Dec 30, 2022
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Halleck Vineyard
| Owner(s) | Jennifer Halleck, Ross Halleck |
| Web site | www.halleckvineyard.com |
| Link to this site |
Ross Halleck founded the marketing agency, Halleck Design Group, in 1980 to assist the Silicon Valley hitech industry and the Northern California wine industry (Iron Horse, Beaulieu, St. Supery). Bitten by the wine bug, he moved to Sonoma County in 1991 with his wife Jennifer and three sons. Buoyed by his wife Jennifer’s experience in the wine industry, and their shared passion for wine, they have together rapidly become one of Sonoma’s most high-profile producers of ultrapremium Pinot Noir.
The Hallecks planted their family estate Pinot Noir vineyard in 1993 with the intention of setting aside profits from this vineyard for their three sons’ college educations. Overlooking the Russian River Valley in the Sonoma Coast, this 1-acre vineyard was planted to clones 115, 667 and 777. The first harvest was 1999. The Hallecks expanded their Pinot Noir offerings by sourcing fruit from other excellent vineyards in the Sebastopol area. They now produce three vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs and a Pinot Noir blend from three vineyards called Three Sons Cuvée.
Jennifer spent some time working at Tandem Winery with winemaker Greg LaFollette who was Halleck Vineyard’s first winemaker. Greg’s protégé, Rick Davis (Londer, Calstar, Alcina, La Czar Vineyards), is the current winemaker. The velveteen texture that makes Pinot Noir so sensual and appealing are prominently featured in all of the Halleck Vineyards lineup of Pinot Noirs. These are fruit-driven wines of robust intensity that will reward cellaring. The Three Sons Cuvee is the most approachable early. These wines are a true representation of California’s interpretation of Pinot Noir and they deserve every pinoaficionado’s attention.
These are pure artisan Pinot Noirs, lovingly crafted in small quantities from a producer who welcomes fans to connect with the winery family. Production is 1,500 cases each year and is sold through a mailing list with limited retail and fine restaurant distribution. Tasting is available with Ross Halleck at the Halleck Vineyard home in the Sebastopol Hills.
Articles About Halleck Vineyard
2009 Pinot Noir Summit (7.16 4/18/2009)
Four Winery Encounters Leave Prince Relishing His Good Fortune (9.5 4/4/2012)
Green Valley Pinot Noir: The Secret is a Three Letter Word (8.11 2/15/2010)
Halleck Vineyard (6.45 11/12/2007)
Halleck Vineyard: “My Three Sons” (8.22 9/22/2010)
More Sips of 2007 California Pinot Noir (7.21 7/9/2009)
Open Your Wallet for Pinot Pleasure (6.55 3/17/2008)
Part IV: Tasting Pinot Noir from the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA (9.28 8/14/2013)
Pinot Noir Suitcase Clone “828”: An Intriguing Story Revealed (9.14 11/8/2012)
Sips of 2006 California Pinot Noirs (7.21 7/9/2009)
Well-Bred Pinots Tasted Recently (6.24 4/30/2007)
Reviewed Wines
2014 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
596 cases, $49.
·
Moderately
light ruby red color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of red cherry and savory herbs. Elegantly
composed and quite charming in a forward drinking style, with red fruit and spice flavors.
Score: 90-91.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2014 Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
414 cases, $59.
·
Moderately light
ruby red color in the glass. Woodsy aromas dominant along with scents of red cherry and cranberry. Mid weight
plus array of red and blue fruit flavors with an accent of warm spices and a definite minerality tone. Sinewy,
fine-grain tannins and good follow through on the welcoming finish.
Score: 92-93.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2014 Halleck Vineyard Kuleto Cuvée Napa Valley Pinot Noir
67 cases, $62. Primarily a Wine Club offering.
Pinot Noir is planted at 800 to 1,000 feet elevation to an unknown clone of Pinot Noir on Kuleto’s 761 acres of
rugged terrain in the mountains of Eastern Napa Valley. Planting began in 1993. Bill Foley purchased Kuleto in
2009. This wine includes some Halleck Vineyard fruit but the 2015 vintage will be 100% Kuleto fruit.
·
Moderately
light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of fertile earth, mushroom and tutti-fruiti lead to a well-structured, mid
weight offering featuring flavors of purple grape and black raspberry in a unique, rather rustic, earthy and
savory style. I only had a rather brief encounter with this wine so I did not score it. Not surprisingly, it is a
completely different wine as far as aromatics and flavors than the other Halleck Vineyard Pinot Noir offerings,
but crafted in the Halleck Vineyard style.
