Dec 30, 2022
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Tessier Winery
| Owner(s) | Kristie Tacey |
| Web site | www.tessierwinery.com |
| Link to this site |
Owner and winemaker Kristie Tacey specializes in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Her initial career path was biotechnology and in 2000 worked on the Human Genome Project. While living in the San Francisco Bay area, she become intrigued by wine and winemaking. After working as an assistant winemaker at the former East Bay winery, Lost Canyon, and later as part of the winemaking team at JC Cellars, she launched her own label in 2009. She now has a Certificate in Winemaking from University of California at Davis.
The name, Tessier, is the original French version of Kristie's last name, Tacey. The Tessier label depicts a photograph through a microscope of yeasts budding (a clever depiction since yeasts are the work horses in winemaking). The winery’s tag line is catchy: “Science as Art.”
The Tessier wines are available through the winery's website store, and can be found at several San Francisco Bay retailers and restaurants. Tasting is by appointment. I was particularly impressed by the appealing textures of all three of the 2010 Pinot Noirs.
Articles About Tessier Winery
2014 California Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 California Value Priced Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
California Pinot Noir to Swoon Over (11.41 3/22/2019)
Many Exceptional Pinot Noirs Reviewed (10.28 4/2/2016)
Mining for Very Good Over-$30 Pinot:Upping the Ante (8.32 3/1/2011)
Recent California Pinot Noir Releases (9.5 4/4/2012)
Sips of California Pinot Noir (9.18 1/19/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (11.2 4/18/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (& Chardonnay) (10.1 12/11/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.25 2/5/2016)
Tessier Winery: A Woman’s Touch with Pinot Noir (9.36 1/20/2014)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Tessier Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 174 cases, $52. Clone 667, 777
and 115. Organically farmed vineyard. 28% whole
cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 28% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy, but
pleasing aromas of pine, burnt tobacco, cardamon and
cherry. Delicious core of bright dark cherry and raspberry
fruit flavors infused with exotic spices, and graced with floral goodness
and a hint of tobacco and earth. Seamless, with gracious tannins and
generous finishing length. Impressive in every way.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Tessier Filigreen Farm Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.61, 73 cases, $60.
Release mid-March 2019. The vineyard source is certified organic and biodynamically farmed. 72-year-old
vines, Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 50% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. The wine
is certified vegan.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Grounded aromas of fertile soil and mushroom.
Sleek and refined in the mouth, with mid weight plus extraction of black cherry and blackberry fruits. Admirable
harmony and fruit purity, with only a dusting of walnut-infused barrel magic and a dark fruited ending.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Tessier Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 150 cases, $50. 20% whole
cluster. Native primary and secondary fermentations. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% one-year-old.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of red berry, sandalwood and whole cluster
driven burnt tobacco. Plenty of stuffing to satisfy in a mid weight style offering flavors of black cherry and black
raspberry with welcome spice and a hint of oak in the background. The tannins are well integrated, the texture
is silky, and the finish satisfies with a spiced cherry gift.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Tessier Winery Morelli Lane Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc.,
197 cases, $45. 15% whole cluster. Clones 113 and Pommard. Native primary and secondary fermentations.
Aged in 37.5% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Noticeably more giving
when tasted one day after opening, showing hi-tone aromas of purple berries, purple grape mash, and earth
notes. A succulent charge of black berry and black raspberry fruit flavors draw attention. Plenty of extraction to
please, with added accents of black tea and nutty oak. Nicely balanced, with plenty of finishing energy.
Score: 91.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Tessier Winery Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 94 cases, $45. 30% whole cluster. Clones 667 and 115.
Native primary and secondary fermentations. Aged in 25% new French
oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Highly fragrant, offering
soaring aromas of cherry, raspberry, spice and rose petal. The deep
black cherry core is blessed with freshness in this spirited offering that
has a dreamy texture that speaks loudly of pinotosity. Fresh acidity, a
deft touch of oak and a bit of savory herbs complete the experience. Still
solid when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Tessier After Hours California Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 50 cases, $30. A blend of Saveria
(Santa Cruz Mountains) and Morelli Lane (Russian River Valley) vineyards. Aged in neutral French
oak barrels.
