Dec 30, 2022
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Lula Cellars
| Owner(s) | Ken Avery |
| Web site | www.lulacellars.com |
| Link to this site |
A small production label (2,500 cases) founded by winemaker Jeff Hansen, a twenty-five-year wine industry veteran who was previously the winemaker and part-owner of Amici Cellars in Mendocino County, California, and Ken Avery. Jeff made his first Pinot Noir in 2002 from grapes grown in the Mendocino Coastal town of Comptche and since then, all of his Pinot Noirs have come from that area. Hansen eventually left Amici, moved to the Mendocino Coast, and started Lula Cellars.
The winery is located in the revered "deep end" of the Anderson Valley and includes a 22-acre property in Philo.
Lula was the name of Hansen's grandmother, who was born in 1879 in Oklahoma and lived to the ripe age of 89.
In 2012, three Pinot Noirs were offered: Costa Vineyard (Comptche, Mendocino County), Peterson Vineyard (Comptche, Mendocino County), and a Mendocino County blend of grapes from Comptche. Zinfandel, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and a Roato are also produced.
In October 2014, a new tasting room was opened on the 22-acre property in Anderson Valley. The new property has frontage along Hwy 128 in Philo (at the corner of Hwy 128 and Guntly Road next door to Handley Cellars and includes a 14-acre Pinot Noir vineyard, a tasting room, and a small production winemaking facility. In 2015, an event area became available for weddings and private parties.
In May 2017, after more than 30 years of making California wines, Jeff Hansen announced he was stepping down as winemaker, but will retain the title of Founder, and served as Winemaker Emeritus and stay on in a consulting capacity for a year. Matt Parish became the new winemaker.
The wines are sold directly to consumers. 707-895-3737. An outdoor tasting area is welcoming and open Friday-Sunday by reservation.
Articles About Lula Cellars
More Sips of California Pinot Noir (8.30 1/27/2011)
Pinot Briefs (11.25 6/26/2018)
Recently Tasted California Wines (11.48 7/17/2019)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (11.2 4/18/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines (9.39 3/29/2014)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Lula Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.60, 540 cases, $45. A majority of the fruit
was sourced from the 15-acre Lula Vineyard planted in 2013 and located in the “deep end” of the Anderson
Valley. Pommard and Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, 10 to 15 day post fermentation
extended maceration, basket pressed, and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined
and filtered before bottling.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, clay and redwood lead to a
more appealing palate of mid weight dark red cherry and berry fruits with a touch of spice. The oak is well
integrated, and the tannins are fine-grain and easygoing. There is a sense of a much higher alcohol than the
stated ABV of 14.0%.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 20, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Costa Vineyard Mendocino Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.59, 480 cases, $45. Sourced
from a 5-acre vineyard planted in 1998 in the mountain town of Comptche (8 miles southeast of the village of
Mendocino). 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast, 10 to 15 day post fermentation extended
maceration. Basket pressed and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered
before bottling.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Some pleasing aromas of red cherry are subdued by
oak-driven aromas of toast and almond. Light to mid weight in extraction, offering flavors of red cherry and
berry framed by suede tannins. The slightly astringent and tart finish has modest length.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 20, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Peterson Vineyard Mendocino Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.60, 520 cases, $45. This
vineyard, planted in 1999, is located in the mountain town of Comptche. Pommard and Dijon clones 667, 777
and 115. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast, 10 to 15 day extended maceration post
fermentation, and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered before
bottling.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose marries aromas of dark cherry with espresso. Soft in the
mouth in a middleweight style, featuring oak-kissed dark cherry fruit flavor. Very approachable, with integrated
tannins but only a modest finish. The sumptuous oak dominates the wine.
Score: 87.
Reviewed July 20, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Founder’s Cuvée Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.63, 100 cases, $50. 50%
clone 777 and Pommard from Lula Vineyard and 50% Peterson and Costa vineyards located in Comptche.
100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast, 10 to 15 day post fermentation extended maceration,
and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered before bottling.