Score: NS.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2013 Halleck Vineyard Clone 828 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $65. Sourced from a
vineyard located less than a mile from Halleck Estate Vineyard on Burnside Road.
·
Moderately light
ruby red color in the glass. Gorgeous perfume of cherry, spice and dried rose petal. Light to mid weight
in style with a bright backbone of acidity. Impressive red fruit intensity considering the wine’s lighter
demeanor. Tight and focused, with soft tannins and a clean finish.
Score: 93-94.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2013 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
159 cases, $75. Sourced
from a 2-acre vineyard in the Laguna flats that is organically farmed.
·
Moderately light ruby red color in the
glass. Alluring aromas of rose petal, foliage, tobacco and sage. Discreetly concentrated in an elegant style with
dark fruit flavors, warm spice notes, savory touches, and some finishing length.
Score: 91-92.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2013 Halleck Vineyard Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $110. Tasted from a
bottle that had been opened one to weeks prior and kept under Coravin and tasted from a freshly
opened bottle sampled with Coravin.
·
The previously opened bottle was highly aromatic with soaring
scents of red fruits and spice. On the palate, it resembled a previously opened wine. The newly
opened bottle had a primary nose with a brighter, fresher fruit palate. In either case, a very impressive,
elegantly-styled wine.
Score: 93-94.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2008 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.614,
800 cases, $40. Sixth vintage. Sourced from the Farm and Hallberg vineyards.
·
Moderately light reddishpurple
color in the glass. Relatively modest in intensity but flavorful featuring a core of well-spiced, dark red
cherries and complimentary oak. An easy drinking and versatile wine. Good.
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.607, 247 cases,
$45.
·
Aromas of savory dark fruits and forest floor. Bright and crisp flavors of deep red cherries and berries
with hints of spice, cranberry and acid-driven minerality. Good.
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.589,
282 cases, $60. A vineyard off Highway 116 near downtown Sebastopol owned by Brice Jones at the site of
the former Hallberg Apple Orchard. Dijon clones 777 and 115.
·
Alluring aromatic profile featuring scents of
fresh berries, cherries, forest floor and spice. Flavors of dark cherries, ripe strawberries, peppery spice and
sandalwood. Seamless and long on the finish. Very good.
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.26, TA 0.626,
231 cases, $60. Vineyard planted in 1999. Dijon clone 777.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass.
Fresh, ripe wild berries are featured on the nose and palate. The most intense, dense and earthy of the
Halleck offerings, yet balanced beautifully by vibrant acidity. Well-managed oak and nicely proportioned tannic
bones. Very good.
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Halleck Vineyard Estate Halleck Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.595,
36 cases, $75. Yields of 1 to 1.5 tons per acre. Vineyard is picked by family and friends.
·
This is a virtuoso
wine that offers a complex array of aromas and flavors that defy adequate description. A chameleon in the
glass that changes constantly over time. The middleweight core of dark red and black berries is quite exotic,
seemingly coating every nook and cranny in the mouth, and finishing with an intense and lasting flourish. Ross
says this wine makes him “tear up,” and I can understand why. Very good ++.
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $36, released August 13, 2008. Sourced from The Farm and
Hallberg vineyards. Clones 115 and 777. Aged 9 months in 30% new French
oak barrels.
·
Lovely aromas of Bing cherry essence and spice. Tasty dark cherry
and brown spice core with faint oak in the background. Very charming with
some persistence on the dry finish. This wine grabs you and says, “Drink me
now.” Very good.
Reviewed September 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $45, released August 14,
2008. Sourced from vineyards in the Sebastopol Hills. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels.
·
The
nose is quite savory with aromas of dark fruits, forest floor and subtle oak. A charming wine that successfully
pushes the ripeness envelope offering copious flavors of grilled dark fruits, cassis and mushrooms. This wine
is all about ripe enticing fruit with soft, supportive tannins and bright acidity that brings the drinker back for
another sip. Very good.