·
Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Lovely perfume of fresh cherries,
cranberries and a hint of spicy oak. Light in weight, but flavorful, with a juicy core of cherry fruit
framed by modest tannins. A forward, easy drinking wine that has commendable balance and a
pleasingly silky finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed February 5, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Tessier Morelli Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 95 cases, $39. Clones
114 and Pommard. Aged in 25% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep
aromas of black cherry with a bit of dried herbs. A mid weight complement of black cherry and black raspberry
fruits aims to please, accented with echoes of oak, and backed by ripe fruit tannins that are in sync. The fruit
persists through the mid palate to a vigorous finish of some note.
Score: 91.
Reviewed February 5, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Tessier Saveria Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 140 cases, $39. Vineyard
owned by Frank Saveria and farmed by Prudy Foxx. Clones 667 and 115. Aged in 33% new French oak
barrels.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. This wine aims to please with bright aromas of cherry, strawberry,
white pepper and sandalwood that are echoed in the flavors in an elegant and lighter-styled wine that offers
more gusto than the light color would predict. Softly textured and elegantly styled with complimentary oak
accents. The wine held up beautifully the following day maintaining aromatic interest when tasted from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 90.
Reviewed April 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Tessier Winery After Hours California Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 50 cases, $30. A tribute to
the Velvet Underground and the last tract on their self-titled album, one of Kristie’s favorites: “If you
close the door, the night could last forever. Leave the wineglass out and drink a toast to never.”
50% Saveria Vineyard and 50% Morelli Lane Vineyard. Aged in neutral French oak.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. Uplifting aromas of cherry, cranberry and strawberry with a
complimentary touch of dried herbs. Elegant and lighter in weight, but not wimpy flavor wise, with a
juicy core of red fruits accented with notes of spice and a hint of red hots. A forward drinking wine,
slightly chilled, perfect for the back porch after a long work day.
Score: 89.
Reviewed December 10, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Tessier Winery Morelli Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 170 cases, $38. Aged in 30% new French oak.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nice contrast to the
Santa Cruz Mountains bottling, showing the typical luscious fruit the
Russian River Valley is known for. Hi-tone aromas of Bing cherry,
raspberry, cola and baking spice set the stage. In the mouth, there is a
striking attack of intensely flavored fruit, primarily black cherry, with a hint of
sarsaparilla, mocha and vanilla. Nicely balanced tannins make for easy
drinking now and the finish has impressive generosity.
Score: 93.
Reviewed December 10, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Tessier Winery Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 100 cases, $38.
Aged in 25% new French oak.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry,
and dried rose petal really draw you into the glass. Very suave and pleasurable on the palate with a juicy attack
of fresh cherry and cranberry fruits wrapped in fine-grain tannins. Nicely balanced with good oak integration,
finishing strong with plenty of red berry delight.
Score: 92.
Reviewed December 10, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Tessier Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 60 cases, $37.
Winemaker’s note: she also picked the grapes which led to several bee stings
and a deeper appreciation for those who pick grapes on a regular basis!
Pommard 4 and Dijon 115 clones. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very appealing nose with bright
aromas of black cherry sprinkled with herbs and flowers, pomegranate, and
almond. Soft in the mouth with the tasty essence of fresh black cherries,
accented with notes of pomegranate juice, raspberry and smoky oak. The
tannins are firm but balanced, the wine is fresh and generous, and the graceful
finish has impressive length. The typical bright Santa Cruz Mountains acidity
contributes verve to the wine. Needs a little more time for the oak to integrate, but hard to turn down now.
Score: 91.
Reviewed January 20, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Tessier Saralee’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 150 cases, $37.
