COBB Wines

Articles About COBB Wines

Reviewed Wines

2017 Cobb Coastlands Vineyard Old Fir Block Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.1% alc., 175 cases, $80. · Sourced from a block originally planted in 1999 to Wädenswil and Martini clones. Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very pleasant aromas of black cherry, baking spices, and sandalwood becoming more exuberant over time in the glass. Light to mid-weight in style featuring a core of dark cherry underlain with excellent natural acidity and mild tannins. Light on its feet and juicy, with a slightly tart and quenching finish. Builds in welcome richness over time in the glass, and developing an added forest character (fir as the Old Fir Block name implies). Score: 94. Reviewed July 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Cobb Coastlands Vineyard Diane Cobb Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 175 cases, $120. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lavish aromas of dark red cherry and berry. Impressive attack and length in a middleweight style offering layers of sweet, dark red fruits with an earthy, mineral tone. Some tannin on the backend and gregarious acidity insure a long life ahead. Impeccable harmony and an extremely long finish. Just terrific when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. This one made my heart throb. Score: 96. Reviewed July 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 COBB Diane Cobb Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 175 cases, $120. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very pleasing aromas of dark red cherry and berry along with tilled earth. A middleweight beauty featuring a core of cherries jubilee backed by lithe tannins. Impressive attack and length with an appealing “sweetness” to the fruit. The extremely long peacock finish offers a perfume of perfectly ripened dark red cherries. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine offered a cornucopia of silken cherry goodness that only Pinot Noir can deliver. Score: 96. Reviewed April 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

2014 Cobb Wines Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 310 cases, $75 ($160 per 1.5L magnum). This 3-acre vineyard gets the most fog of any of the vineyards Cobb works with leading to an appealing vibrancy. Located near the town of Occidental, this vineyard is planted to 2 Dijon clones in Goldridge soil. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Sensational aromas of burnished cherry, spice, pine sap and wilted rose lead to a middleweight core of delicious cherry fruit accented with spice and cola. Seamless, elegant and polished with a generous finish that is unusually persistent. This wine tugs at your heart strings. Score: 95. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Cobb Wines Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 310 cases, $75 ($160 per 1.5L magnum). Ross has worked with this vineyard since 2003 and has made a single-vineyard wine from its fruit since 2006. Ross directs all the farming and has first pick of the grapes. This is the most inland vineyard that Ross sources fruit from, yet it is only six miles from the Pacific Ocean and greatly influenced by the marine climate. Located in the Sebastopol Hills, this 6-acre vineyard is planted to Swan selection and Dijon clones grown in Goldridge soils. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with soaring aromas of black cherry, wilted rose, burnt tobacco, smoked game and earth. Deeply flavored with spiced cherry and cranberry fruit flavors, this mid weight wine has inviting lift, gentle tannins, and some finishing purpose. Score: 93. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Cobb Wines Coastlands Vineyard 1906 Block Pommard Clone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 200 cases, $80 ($175 per 1.5L magnum). This vineyard is located near the town of Occidental on a ridge. In 1998, Cobb’s parents planted Pommard and Mt. Eden clones on a block just shy of 4 acres within their Coastlands Vineyard. They called it the 1906 Block because the original rancher who worked the land carved the date 1906 into an old oak tree overlooking the block at the time of the great San Francisco earthquake. The vines are planted on rocky, uplifted marine-terraced soils and produce wines that are the most dark and concentrated of Coastlands Vineyard. In 2014, both a Pommard clone and Mt. Eden clone bottling were produced. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Intoxicating perfume of pie cherry, raspberry and timber. Intense and sappy on the palate, featuring cherry, raspberry and red grape flavors with a subtle green thread in the background. Nicely balanced with suave tannins and a sweet cherry finish. While the fruit seems slightly underripe, the wine is delightful. Score: 93. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 450 cases, $70. From a 6-acre vineyard near Sebastopol. Dijon clones and Swan selection planted in Goldridge sandy loam. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. A classy, feminine wine offering aromas of red cherry pie glaze, rose petal, spice and a woodsy compliment. Silky and delicate on the palate, with flavors of red cherry, strawberry, cranberry and piquant spice notes typical of this vineyard. Very elegant, with suave tannins, a deft touch of oak, tart acidity, and a lovely finish filled with cherry, spice and sandalwood goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 450 cases, $70. From a 6-acre vineyard near Sebastopol in western Sonoma County. Dijon and Swan clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Often my favorite COBB bottling, this wine has a glorious nose featuring cherry, rose petal, baking spice and dark chocolate aromas. Elegant and suave, with exquisite balance, this mid weight beauty flaunts its delicious essence of fresh cherries with enticing accents of spices including cinnamon. Very easy to drink now with seamless oak integration and a glorious finish of more than respectable length. Score: 94. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 COBB Jack Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 200 cases, $75. From a 2-acre hillside vineyard near Occidental in western Sonoma County. A very cold site surrounded by dense oak and Douglas Fir trees. Three Dijon clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam. 30% whole cluster fermented. Aged 30 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is to die for with uplifting aromas of cherry, rose petal, spice and pine bark. Light to mid weighted flavors of red cherry and red berries with added notes of green herbs, iron and subtle tar. Quite elegant, with silken tannins and a suave, cherry-fueled finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was still spectacular with more fruit expression. Score: 91. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 COBB Diane Cobb: Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 275 cases, $85. A half acre was planted Coastlands Vineyard to over 20 varieties of Pinot Noir in 1989. The dry farmed block was later expanded to 1.5 acres with a single selection Diane Cobb believed was the best performer in the original trial block. This bottling is a co-fermentation of the nursery Pinot Noir clones and commemorates Diane Cobb who passed away in 2006. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, baking spices, red hots and beef lead to a light to a mid weighted style offering fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry along with whole cluster savoriness. The wine has structured but elusive tannins and a vibrancy that appeals. The intense finish seems to return in waves and rises noticeably above the other 2013 COBB Pinot Noirs reviewed here. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, I noted, “It is hard to believe so much flavor and nuance originates from such a lightly colored wine. This is a perfect example of the glory of Pinot Noir.” Even beyond the great finish, this wine has something special that is indescribable. Score: 95. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 225 cases, Magnum. · Light garnet color in the glass. Complex nose replete with aromas of red cherry, spice, burnt tobacco, forest floor accompanied by some oak-driven vanilla and espresso. Light to mid-weight in style offering juicy flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, baking spices, and the slightest herbaceous tone. Elegant in character with gossamer tannins and a slightly tart red cherry finish that has good length. Still enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle indicating significantly more life ahead. Score: 94. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2012 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 225 cases, $70. From a 6-acre vineyard located near Sebastopol. Dijon clones and Swan selection planted in Goldridge soils. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice, rose petal and espresso. Silky and polished in the mouth, with an attack of fresh cherry and raspberry fruit with a hint of spice and cranberry. Impeccably balanced with a good acid backbone, soft tannins, and finishing lift. Score: 90. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 COBB Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 175 cases, $75. This Freestone Valley vineyard gets the most shade and fog of any of the vineyards winemaker Cobb works with. 30% whole clusters. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A loud nose of ever-expanding aromas of cherry, raspberry, rose petal, spice and sandalwood. Lighter in weight and quite demure, but very flavorful, with tastes of cherry, strawberry, spice and floral goodness, framed by suave tannins and lifted by a bright spark of acidity. A lengthy finish completes the deal. Even more whole cluster evident the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed May 25, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 225 cases, $75. Dijon and Swan selection plantings in Goldridge soil. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 22% new. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Perfumed and sensuous, with aromas of Bing cherry, plum, spice, rose petal and smoky oak. Light to mid weight cornucopia of succulent cherry, strawberry, and blueberry fruits with a vein of citrus in the background and exotic edges to the experience. Exemplary roundness, with supple tannins, a silky mouth feel, and a refreshing grip on the finish which offers flavor and cut. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromas were still heavenly, and the finish had picked up steam. Brilliant! Score: 95. Reviewed May 25, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 COBB Coastlands Vineyard 1906 Block Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 200 cases, $80. Sourced from the 14-acre Coastlands Vineyard located near Occidental. This bottling includes a variety of Pinot Noir selections planted on the steepest hillside of the vineyard in 1998 including Pommard and Mt. Eden. “1906” was carved into an old oak tree by the original sheep rancher who worked the land after the great San Francisco earthquake. Aged 30 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose offers scents of sweet smoke, char and pine with very demure cherry aroma. Mid weight oakkissed and spiced black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate fruits framed by silky tannins and bright acidity. The noticeably intense herb and cherry driven finish lasts and lasts. When re-tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still had a significant oak overlay. Score: 88. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Block Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 300 cases, $80. This 14-acre vineyard sits on a ridge in Occidental in the far western Sonoma Coast. A variety of selections including Martini and Wädenswil were planted in this block in 1989, some of the oldest vines on the West Sonoma Coast. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This is an extraordinary wine that is still cloaked in a significant oak overlay. Aromas of dark cherries, conifer, espresso and toast lead to a delicious cherry core of fruit that is dominated by oak. Juicy acidity adds tension, and contributes to the vibrant finish which is exceptional for its generosity and persistence. This wine needs at least a year in the cellar to better integrate the oak. Score: 92-93. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 COBB Diane Cobb: Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 225 cases, $85. A cofermentation of 18 to 20 different Pinot Noir selections from Diane Cobb’s nursery block of dry-farmed, own-rooted vines that are among the oldest in the region. Seventh vintage. 40% whole clusters. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep, penetrating scents of cherry, black raspberry, spice, rose petal and humid bark. Ever-expanding flavors of black cherry, grenadine, black raspberry, and Asian 5-spice that saturate every nook and cranny in the mouth. Impeccable harmony with supportive fine-grain tannins, and a huge, peacock tail finish that is stunning. I was at a loss for more superlatives the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when the arsenal of aromas and flavors were entirely seductive. Score: 97. Reviewed May 25, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 192 cases, $70. From a 6-acre vineyard near Sebastopol. Dijon clones and a Swan selection are planted in Goldridge sandy loam laced with volcanic ash on a northeastern-facing slope. · Light garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of red cherries, mocha, spice and toast. An ephemeral, feminine wine with demure flavors of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, red licorice and subtle oak. Bright and refreshing with a surprisingly robust and satisfying finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 COBB Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 96 cases, $75. This 3- acre vineyard is near the town of Occidental. Dijon clones are planted in Goldridge soil on a southfacing slope. · Light garnet color in the glass. A savory nose featuring aromas of cherry, herbs, pine tree and forest floor. Very light dark red cherry flavor with a modest oak touch. Supple tannins and bright acidity, but very lean on the attack and finish. Seems to be from vines that struggled to ripen in this vintage. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 170 cases, $80. Sourced from a 14-acre vineyard near the town of Occidental containing a variety of selections, several rootstocks and a complex soil mix. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. I love the nose that is redolent of fresh cherries and baking spices. The light to mid weight red cherry and berry core is accented by savory herbs. A slight green thread runs through the background. Has a little more stuffing than the Rice-Spivak and a little more intensity on the tart, red cherry finish. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 175 cases, $75. From a 14-acre vineyard near Occidental. A variety of selections and rootstocks. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark cherry reduction sauce and sandalwood. On the lighter side, this cherry-driven wine is very elegant and charming. There is some cedary oak overlay and a slightly confected cherry theme on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed August 25, 2014 ARTICLE »