Reviewed September 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $55. 100% de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, whole berry fermentation in
5-ton fermentation tanks. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak. Clones 115
and 777.
·
Moderately light garnet color. Perfume of dark red cherries and plums
accented with Provencal herbs and oak vanillin with a whiff of alcohol. Discreetly
concentrated and tasty dark red Pinot fruits with accents of cola and brown spice.
Velvety in the mouth with a fruity and pleasing finish.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $55.
·
Shy but pleasing perfume of dark fruits. Earth-kissed fruits
offer restrained lushness with good follow-through on the palate. A solid, fruit driven
wine with admirable balance. Drink now. Very good.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55, released January 15, 2008. Hallberg
Vineyard is a former apple orchard located off Highway 116 near
downtown Sebastopol. Clones 115 and 777. Aged 10 months in 30%
new French oak barrels.
·
A comforting and welcoming aromatic profile
featuring vivid spiced plums and black raspberries. The mid-palate
attack is joyously filled with deep black raspberry, dark cherry, and plum
sauce intensity. Rich and full-flavored but polished and smooth in the mouth.
This wine speaks softly but makes an impression. A fruit-filled fist in a velvet
glove.
Reviewed September 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $55. 100% destemmed,
5-day cold soak, whole berry fermentation in 5-ton fermentation tanks for 12 days, aged 9 months in
30% new French oak. Clone 777.
·
Interesting aromas of dark red fruits, rose bush, prickly pear, oak char and a
little funk. A dark fruit-driven wine with sides of herbs and oak. There is bright acidity on the finish which falls
off rapidly. This wine just doesn’t do much for me and I get the impression that it has not completely come
together inviting a revisit in 6 months.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $55, released
January 15, 2008. From a 2-acre vineyard planted in 1999. Clone 777. Aged 9 months in 30% new French oak
barrels.
·
Nuanced perfume of black cherries, underbrush, seasoned oak and a little barnyard. Ripe and tasty
darker cherry and berry flavors with an earthy, peppery undertone, wrapped in ripe dry tannins. Impressive
finesse on the palate. Very good.
Reviewed September 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyards Three Sons Cuvee Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 1,300
cases, $42. This wine is a blend of several vineyards in the neighborhood of the Halleck estate vineyard.
The name pays homage to the Halleck’s three sons, Conner 14, Adam 13, and Quinn 10.
·
The
lightest in reddish-purple color of the lineup. Heady black cherry and new-sawn wood aromas leading to
a dark fruit profile enhanced with herbs, oak and cinnamon spice. Silky on the palate and briskly acidic
on the finish. The lightest wine in the lineup but not a weakling by any stretch of the imagination. While
the other wines brood, this frisky youngster is offering considerable pleasure now.
Reviewed March 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Clone 828 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 266 cases, $55. Sourced from a vineyard
near Annapolis. Aged in 30% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Aromas of black cherries, spice and balsam. Flavorful, mid weight, earth-kissed black cherry core with subtle
smoky oak in the background, all wrapped in firm tannins, offering a soft mouth feel, and finishing with a
cherry-fueled note. Good.
Reviewed November 7, 2012
ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 295 cases, $55.From a vineyard located in Sebastopol that was
formerly an apple orchard.
·
Lovely perfume of slightly confected black cherries, oak
toast, and mocha java. Soft in the mouth with generous berry and cherry fruit.
Fruit-driven flavors are primary with some earthiness in background. Plenty of
acidity adds a lively tone.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyards Clone 828 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 266 cases, $55. From
grapes grown near Annapolis four miles from the Pacific Ocean. 30% new French oak (the usual regimen
for Halleck Pinots). This clone is rarely bottled as a stand-alone wine and is a newer Dijon clone
planted only in recent years in California.
·
The nose is rife with smoke, cigar box, and gingerbread. Soft,
dark Pinot fruits including cassis and black raspberry, complimented by oak char and cookie dough create
a feast of flavors. This wine is the darkest in nature of the lineup and the most unique. The tannins are
reigned in but peak out at the finish and will soften with bottle age. Yummy.
Reviewed March 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyards Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 295 cases, $55. From a Sebastopol vineyard that was once
an apple orchard where the Hallecks purchased apples and apple juice.