Last vintage due to sale of the vineyard. Aged in 38% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. Intense aromas of black cherry pie glaze, baking spices and sandalwood. The
nose continued to pump out aromas over an hour sampling period. Juicy and crisp on the palate with
bright Bing cherry flavor augmented with riffs of spice and cola. Comforting finesse and persistence
without weight. A gorgeous wine that displays all the best features of Russian River Valley fruit without
the overbearing fruit concentration that detracts from many bottlings from this area.
Score: 94.
Reviewed January 20, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Tessier Saralee’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,
96 cases, $35. Clones 115 and Pommard 4. Aged in 25% new French oak.
·
Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot
Noir offering aromas and flavors of fresh Bing cherries, baking spices, clove and
a hint of cola and vanilla. Relatively light in weight, appealingly elegant with mild
tannins, offering a silky mouth feel, and showing off some length on the finish. I
really like this for its restraint and approachability. I would never guess this wine
has moderately high alcohol. Very good (+).
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Tessier Saralee’s Vineyard Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 45 cases, $42. Clone 115. Aged in 50% new oak.
Decanted.
·
Light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Similar to the regular
bottling but displaying more body and tannin and showing more potential
for mid-term aging. Aromas and flavors of dark Bing cherries, baking
spices and dark red rose petals with a hint of oak. Very polished and
seamless, taking on more character and interest over time in the glass, but still
holding back enough to suggest that the wine has a ways to go before it fully
reveals itself. My only nit would be a subtle sense of heat on the finish, but I like
this wine a lot.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Tessier Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.58, 122 cases, $28. Aged in 33%
new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherries, cherry
syrup and sandalwood. Middleweight flavors of fresh cherries caressed by soft tannins
complimented by subtle oak. A solid wine that is very open and approachable with an appealing Elvis
on velvet mouth feel. Good (+).
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Tessier Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.67, 51 cases, $35. Aged in 50%
new French oak barrels.
·
Light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose offers bright aromas of red plum
and red berries with notes of pine needle and grass. Light on its feet and soft in the mouth, this wine has some
character with primarily cherry flavor underpinned with a resin-pine riff which I assume is oak in origin. Firm,
ripe tannins and bright acidity. Much better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with
more expressive fruit and resolution of the oak intrusion. Good (+).
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Tessier Saralee’s Vineyard Clone 115 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.57, 21 cases, $40, sold out. Aged in 50% new French
oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy but
pleasing aromas of darker red cherries and raspberries with a subtle hint of
rose petal. Appealing array of flavorful cherry, red currant, marionberry and
strawberry fruit with a sidecar of herbal oak. Firmly structured with a pillowy
soft texture, finishing with a tangy red berry flourish. A step up from the
Russian River Valley bottling and very approachable at this early stage.
Very good.
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Tessier Trenton Station Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.50, 182 cases, $35. Clone 37 (Mt. Eden). Aged in 35% new
French oak. Winemaker Kristie Tacey.
·
Some reduction upon opening, quickly
resolving to reveal aromas of red fruits, fading over time becoming muted and
nondescript. Red-fruit driven with flavors of cranberries, cherries and
raspberries with some earth and savory herbs in the background. Bright acidity
with a cherry-toned tangy finish. Light and elegant, offering more flavor interest
over time in the glass. A Burgundian-styled Pinot that grows on you. Good.