2009 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 295 cases, pH 3.38, $70. A variety of Pinot Noir selections from this 15-acre vineyard planted in 1989. Located 4 miles inland from the Coast, the clones planted include Pommard, Martini, Wädenswil and Mt. Eden. Aged 20 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Pungent and shy initially, opening over time to reveal more pleasing aromas of plum reduction sauce. Modest intensity with flavors of dark plum and currant, accented with earthy, oaky notes in the background. Not particular appealing the first day but much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle displaying more expressive aromas and flavors, veering more to the redder fruit spectrum. Definitely a nervy, higher acid style. Good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 295 cases, $70 ($150 magnum). This 15-acre vineyard was planted in 1989 by Ross’s father, David, and his mother, Diane, and is one of the oldest vineyards on the extreme Sonoma Coast. Elevation ranges from 900 to 1,200 feet and sits on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean four miles to the West. Periods of spring rain or heavy fog can lead to very low yields, and in some years is virtually nonexistent. Yield in 2009 was less than 1 ton per acre. Aged 20 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, offering scents of dark red cherries and berries, bark, root beer and clove. Tasty core of dark red cherries with subtle accents of animale, tobacco and tar. Modest in weight with firm, dry tannins, and finishing with good power and a lively cut of acidity. Showing much better than previously reviewed six months ago. Very good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 COBB Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 260 cases, $70. This 3-acre vineyard is located near Occidental on a south-facing slope a few miles inland from Coastlands Vineyard. Dijon clones 115 and 777 are planted in Goldridge sandy loam. At 800 feet, this site is influenced by the Pacific Ocean. More fog and shade than other vineyards Cobb works with giving at a particularly delicate expression of Pinot Noir. Yields are commonly less than 2 tons per acre. Aged 20 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Light reddish color in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh cherries, red berries and rose petals with a touch of spice and oak. Highly enjoyable flavors of dark red cherries and berries with a pleasing citrus riff on the cherry-driven, very long finish. Seductively elegant with supple tannins. True to the Cobb style with lighter color, lower alcohol, redder fruits and bright, focused acidity. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 COBB Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 260 cases, $70 ($150 magnum). A 3-acre hillside vineyard near Occidental. Two Dijon clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam soil. Exposed to the most shade and fog of any of the vineyards Ross works with. Aged 20 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of dark red cherries and berries permeate the air. Ambrosial flavors of dark red cherries, pomegranates, and spice. The most polished wine in the lineup with a silky smooth mouth feel. Finishes with a bold kiss of cherries and juicy acidity. One of the best one night stands you’ll ever have. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 COBB Jack Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 140 cases, $70 ($150 magnum). A 2-acre vineyard situated on a steep slope overlooking the Freestone Valley near Occidental. Dijon 115, 667 and 828 planted in Goldridge soils. Aged 20 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Darker red and black cherry and berry aromas are featured with hints of forest floor, spice, cigar box, and oak vanillin. Delicious mid weight flavors of cherries, plums and elderberries with an outrageously long and satisfying finish. Beautifully balanced tannins and acidity. Will make any dinner special. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.29, 295 cases, $70 ($150 magnum). About six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean near Sebastopol, this vineyard is planted to Dijon clones and Swan selection in Goldridge sandy loam soils with volcanic ash. 25% whole cluster. Aged 20 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume evolves over time in the glass, revealing aromas of darker cherries and berries, forest floor, praline and subtle oak. Intensely fruity carrying royally through the mid palate and finish, showing the most body of the wines tasted here. Attractive finesse, with mild tannins, and a lively citrus-infused ending. Very good (+). Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 COBB Diane Cobb: Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 120 cases, $80. A one-half-acre nursery was planted by Diane Cobb with over twenty varieties of Pinot Noir to determine which were best for the Coastlands site. The plantings were later doubled with what she believed was the best in the nursery. This wine is from 1.5 acres as a memorial to Diane Cobb who passed away in 2006. Aged 20 months in 38% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing scents of dark Queen Anne cherries, sawdust and sandalwood. The dark red cherry core is fresh and vivid, held in check by taut tannins, and finishing strong and focused with a hint of citrus. Seamless with admirable finesse, and a delight to drink. Very good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 COBB Joy Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.6% alc., 95 cases, $80. Dijon clone. · Golden straw color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of white peaches, honey, banana and pastry cream. Delicious flavors of baked pear, toasted almonds, and lemon curd, finishing with noticeable length. Soft and smooth with bright but well integrated acidity. A delight. Very good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 500 cases, Magnum. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Purple berry and grape aromas with a hint of spice arise from the glass initially, with a smoky contribution over time. The core of mid-weight, juicy cherry fruit is very satisfying and brought into focus by excellent underlying acidity. The tannins have receded and there is some persistence on the finish. There is definitely some smoke taint present but an inexperienced Pinot Noir drinker may not notice it. Drink up before the fruit fades. Score: 91. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2008 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 260 cases, $68. Aged 17 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Cherries and red plums are featured on the nose with a hint of dark chocolate. A red fruit theme is offered in a style of welcoming finesse with a pleasing citrusy acid lift bringing the cherry and raspberry flavors to life. A little grilled mushroom, smoky oak and sauvage adds to the appeal. The tannins, which are typically firm in wines from this vineyard, are well corralled, but will soften further with more time in the bottle. Very good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 COBB Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 360 cases, $68. From 3-acre vineyard near Occidental planted to Dijon clones in Goldridge sandy loam. · Very enticing aromas of dusty dark red spiced Pinot fruits with faint notes of oak and cinnamon. Luscious and silky body of red plum and dark red berry fruits make an impression on the mid palate and linger with a vengeance on the generous finish. Beautifully balanced with racy acidity and supple tannins, this wine offers a little more richness than others in the lineup, but displays the finesse that Cobb wines are known for. A keeper. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 COBB Jack Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 240 cases, $68. From a 2-acre hillside vineyard near Occidental a few miles from Coastlands and Emmaline Ann vineyards. Dijon clones 115, 667 and 828 planted in Goldridge sandy loam. Hand-tended by the couple living on the property. Aged 17 months in 35% new French oak. · Demure aromas of cherry and berry fruits nicely spiced and accented by underbrush. Absolutely delicious melange of fresh cherries and berries with complimentary hints of spice, oak and minerality. Juicy, with impressive persistence on the finish. A lighter bodied wine with gossamer tannins that has a very appealing and seductive gentleness. An All-American. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 COBB Joy Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 280 cases, $68. From a 2-acre vineyard near the Coastlands Vineyard. Closespaced planting of a mix of Pinot Noir clones in sandy loam soils. Aged 17 months in 35% new French oak. · A remarkably intense cherry aroma develops over time in the glass. Scents of toasted oak and candied apple contribute interest. A charmer that unfolds in stages, revealing vibrant black cherry and ripe strawberry flavors with undertones of sandalwood and vanilla. Soft and silky and seductive. Very good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 450 cases, $68. A 6-acre vineyard near Sebastopol planted in Goldridge sandy loam laced with volcanic ash. Dijon clones and Swan selection. Aged 17 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Intensely aromatic showing vivid aromas of black cherries and black raspberries with hints of earth and oak. A little restrained upon opening, later revealing a core of racy dark red and black fruits with a refreshing lift of citrus peel on the finish. Showing a subtle caramel note from the oak which should integrate over time. Elegant and refined, with supple tannins. Very good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Diane Cobb Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 160 cases, $78. · This is a very curious wine. When tasted upon opening, it had a disagreeable smoky, tarry tone to the aromas and flavors. When re-tasted 24 hours later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, it had undergone a remarkable transformation from an ugly duckling to a monarch. My comments are from the next day. Very appealing spicy black cherry aromas. Generous cherry and plum flavors with a velvety mouth feel and a kicking acidity on the finish. A subtle undertone of smoke and tar detracts only slightly from this wine. Your enjoyment will depend on your tolerance for smoke taint. Good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2007 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 240 cases, $68. This 14.5- acre vineyard is owned and farmed by the Cobb family and contains some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines on the Sonoma Coast. A very cool site near Occidental, this is one of the last vineyards to ripen on the Sonoma Coast each season. Several clones including Pommard, Martini, Wädenswil and Mt. Eden planted on various rootstocks. Yorkville and Kneeland loamy soils. · More intense color than other wines in this lineup. Aromas of plum sauce, soy, poki, dank cellar and sandalwood. Dancing mix of purple fruits, earth and oak flavors carry through to a remarkably persistent finish. Intensely fruity and seemingly a little closed at this time. Keep this one in the cellar a few years. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 COBB Joy Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 240 cases, $68. A 2.5-acre vineyard owned by winemaker Terry Adams located a short distance from Coastlands Vineyard on a 1,300-foot ridge top near Occidental. Planted in sandy loam to four different varieties of Pinot Noir. · The nose is both savory and floral along with earthy cherry and berry fruits that are quite vivid. Delicious redder-toned fruits with supportive oak pulled into line with fine acidity. A middle weight wine that is soft and sensual in the mouth departing with a taunting, teasing and lingering aroma of fresh cherries. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 360 cases, $68. · Like the 2006 version of this wine, this is a remarkable drink. Very expressive fruity nose emphasizing berry tart, the slightest oak and a hint of spice. Flavors of redder-toned berry fruits fan out softly on the palate, saturating every corner of the mouth and fading lithely in a lingering finish with a pleasing grip of acidity. Seamless in every way, urging you to reach for another sip. A little richer tasting than the 2006 vintage even at a lower alcohol. This vineyard is one fine piece of dirt. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2006 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Diane Cobb Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 145 cases, $72. A 1.5-acre block in the Coastlands Vineyard planted to a single Pinot Noir variety chosen by Diane Cobb through her work with a nursery block at Coastlands that contained over 20 relatively unknown Pinot Noir varieties. This wine commemorates Diane’s life at Coastlands from its founding in 1989 until her death in 2006. · Subdued aromas upon opening, but becomes quite expressive over time in the glass. Pleasing perfume of fresh berry jam, Morrocan spices and a little barnyard. Intense black cherry and strawberry flavors like bombs bursting in the mouth. Earth and hard red candy accents add interest. Juicy and charming with a finish that would make Hollywood proud. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2006 COBB Emmaline Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 166 cases, $72. This 3-acre vineyard is at the western margin of Sebastopol near Occidental and receives more shade and fog than the other Cobb vineyards. The Goldridge sandy loam soils are planted to Dijon 115 and 777. · Pleasing scent of dark stone fruits nicely spiced. An array of brambly fruits show up in the mouth including ripe strawberries, blackberries and plums. Smooth and silky with bright acidity and fine, ripe tannins create no rough edges. Truly unique from the other Cobb bottlings. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2006 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 495 cases, $72. 6-acre vineyardowned by Russell Rice and his wife, Dr. Helen Spivak. Goldridge sandy loam with ash. Dijon and Swan clone. · Stunning aromas of bright and pure cherries and berries with a hint of forest floor. Only Pinot Noir can offer a nose like this. Luscious attack of red and black cherries and berries on the mid-palate with an appealing accent of earthy loam and smoke lifted with balancing acidity (dare I say minerality), and caressed by fine-grain tannins. Elegant and refined all the way through to the vibrant and pleasing finish. This is a great wine that really shows off the frilly, sexy side of Pinot Noir. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2002 Cobb Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., Magnum. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of musty wine cellar, dark red cherry and berry, cigar box, burnt wax and dried green herbs. Mid-weight flavors of dark red and black cherry, purple berry, spice complimented by dusty tannins. Still plenty of fruit initially after opening with charm and integrity. Remarkably enjoyable after 19 years. Score: 93. Reviewed July 28, 2021 ARTICLE »