·
Wild
berries, sen-sen, cherries and crusty bread aromas draw you in. The wine offers
a solid core of dark Pinot fruits with a sidecar of oak and earth, a dusty texture,
admirable acid backbone, and a slightly dry but persistent finish. No octane in
sight. A lot of potential lingering in the background here which needs time to
break out. Be patient with this one. Even better from re-corked bottle next day.
Reviewed March 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyards The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 250 cases, $55. From a 2-acre vineyard that was previously
blended into the Three Sons Cuvee.
·
Expressive nose of red and black cherry jam. Very fruity. Lovely
red-fruits presented in an elegant, soft and silky style. A delight to drink and an idol in the making. The
longest and most intense finish in the lineup. Already showing some leg, but will be more revealing with
maturity. Keep this hidden from your relatives.
Reviewed March 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Three Sons Cuvee Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.,
750 cases, $38. This wine is sourced from three vineyards: The Farm, Hallberg,
and Hawk’s Roost. Clones are Dijon 115 and 777. The wine was aged in 30%
new French oak for 10 months.
·
The aromatics are enticing with notes of cherry
and toast and a kiss of anise. Light to medium in body, there is a well-constructed
Bing cherry core of fruit all wrapped in a satiny sheet-like texture. There are some
cola highlights also - more Pepsi than Coke. With laser-like clarity and balance,
this Pinot is flat-out terrific.
Reviewed April 30, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 750 cases, $38.
This wine is sourced from The Farm Vineyard, Hallberg Vineyard and Hawk’s Roost Vineyard.
Clones are Dijon 115,777.
·
The aromatics are enticing with notes of cherry and toast and a kiss of anise. Light to medium weighted, this wine has a well-constructed Bing cherry core of fruit all wrapped in a satin-sheet-like texture. There are some cola highlights also - more Pepsi than Coke. With laser-like clarity and balance, this Pinot is flat-out terrific.
Reviewed November 12, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot
13.9% alc., 140 cases, $55. Clones 115 and 777.
·
Now this is what I’m talking about! An intriguing nose of crushed black cherry and mahogany wood shed
leads to succulent red cherry and red currant flavors which take on darker tones with time in the glass. The fruit is pure and perfectly ripe. The finish is crisp and luscious with a raspberry kiss that persists an eternity. So sublime, I wanted to drink the whole bottle.
Reviewed November 12, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
250 cases, $55. Call winery for
availability.
·
Lighter garnet color. Bright cherry and roses on the nose with juicy cherries and berries on the
palate with harmonious integration of t n’a and age related mellowing. A perfectly fine drink.
Reviewed April 18, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River
14.8% alc., 270 cases, $55. This 2-acre vineyard
is in the neighborhood of the Halleck Vineyard and is managed
by Jim Pratt. It was planted to Dijon clone 777 in 1999. In
previous years wine from this vineyard was blended into the
Three Sons Cuvée.
·
Befitting the source, there is some farm yard in the nose with a little funk and a touch of alcohol. There is noticeable sweetness of deep red fruits with an appealing earthiness. The finishing note is complex with pomegranate, hay, game and wood notes. The tannins are well-concealed. Patty really
liked this wine, but I found it too much of an earth child.
Reviewed November 12, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 250
cases, $55. From a 2-acre vineyard on the edge of Sebastopol meticulously maintained by
vineyard manager Jim Pratt and the vineyard’s owners. Planted in 1999 and cordon pruned
using clone 777.
·
Attractive and penetrating nose of cherry jam, brown spice and sandalwood.
Well oaked red fruits with appealing spice (particularly cinnamon) and a hint of raisin. A wellendowed
fruity wine that is yet elegant and silky with a long aromatic finish.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2003 Halleck Vineyard Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., 100 cases, $75.
·
The aromatics and flavors are quite disparate. Plenty of oak toast and barnyard influence in the nose. The
flavors are red-fruit driven with generous spirited cherry notes and a hint of oak and herbs on the clean
and brisk back end. The wine has an appealing lightness about it , meaning it is easy and satisfying to
drink without any hard edges.