·
Moderately
dark garnet color in the glass. Well-ripened fruit aromas of blackberry, black currant and raisin lead to a mid
weight styled wine that is richly endowed with an array of well-spiced and somewhat earthy dark fruits. A firm
tannic backbone supports the hefty fruit load and there is enough acidity for adequate vitality. An intensely fruity
finish leaves an impression.
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 20, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Rescue Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.64, 90 cases, $60. Label
has a picture of “Honey,” a rescue winery dog and tasting room greeter. This bottling honors the 1,000 vines
that were revived on the Lula property when purchased as well as the rescued winery dog. 100% de-stemmed,
2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast, 10 to 15 day post fermentation extended maceration, and aged 10 months
in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered before bottling.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. Aromas of plum, blackberry, dried herbs and clay come to the fore. Succulent and sweet in a mid weight
style with a core of blackberry fruit backed by well-matched tannins and complimentary oak. Suave in texture
with a flourish of fruit on the finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 20, 2019
ARTICLE »
2014 Lula Costa Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.64, 362 cases, $45.
Third release from this vineyard. 5 acres planted in 1998 in the coastal mountain town of Comptche, 700 feet
above sea level. A blend of 65% Pommard and 35% Dijon 115 clones. Each was harvested, fermented and
barrel aged separately, then blended after 12 months in barrel and aged a further 6 months before bottling.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackest cherry, forest floor and nutty oak lead off. Mid
weight in style, with a core of black raspberry and blackberry fruits with an earthy bent.There is a modest riff of
oak, the tannins are noticeable and the wine finishes with the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth.
Score: 88.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Lula Mendocino Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.62, 276 cases, $45. A blend of grapes from
Peterson and Costa vineyards. 33% Pommard, 30% 115, 20% 667 and 15% 777. Aged 12 months in French
oak barrels, and an additional 6 months after blending.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is
driven by oak aromas of toast, marzipan and vanilla with black fruits in the background. Silky in the mouth, with
very ripe flavors of blackberry, prune and black grape underlain with nutty oak. The wine has good acidity, but
the tannins are gutty. The excessive ripeness of the fruit and overbearing oak impair the experience.
Score: 86.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Lula Peterson Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.67, 400 cases, $45
(wine club exclusive). Vineyard planted in 1999 and located in the coastal mountain town of Comptche at 700
feet elevation. A blend of Pommard and Dijon 115, 667 and 777 clones, each harvested and fermented
separately before blending after 12 months in barrel, and then aged an additional 6 months in barrel before
bottling.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is reticent, even when checked the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Much more giving on the palate in a densely fruited and bold
style that offers plenty of charm. Delicious flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with compliments of
spice, vanilla and earth. Envious balance with integrated tannins and plenty of finishing power. This wine needs
decanting if opened now but will most certainly benefit from a few more years in bottle.
Score: 90.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Lula Docker Hill Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.55, 157 cases,
$50. First vintage from this vineyard. planted in 2010 in the coastal mountain town of Comptche, 8 miles
southeast of the village of Mendocino. 5 acres at 900 feet elevation. Clones are Pommard, 777, “828,” 115 and
Swan, each harvested and fermented separately. Aged 12 months before blending, then spent another 6
months in barrel before bottling.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose was slow to come around
after opening, but became more expressive when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle.
Dark cherry and berry fruit aromas are echoed on the mid weight palate with added contributions of pine and
caramel. Inviting natural acidity with silky tannins and a modest but enjoyable finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2011 Lula Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 700 cases, $42. 65% Pommard, 30% 115 and 5% 777. Aged
14 months in 40% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of old
wood, mushroom, fire pit and peat lead to lighter weight flavors of dark cherry and black raspberry with an
earthy undertone. Generous dry tannins arrive with a rush on the crisp, short finish.
Score: 87.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2010 Lula Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 400 cases, $42 (sold out). Lula is the winemaker’s maternal
grandmother. Grapes are grown near Comptche 16 miles south east of the coastal village of Mendocino.
Vineyard planted in 1998. 60% Pommard, 35% 115, and 5% 777. Aged 12 months in 50% new French oak.
