Owner(s) | Steve Noble Ledson |
Web site | www.ledsonwinery.com |
Link to this site |
A family winery founded in 1994 that is located in Sonoma Valley featuring a 16,000 square foot French Normandy wine facility and hospitality center known as "The Ledson Castle." Over 70 wines are produced and sold at the winery in Kenwood, through the winery's online store, and at the Ledson Hotel & Harmony Lounge in Sonoma.
The owner and head winemaker is Steve Noble Ledson, a winemaker with over 20 harvests to his credit. The remainder of the winemaking team consists of Brit Matt Standing, David Ramey, Aussie Andrew Bilenkij. The consulting viticulturist is Dr. Daniel Roberts.
Estate vineyards include Castle Estate Vineyard planted mostly to Merlot, a 21-acre old vine Zinfandel vineyard in the town of Sonoma, 5.5 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in Alexander Valley, and small plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on a 5,500 acre ranch in Anderson Valley.
Appellation Pinot Noir bottlings (both a regular and reserve) are available from the Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley. David Ramey and Andrew Bilenkij are winemaking consultants who joined Ledson in 2012.
The winery is open for tasting daily at 7335 Sonoma Hwy (Hwy 12) in Kenwood.
2012 Ledson Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.51, 110 cases, $52. Aged 12 months in 35% new French oak. Released June 13, 2014. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, wet loam and oak spice are echoed in the flavors. The robust fruit has a slight confected character. A firm tannic structure keeps the fruit in line. The wine exhibits the savoriness and earthiness common to Carneros Pinot Noir and I like it for its reflection of Carneros terroir. Score: 90. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ledson Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 230 cases, $60. Aged 20 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry, pennyroyal, rose petal and sandalwood. The mid weight core of juicy strawberry, cranberry and cherry fruits is framed by supple tannins creating an appealing elegance. Oak shows up with complimentary notes of mocha and caramel. There is plenty of Pinot Noir character in this delicately styled but flavorful wine. Score: 91. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Ledson Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.50, 386 cases, $60. Brix at harvest 25º. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine is a real crowd pleaser with its bright aromas of cherries, strawberries, baking spices and mocha. Very tasty and easy to drink with flavors that echo the nose. Velvety in texture with supple tannins and admirable drink ability, finishing with a memorable spicy cherry encore. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Ledson Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.95, TA 0.55, 219 cases, $60. Brix at harvest 24.9º. Aged 10 months in 55% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of Bing cherries, cranberries, strawberries and cola. Modest dark cherry flavor with an herbal thread running through. On the delicate side for a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Soft in the mouth and very approachable, but not enough fruit interest to impress. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Ledson Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.95, 693 cases, $60. Aged 10 months in65% new French oak barrels. · Very dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh ripe, crushed strawberries, dried cherries and spice box. Attacks the palate with a load of Pinot extract, offering a plush drinking experience with subtle oak highlights, but lacking in acid backbone. Plenty of velvety flesh on the bones and fruit-lovers will adore this Caliesque wine, but I don’t think it has enough tannin and acid to go the distance and is best consumed young. Good (+). Reviewed March 2, 2011 ARTICLE »