Reviewed November 12, 2007
ARTICLE »
2014 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
596 cases, $49. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of red cherry and savory herbs. Elegantly composed and quite charming in a forward drinking style, with red fruit and spice flavors. Score: 90-91. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2014 Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
414 cases, $59. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Woodsy aromas dominant along with scents of red cherry and cranberry. Mid weight plus array of red and blue fruit flavors with an accent of warm spices and a definite minerality tone. Sinewy, fine-grain tannins and good follow through on the welcoming finish. Score: 92-93. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2014 Halleck Vineyard Kuleto Cuvée Napa Valley Pinot Noir
67 cases, $62. Primarily a Wine Club offering. Pinot Noir is planted at 800 to 1,000 feet elevation to an unknown clone of Pinot Noir on Kuleto’s 761 acres of rugged terrain in the mountains of Eastern Napa Valley. Planting began in 1993. Bill Foley purchased Kuleto in 2009. This wine includes some Halleck Vineyard fruit but the 2015 vintage will be 100% Kuleto fruit. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of fertile earth, mushroom and tutti-fruiti lead to a well-structured, mid weight offering featuring flavors of purple grape and black raspberry in a unique, rather rustic, earthy and savory style. I only had a rather brief encounter with this wine so I did not score it. Not surprisingly, it is a completely different wine as far as aromatics and flavors than the other Halleck Vineyard Pinot Noir offerings, but crafted in the Halleck Vineyard style. Score: NS. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2013 Halleck Vineyard Clone 828 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $65. Sourced from a vineyard located less than a mile from Halleck Estate Vineyard on Burnside Road. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Gorgeous perfume of cherry, spice and dried rose petal. Light to mid weight in style with a bright backbone of acidity. Impressive red fruit intensity considering the wine’s lighter demeanor. Tight and focused, with soft tannins and a clean finish. Score: 93-94. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2013 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
159 cases, $75. Sourced from a 2-acre vineyard in the Laguna flats that is organically farmed. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Alluring aromas of rose petal, foliage, tobacco and sage. Discreetly concentrated in an elegant style with dark fruit flavors, warm spice notes, savory touches, and some finishing length. Score: 91-92. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2013 Halleck Vineyard Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $110. Tasted from a bottle that had been opened one to weeks prior and kept under Coravin and tasted from a freshly opened bottle sampled with Coravin. · The previously opened bottle was highly aromatic with soaring scents of red fruits and spice. On the palate, it resembled a previously opened wine. The newly opened bottle had a primary nose with a brighter, fresher fruit palate. In either case, a very impressive, elegantly-styled wine. Score: 93-94. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2008 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.614, 800 cases, $40. Sixth vintage. Sourced from the Farm and Hallberg vineyards. · Moderately light reddishpurple color in the glass. Relatively modest in intensity but flavorful featuring a core of well-spiced, dark red cherries and complimentary oak. An easy drinking and versatile wine. Good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.607, 247 cases, $45. · Aromas of savory dark fruits and forest floor. Bright and crisp flavors of deep red cherries and berries with hints of spice, cranberry and acid-driven minerality. Good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.589, 282 cases, $60. A vineyard off Highway 116 near downtown Sebastopol owned by Brice Jones at the site of the former Hallberg Apple Orchard. Dijon clones 777 and 115. · Alluring aromatic profile featuring scents of fresh berries, cherries, forest floor and spice. Flavors of dark cherries, ripe strawberries, peppery spice and sandalwood. Seamless and long on the finish. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.26, TA 0.626, 231 cases, $60. Vineyard planted in 1999. Dijon clone 777. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Fresh, ripe wild berries are featured on the nose and palate. The most intense, dense and earthy of the Halleck offerings, yet balanced beautifully by vibrant acidity. Well-managed oak and nicely proportioned tannic bones. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Halleck Vineyard Estate Halleck Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.595, 36 cases, $75. Yields of 1 to 1.5 tons per acre. Vineyard is picked by family and friends. · This is a virtuoso wine that offers a complex array of aromas and flavors that defy adequate description. A chameleon in the glass that changes constantly over time. The middleweight core of dark red and black berries is quite exotic, seemingly coating every nook and cranny in the mouth, and finishing with an intense and lasting flourish. Ross says this wine makes him “tear up,” and I can understand why. Very good ++. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $36, released August 13, 2008. Sourced from The Farm and Hallberg vineyards. Clones 115 and 777. Aged 9 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Lovely aromas of Bing cherry essence and spice. Tasty dark cherry and brown spice core with faint oak in the background. Very charming with some persistence on the dry finish. This wine grabs you and says, “Drink me now.” Very good. Reviewed September 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $45, released August 14, 2008. Sourced from vineyards in the Sebastopol Hills. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · The nose is quite savory with aromas of dark fruits, forest floor and subtle oak. A charming wine that successfully pushes the ripeness envelope offering copious flavors of grilled dark fruits, cassis and mushrooms. This wine is all about ripe enticing fruit with soft, supportive tannins and bright acidity that brings the drinker back for another sip. Very good. Reviewed September 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $55. 100% de-stemmed. 5-day cold soak, whole berry fermentation in 5-ton fermentation tanks. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak. Clones 115 and 777. · Moderately light garnet color. Perfume of dark red cherries and plums accented with Provencal herbs and oak vanillin with a whiff of alcohol. Discreetly concentrated and tasty dark red Pinot fruits with accents of cola and brown spice. Velvety in the mouth with a fruity and pleasing finish. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $55. · Shy but pleasing perfume of dark fruits. Earth-kissed fruits offer restrained lushness with good follow-through on the palate. A solid, fruit driven wine with admirable balance. Drink now. Very good. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55, released January 15, 2008. Hallberg Vineyard is a former apple orchard located off Highway 116 near downtown Sebastopol. Clones 115 and 777. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · A comforting and welcoming aromatic profile featuring vivid spiced plums and black raspberries. The mid-palate attack is joyously filled with deep black raspberry, dark cherry, and plum sauce intensity. Rich and full-flavored but polished and smooth in the mouth. This wine speaks softly but makes an impression. A fruit-filled fist in a velvet glove. Reviewed September 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $55. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, whole berry fermentation in 5-ton fermentation tanks for 12 days, aged 9 months in 30% new French oak. Clone 777. · Interesting aromas of dark red fruits, rose bush, prickly pear, oak char and a little funk. A dark fruit-driven wine with sides of herbs and oak. There is bright acidity on the finish which falls off rapidly. This wine just doesn’t do much for me and I get the impression that it has not completely come together inviting a revisit in 6 months. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $55, released January 15, 2008. From a 2-acre vineyard planted in 1999. Clone 777. Aged 9 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Nuanced perfume of black cherries, underbrush, seasoned oak and a little barnyard. Ripe and tasty darker cherry and berry flavors with an earthy, peppery undertone, wrapped in ripe dry tannins. Impressive finesse on the palate. Very good. Reviewed September 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyards Three Sons Cuvee Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 1,300 cases, $42. This wine is a blend of several vineyards in the neighborhood of the Halleck estate vineyard. The name pays homage to the Halleck’s three sons, Conner 14, Adam 13, and Quinn 10. · The lightest in reddish-purple color of the lineup. Heady black cherry and new-sawn wood aromas leading to a dark fruit profile enhanced with herbs, oak and cinnamon spice. Silky on the palate and briskly acidic on the finish. The lightest wine in the lineup but not a weakling by any stretch of the imagination. While the other wines brood, this frisky youngster is offering considerable pleasure now. Reviewed March 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Clone 828 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 266 cases, $55. Sourced from a vineyard near Annapolis. Aged in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, spice and balsam. Flavorful, mid weight, earth-kissed black cherry core with subtle smoky oak in the background, all wrapped in firm tannins, offering a soft mouth feel, and finishing with a cherry-fueled note. Good. Reviewed November 7, 2012 ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 295 cases, $55.From a vineyard located in Sebastopol that was formerly an apple orchard. · Lovely perfume of slightly confected black cherries, oak toast, and mocha java. Soft in the mouth with generous berry and cherry fruit. Fruit-driven flavors are primary with some earthiness in background. Plenty of acidity adds a lively tone. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyards Clone 828 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 266 cases, $55. From grapes grown near Annapolis four miles from the Pacific Ocean. 