Aged an additional 6 months in barrel after final blending.
·
Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Oak
dominates the nose with appealing ancillary notes of black cherry, blackberry, cola, earthy flora, and spice.
Tasty black cherry and boysenberry fruit offers dramatic mid palate intensity and finish. Mid to full bodied with
balanced tannins and a long finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2007 Lula Cellars Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 315 cases, $39.
Lula is winemaker Jeff Hansen’s maternal grandmother’s name.
Hansen was previously the winemaker and owner of Amici Cellars in
Napa. The inaugural release from a 5-acre vineyard planted in 1998 in
the mountain town of Comptche, 10 miles east of village of Mendocino.
65% pommard, 30% Dijon 115 and 5% Dijon 777. 4-day cold soak.
Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. Great label.
·
Moderately deep
purplish-red color in the glass. Brooding aromas of plum sauce, dark berry
melange, and leaf. Charming fruit core replete with vivid flavors of black plums,
black raspberries and blackberries persisting on the intensely aromatic finish.
Perfectly integrated oak and well proportioned ripe tannins. This wine has real mountain character, tasting like
other intriguing Pinots I have had from Comptche, a little-known, but superb growing area for Pinot Noir.
Reviewed January 27, 2011
ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.60, 540 cases, $45. A majority of the fruit was sourced from the 15-acre Lula Vineyard planted in 2013 and located in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley. Pommard and Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, 10 to 15 day post fermentation extended maceration, basket pressed, and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered before bottling. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, clay and redwood lead to a more appealing palate of mid weight dark red cherry and berry fruits with a touch of spice. The oak is well integrated, and the tannins are fine-grain and easygoing. There is a sense of a much higher alcohol than the stated ABV of 14.0%. Score: 88. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Costa Vineyard Mendocino Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.59, 480 cases, $45. Sourced from a 5-acre vineyard planted in 1998 in the mountain town of Comptche (8 miles southeast of the village of Mendocino). 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast, 10 to 15 day post fermentation extended maceration. Basket pressed and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered before bottling. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Some pleasing aromas of red cherry are subdued by oak-driven aromas of toast and almond. Light to mid weight in extraction, offering flavors of red cherry and berry framed by suede tannins. The slightly astringent and tart finish has modest length. Score: 88. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Peterson Vineyard Mendocino Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.60, 520 cases, $45. This vineyard, planted in 1999, is located in the mountain town of Comptche. Pommard and Dijon clones 667, 777 and 115. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast, 10 to 15 day extended maceration post fermentation, and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered before bottling. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose marries aromas of dark cherry with espresso. Soft in the mouth in a middleweight style, featuring oak-kissed dark cherry fruit flavor. Very approachable, with integrated tannins but only a modest finish. The sumptuous oak dominates the wine. Score: 87. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Founder’s Cuvée Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.63, 100 cases, $50. 50% clone 777 and Pommard from Lula Vineyard and 50% Peterson and Costa vineyards located in Comptche. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast, 10 to 15 day post fermentation extended maceration, and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered before bottling. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Well-ripened fruit aromas of blackberry, black currant and raisin lead to a mid weight styled wine that is richly endowed with an array of well-spiced and somewhat earthy dark fruits. A firm tannic backbone supports the hefty fruit load and there is enough acidity for adequate vitality. An intensely fruity finish leaves an impression. Score: 91. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Lula Rescue Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.64, 90 cases, $60. Label has a picture of “Honey,” a rescue winery dog and tasting room greeter. This bottling honors the 1,000 vines that were revived on the Lula property when purchased as well as the rescued winery dog. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast, 10 to 15 day post fermentation extended maceration, and aged 10 months in new and used French oak barrels. Lightly fined and filtered before bottling. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of plum, blackberry, dried herbs and clay come to the fore. Succulent and sweet in a mid weight style with a core of blackberry fruit backed by well-matched tannins and complimentary oak. Suave in texture with a flourish of fruit on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »
