, through elegant, sweet and vivid fruit with a caressing texture, to a lasting finale, this is one impressive drink. You won’t be able to get enough of this one. Reviewed September 10, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Windy Oaks Estate Proprietor’s Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

175 cases, $45. · The Reserve is the winery’s signature wine. This one will stand up to anything produced in California and is everything you could hope for in a Pinot Noir. From classic Pinot aromatics of Bing cherry and spice, through elegant, sweet and vivid fruit with a caressing texture, to a lasting finale, this is one impressive drink. You won’t be able to get enough of this one. Reviewed April 1, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Testarossa Vineyards Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 196 cases, $54. · I think this was the most expensive wine at Pinot Cruz, but the producers need make no apologies. A very pleasant drink with red fruit flavors, a bit of Xmas spice, and a long, stylish finish. The Schultze vineyard provides the breeding and deft winemaking completes the picture. Reviewed April 1, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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