Reviewed March 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2017 Tessier Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
12.9% alc., 174 cases, $52. Clone 667, 777 and 115. Organically farmed vineyard. 28% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 28% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of pine, burnt tobacco, cardamon and cherry. Delicious core of bright dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavors infused with exotic spices, and graced with floral goodness and a hint of tobacco and earth. Seamless, with gracious tannins and generous finishing length. Impressive in every way. Score: 94. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Tessier Filigreen Farm Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.61, 73 cases, $60. Release mid-March 2019. The vineyard source is certified organic and biodynamically farmed. 72-year-old vines, Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 50% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. The wine is certified vegan. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Grounded aromas of fertile soil and mushroom. Sleek and refined in the mouth, with mid weight plus extraction of black cherry and blackberry fruits. Admirable harmony and fruit purity, with only a dusting of walnut-infused barrel magic and a dark fruited ending. Score: 92. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Tessier Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 150 cases, $50. 20% whole cluster. Native primary and secondary fermentations. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% one-year-old. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of red berry, sandalwood and whole cluster driven burnt tobacco. Plenty of stuffing to satisfy in a mid weight style offering flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with welcome spice and a hint of oak in the background. The tannins are well integrated, the texture is silky, and the finish satisfies with a spiced cherry gift. Score: 92. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Tessier Winery Morelli Lane Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 197 cases, $45. 15% whole cluster. Clones 113 and Pommard. Native primary and secondary fermentations. Aged in 37.5% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Noticeably more giving when tasted one day after opening, showing hi-tone aromas of purple berries, purple grape mash, and earth notes. A succulent charge of black berry and black raspberry fruit flavors draw attention. Plenty of extraction to please, with added accents of black tea and nutty oak. Nicely balanced, with plenty of finishing energy. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Tessier Winery Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 94 cases, $45. 30% whole cluster. Clones 667 and 115. Native primary and secondary fermentations. Aged in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Highly fragrant, offering soaring aromas of cherry, raspberry, spice and rose petal. The deep black cherry core is blessed with freshness in this spirited offering that has a dreamy texture that speaks loudly of pinotosity. Fresh acidity, a deft touch of oak and a bit of savory herbs complete the experience. Still solid when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Tessier After Hours California Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 50 cases, $30. A blend of Saveria (Santa Cruz Mountains) and Morelli Lane (Russian River Valley) vineyards. Aged in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Lovely perfume of fresh cherries, cranberries and a hint of spicy oak. Light in weight, but flavorful, with a juicy core of cherry fruit framed by modest tannins. A forward, easy drinking wine that has commendable balance and a pleasingly silky finish. Score: 89. Reviewed February 5, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Tessier Morelli Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 95 cases, $39. Clones 114 and Pommard. Aged in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of black cherry with a bit of dried herbs. A mid weight complement of black cherry and black raspberry fruits aims to please, accented with echoes of oak, and backed by ripe fruit tannins that are in sync. The fruit persists through the mid palate to a vigorous finish of some note. Score: 91. Reviewed February 5, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Tessier Saveria Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 140 cases, $39. Vineyard owned by Frank Saveria and farmed by Prudy Foxx. Clones 667 and 115. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. · Light cherry red color in the glass. This wine aims to please with bright aromas of cherry, strawberry, white pepper and sandalwood that are echoed in the flavors in an elegant and lighter-styled wine that offers more gusto than the light color would predict. Softly textured and elegantly styled with complimentary oak accents. The wine held up beautifully the following day maintaining aromatic interest when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed April 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Tessier Winery After Hours California Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 50 cases, $30. A tribute to the Velvet Underground and the last tract on their self-titled album, one of Kristie’s favorites: “If you close the door, the night could last forever. Leave the wineglass out and drink a toast to never.” 50% Saveria Vineyard and 50% Morelli Lane Vineyard. Aged in neutral French oak. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Uplifting aromas of cherry, cranberry and strawberry with a complimentary touch of dried herbs. Elegant and lighter in weight, but not wimpy flavor wise, with a juicy core of red fruits accented with notes of spice and a hint of red hots. A forward drinking wine, slightly chilled, perfect for the back porch after a long work day. Score: 89. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Tessier Winery Morelli Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 170 cases, $38. Aged in 30% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nice contrast to the Santa Cruz Mountains bottling, showing the typical luscious fruit the Russian River Valley is known for. Hi-tone aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, cola and baking spice set the stage. In the mouth, there is a striking attack of intensely flavored fruit, primarily black cherry, with a hint of sarsaparilla, mocha and vanilla. Nicely balanced tannins make for easy drinking now and the finish has impressive generosity. Score: 93. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Tessier Winery Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 100 cases, $38. Aged in 25% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry, and dried rose petal really draw you into the glass. Very suave and pleasurable on the palate with a juicy attack of fresh cherry and cranberry fruits wrapped in fine-grain tannins. Nicely balanced with good oak integration, finishing strong with plenty of red berry delight. Score: 92. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Tessier Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 60 cases, $37. Winemaker’s note: she also picked the grapes which led to several bee stings and a deeper appreciation for those who pick grapes on a regular basis! Pommard 4 and Dijon 115 clones. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very appealing nose with bright aromas of black cherry sprinkled with herbs and flowers, pomegranate, and almond. Soft in the mouth with the tasty essence of fresh black cherries, accented with notes of pomegranate juice, raspberry and smoky oak. The tannins are firm but balanced, the wine is fresh and generous, and the graceful finish has impressive length. The typical bright Santa Cruz Mountains acidity contributes verve to the wine. Needs a little more time for the oak to integrate, but hard to turn down now. Score: 91. Reviewed January 20, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Tessier Saralee’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 150 cases, $37. Last vintage due to sale of the vineyard. Aged in 38% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Intense aromas of black cherry pie glaze, baking spices and sandalwood. The nose continued to pump out aromas over an hour sampling period. Juicy and crisp on the palate with bright Bing cherry flavor augmented with riffs of spice and cola. Comforting finesse and persistence without weight. A gorgeous wine that displays all the best features of Russian River Valley fruit without the overbearing fruit concentration that detracts from many bottlings from this area. Score: 94. Reviewed January 20, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Tessier Saralee’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 96 cases, $35. Clones 115 and Pommard 4. Aged in 25% new French oak. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offering aromas and flavors of fresh Bing cherries, baking spices, clove and a hint of cola and vanilla. Relatively light in weight, appealingly elegant with mild tannins, offering a silky mouth feel, and showing off some length on the finish. I really like this for its restraint and approachability. I would never guess this wine has moderately high alcohol. Very good (+). Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Tessier Saralee’s Vineyard Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 45 cases, $42. Clone 115. Aged in 50% new oak. Decanted. · Light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Similar to the regular bottling but displaying more body and tannin and showing more potential for mid-term aging. Aromas and flavors of dark Bing cherries, baking spices and dark red rose petals with a hint of oak. Very polished and seamless, taking on more character and interest over time in the glass, but still holding back enough to suggest that the wine has a ways to go before it fully reveals itself. My only nit would be a subtle sense of heat on the finish, but I like this wine a lot. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Tessier Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.58, 122 cases, $28. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherries, cherry syrup and sandalwood. Middleweight flavors of fresh cherries caressed by soft tannins complimented by subtle oak. A solid wine that is very open and approachable with an appealing Elvis on velvet mouth feel. Good (+). Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Tessier Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.67, 51 cases, $35. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose offers bright aromas of red plum and red berries with notes of pine needle and grass. Light on its feet and soft in the mouth, this wine has some character with primarily cherry flavor underpinned with a resin-pine riff which I assume is oak in origin. Firm, ripe tannins and bright acidity. Much better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with more expressive fruit and resolution of the oak intrusion. Good (+). Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Tessier Saralee’s Vineyard Clone 115 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.57, 21 cases, $40, sold out. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy but pleasing aromas of darker red cherries and raspberries with a subtle hint of rose petal. Appealing array of flavorful cherry, red currant, marionberry and strawberry fruit with a sidecar of herbal oak. Firmly structured with a pillowy soft texture, finishing with a tangy red berry flourish. A step up from the Russian River Valley bottling and very approachable at this early stage. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Tessier Trenton Station Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.50, 182 cases, $35. Clone 37 (Mt. Eden). Aged in 35% new French oak. Winemaker Kristie Tacey. · Some reduction upon opening, quickly resolving to reveal aromas of red fruits, fading over time becoming muted and nondescript. Red-fruit driven with flavors of cranberries, cherries and raspberries with some earth and savory herbs in the background. Bright acidity with a cherry-toned tangy finish. Light and elegant, offering more flavor interest over time in the glass. A Burgundian-styled Pinot that grows on you. Good. Reviewed March 2, 2011 ARTICLE »