30% new French oak (the usual regimen for Halleck Pinots). This clone is rarely bottled as a stand-alone wine and is a newer Dijon clone planted only in recent years in California. · The nose is rife with smoke, cigar box, and gingerbread. Soft, dark Pinot fruits including cassis and black raspberry, complimented by oak char and cookie dough create a feast of flavors. This wine is the darkest in nature of the lineup and the most unique. The tannins are reigned in but peak out at the finish and will soften with bottle age. Yummy. Reviewed March 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyards Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 295 cases, $55. From a Sebastopol vineyard that was once an apple orchard where the Hallecks purchased apples and apple juice. · Wild berries, sen-sen, cherries and crusty bread aromas draw you in. The wine offers a solid core of dark Pinot fruits with a sidecar of oak and earth, a dusty texture, admirable acid backbone, and a slightly dry but persistent finish. No octane in sight. A lot of potential lingering in the background here which needs time to break out. Be patient with this one. Even better from re-corked bottle next day. Reviewed March 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Halleck Vineyards The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 250 cases, $55. From a 2-acre vineyard that was previously blended into the Three Sons Cuvee. · Expressive nose of red and black cherry jam. Very fruity. Lovely red-fruits presented in an elegant, soft and silky style. A delight to drink and an idol in the making. The longest and most intense finish in the lineup. Already showing some leg, but will be more revealing with maturity. Keep this hidden from your relatives. Reviewed March 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Three Sons Cuvee Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 750 cases, $38. This wine is sourced from three vineyards: The Farm, Hallberg, and Hawk’s Roost. Clones are Dijon 115 and 777. The wine was aged in 30% new French oak for 10 months. · The aromatics are enticing with notes of cherry and toast and a kiss of anise. Light to medium in body, there is a well-constructed Bing cherry core of fruit all wrapped in a satiny sheet-like texture. There are some cola highlights also - more Pepsi than Coke. With laser-like clarity and balance, this Pinot is flat-out terrific. Reviewed April 30, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 750 cases, $38. This wine is sourced from The Farm Vineyard, Hallberg Vineyard and Hawk’s Roost Vineyard. Clones are Dijon 115,777. · The aromatics are enticing with notes of cherry and toast and a kiss of anise. Light to medium weighted, this wine has a well-constructed Bing cherry core of fruit all wrapped in a satin-sheet-like texture. There are some cola highlights also - more Pepsi than Coke. With laser-like clarity and balance, this Pinot is flat-out terrific. Reviewed November 12, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot
13.9% alc., 140 cases, $55. Clones 115 and 777. · Now this is what I’m talking about! An intriguing nose of crushed black cherry and mahogany wood shed leads to succulent red cherry and red currant flavors which take on darker tones with time in the glass. The fruit is pure and perfectly ripe. The finish is crisp and luscious with a raspberry kiss that persists an eternity. So sublime, I wanted to drink the whole bottle. Reviewed November 12, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
250 cases, $55. Call winery for availability. · Lighter garnet color. Bright cherry and roses on the nose with juicy cherries and berries on the palate with harmonious integration of t n’a and age related mellowing. A perfectly fine drink. Reviewed April 18, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River
14.8% alc., 270 cases, $55. This 2-acre vineyard is in the neighborhood of the Halleck Vineyard and is managed by Jim Pratt. It was planted to Dijon clone 777 in 1999. In previous years wine from this vineyard was blended into the Three Sons Cuvée. · Befitting the source, there is some farm yard in the nose with a little funk and a touch of alcohol. There is noticeable sweetness of deep red fruits with an appealing earthiness. The finishing note is complex with pomegranate, hay, game and wood notes. The tannins are well-concealed. Patty really liked this wine, but I found it too much of an earth child. Reviewed November 12, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Halleck Vineyard The Farm Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 250 cases, $55. From a 2-acre vineyard on the edge of Sebastopol meticulously maintained by vineyard manager Jim Pratt and the vineyard’s owners. Planted in 1999 and cordon pruned using clone 777. · Attractive and penetrating nose of cherry jam, brown spice and sandalwood. Well oaked red fruits with appealing spice (particularly cinnamon) and a hint of raisin. A wellendowed fruity wine that is yet elegant and silky with a long aromatic finish. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2003 Halleck Vineyard Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., 100 cases, $75. · The aromatics and flavors are quite disparate. Plenty of oak toast and barnyard influence in the nose. The flavors are red-fruit driven with generous spirited cherry notes and a hint of oak and herbs on the clean and brisk back end. The wine has an appealing lightness about it , meaning it is easy and satisfying to drink without any hard edges. Reviewed November 12, 2007 ARTICLE »