2014 Lula Costa Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.64, 362 cases, $45. Third release from this vineyard. 5 acres planted in 1998 in the coastal mountain town of Comptche, 700 feet above sea level. A blend of 65% Pommard and 35% Dijon 115 clones. Each was harvested, fermented and barrel aged separately, then blended after 12 months in barrel and aged a further 6 months before bottling. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackest cherry, forest floor and nutty oak lead off. Mid weight in style, with a core of black raspberry and blackberry fruits with an earthy bent.There is a modest riff of oak, the tannins are noticeable and the wine finishes with the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Lula Mendocino Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.62, 276 cases, $45. A blend of grapes from Peterson and Costa vineyards. 33% Pommard, 30% 115, 20% 667 and 15% 777. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, and an additional 6 months after blending. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is driven by oak aromas of toast, marzipan and vanilla with black fruits in the background. Silky in the mouth, with very ripe flavors of blackberry, prune and black grape underlain with nutty oak. The wine has good acidity, but the tannins are gutty. The excessive ripeness of the fruit and overbearing oak impair the experience. Score: 86. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Lula Peterson Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.67, 400 cases, $45 (wine club exclusive). Vineyard planted in 1999 and located in the coastal mountain town of Comptche at 700 feet elevation. A blend of Pommard and Dijon 115, 667 and 777 clones, each harvested and fermented separately before blending after 12 months in barrel, and then aged an additional 6 months in barrel before bottling. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is reticent, even when checked the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Much more giving on the palate in a densely fruited and bold style that offers plenty of charm. Delicious flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with compliments of spice, vanilla and earth. Envious balance with integrated tannins and plenty of finishing power. This wine needs decanting if opened now but will most certainly benefit from a few more years in bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Lula Docker Hill Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.55, 157 cases, $50. First vintage from this vineyard. planted in 2010 in the coastal mountain town of Comptche, 8 miles southeast of the village of Mendocino. 5 acres at 900 feet elevation. Clones are Pommard, 777, “828,” 115 and Swan, each harvested and fermented separately. Aged 12 months before blending, then spent another 6 months in barrel before bottling. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose was slow to come around after opening, but became more expressive when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle. Dark cherry and berry fruit aromas are echoed on the mid weight palate with added contributions of pine and caramel. Inviting natural acidity with silky tannins and a modest but enjoyable finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2011 Lula Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 700 cases, $42. 65% Pommard, 30% 115 and 5% 777. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of old wood, mushroom, fire pit and peat lead to lighter weight flavors of dark cherry and black raspberry with an earthy undertone. Generous dry tannins arrive with a rush on the crisp, short finish. Score: 87. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Lula Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 400 cases, $42 (sold out). Lula is the winemaker’s maternal grandmother. Grapes are grown near Comptche 16 miles south east of the coastal village of Mendocino. Vineyard planted in 1998. 60% Pommard, 35% 115, and 5% 777. Aged 12 months in 50% new French oak. Aged an additional 6 months in barrel after final blending. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Oak dominates the nose with appealing ancillary notes of black cherry, blackberry, cola, earthy flora, and spice. Tasty black cherry and boysenberry fruit offers dramatic mid palate intensity and finish. Mid to full bodied with balanced tannins and a long finish. Score: 89. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2007 Lula Cellars Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 315 cases, $39. Lula is winemaker Jeff Hansen’s maternal grandmother’s name. Hansen was previously the winemaker and owner of Amici Cellars in Napa. The inaugural release from a 5-acre vineyard planted in 1998 in the mountain town of Comptche, 10 miles east of village of Mendocino. 65% pommard, 30% Dijon 115 and 5% Dijon 777. 4-day cold soak. Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. Great label. · Moderately deep purplish-red color in the glass. Brooding aromas of plum sauce, dark berry melange, and leaf. Charming fruit core replete with vivid flavors of black plums, black raspberries and blackberries persisting on the intensely aromatic finish. Perfectly integrated oak and well proportioned ripe tannins. This wine has real mountain character, tasting like other intriguing Pinots I have had from Comptche, a little-known, but superb growing area for Pinot Noir. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »