Stemmler

Articles About Stemmler

Reviewed Wines

2013 Stemmler Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 2,089 cases, $25, screwcap. Bottled August 2014. Sourced from several small vineyards located over the southern, cooler part of Carneros. 100% de-stemmed, aged in most older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is very shy and slightly reduced, with demure aromas of red berries and red stone fruits. The mid weight core of dark red fruits is framed by chewy tannins, bright acidity, and heavy-handed oak. Lacks harmony and personality. Score: 86. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Stemmler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.59, 1,052 cases, $28. Bottled August 2014. 61% Dijon 667 and 115 and Pommard from Winside Vineyard, and 39% 777, 115 and Donum clone from the Lawler Vineyard. A blend from many different fermentations. Aged about 10 months in once, twice and three-times-used French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, sous-bois and sandalwood are hi-tone and penetrating. A satisfying mid palate attack of black cherry fruit carries over through a lengthy but warm finish. Notes of ripe strawberry and anise add interest. This is a silky textured, value-priced wine that aims to please. Score: 89. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Stemmler Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.58, 264 cases, $44. Bottled August 2014. Fruit was sourced from 9 different blocks of the Angel Camp Vineyard. 37% David Bruce, Swan, Wädenswil and Pommard clones, and 63% Dijon 115, 667, 777 and “828.” 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 7-day cold soak, aged on fine lees for 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is noticeably floral, with added scents of black raspberry, blueberry and forest floor. Concentrated and sappy, with flavors of blueberry, pomegranate, black raspberry and strawberry. Very plush on the palate with balanced tannins and an expansive fruit-filled finish that leaves a bit of warmth in its wake. Score: 89. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Stemmler Anderson Valley Whole Cluster Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.91, TA 0.52, 48 cases, $44. One ton of Martini clone from Angel Camp Vineyard went straight to tank. Once fermentation started after about 7 to 10 days, the grapes were gently pressed to open the berries, and fermentation was allowed to continue at a slow pace. Aged on the lees for 9 months in 100% once-used French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry, underbrush and potpourri lead to a mid weight core of black cherry and black raspberry fruit accented with exotic spices. The slightest green thread in the background hints at whole cluster but is complimentary rather than detractive. This wine has more firm tannin than the regular Anderson Valley bottling, but is more nuanced and intellectual to drink with the whole cluster contributing complexity and interest. Score: 91. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Stemmler Ferguson Cuttings Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.68, 48 cases, $44. Martini clones planted in 1974 by Thomas Ferguson were pulled out in 2010, but a block on the Donum Estate Vineyard was planted with budwood from the Ferguson Vineyard. Bottled August 2014. 100% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, post fermentation maceration. After resting on lees for 10 months, two favorite barrels were selected from the lot and blended and bottled. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. With swirling, the aromas really pop, including notes of cherry reduction sauce, baking spice and sweet oak. Impressive on the attack, with an eye opening burst of black cherry, boysenberry and spice flavors. Very charming in the mouth, with a soft, seductive texture and a glorious finish replete with black cherry goodness. This wine clearly stands out among the 2013 Stemmler Pinot Noir lineup. Score: 93. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Stemmler Laura Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 72 cases, $44. In 2012, Donum Estate’s long time vineyard manager moved into the old farmhouse on the Winside property and in 2013 his wife gave birth to a baby girl named Laura. In her honor, this special bottling was sourced from a single block within the vineyard and selected from the three best barrels of Dijon 115 clone. Bottled August 2014. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, aged on lees for 10months in 100% French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding but pleasant aromas of blackberry jam, black cherry compote, spice and earth lead to a delicious palate of mid weight plus dark berry and black cherry fruit flavors that veer toward over ripeness but do not cross the line. An exemplary Russian River Valley Pinot Noir showing the typical luscious fruit theme this region is known for. There is good harmony, with the alcohol and tannins tucked into place. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Stemmler Lawler Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.61, 903 cases, $44. Bottled August 2014. Sourced from the Estate 45-acre vineyard of 20-year-old vines planted to 6 different clones in 9 distinct blocks. 40% 777, 25% “Donum clone,” 20% 115, and 20% Martini. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 8-day cold soak, and aged 9+ months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant mix of cherry, spice and oak aromas. The mid weight core of black cherry and blackberry fruit is fresh and ripe. The structure is in balance, the texture is smooth, and the oak offers welcome seasoning, but the finish is modest and a bit warm. Score: 88. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Stemmler Winside Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 1,277 cases, $44. Bottled August 2014. Vineyard planted in 1997 under The Donum Estate’s guidance and vineyard management and was recently acquired by the winery and renamed Winside Vineyard. 11 acres planted to a mix of Dijon 115 and 667, and 5 acres of Pommard which came into production in 2011. This wine is 50% 115, 35% Pommard and 15% 667. 100% de-stemmed, 5 to 7-day cold soak, extended post fermentation maceration of 2 to 14 days, aged on lees for 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. A complex array of aromas including spiced black cherry, cassis, hay bale and mushroom lead to deep flavors of black cherry and blackberry fruits in a mid weight style with a tug of nutty oak. Silky on the palate, with firm but balanced tannins, and a decent but not notable finish. Score: 89. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Stemmler Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.33, TA 0.71, 2,003 cases, $25, screwcap. Released May 2014. A blend of Dijon and heritage clones from vineyards near Donum Ranch. Aged 10 months in 20% new French and Hungarian oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The fruit never shows up on the nose to compliment the oak aromas even after an hour in the glass. Much better on the palate with tasty black cherry, blueberry and black raspberry flavors with an added hint of spice, earth and a noticeable oak imprint. Juicy acidity, with dusty tannins and easy drink ability. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Stemmler Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.90, TA 0.57, 117 cases, $44. Released May 2014. Inaugural release from the Angel Camp Vineyard in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley. Dijon clones “828,” 115, 667 and 777 plus Pommard and Wädenswil clones, and David Bruce, Swan, and Martini selections. Indigenous yeast fermentations. Aged 15 months in 20% new Remond French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The richly fruited nose explodes with aromas of dark berries and cherries and the wondrous smell of wine cave. Very suave and seductive on the palate, with waves of dark berry and plum fruit balanced with refined tannins. Packs plenty of pleasure, although not as appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating it is a wine for current drinking. Score: 90. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Stemmler Estate Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.61, 1,727 cases, $44. Released May 2014. A blend of Donum-Roederer, Calera and Martini selections and Dijon 115, 667 and 777 clones representing all nine blocks on the 45-acre Donum Ranch. Each hand-harvested lot was fermented separately using native yeasts. 11 to 25 days on skins. Aged 10 months in 20% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of fresh Bing cherries, spice and musky oak. A full mouth full of Pinot Noir featuring sweet, perfectly ripened cherries and welcome oak barrel presence. Seamless, with a silky, long and generous finish. A treat. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Stemmler Nugent Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.60, 873 cases, $44. Released fall 2013. Estate grown blend of 115 (65%) and 667 (30%) blended with Pommard (5%) from a newer planting. 5 to 7-day cold soak. The 115 lots were barreled down at dryness and the 667 lots received 2 weeks of extended maceration. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty to like on the nose with bright aromas of Bing cherry, rose petal, sandalwood and baking spice. Deep cherry flavor with accents of cola, anise, and spice. Very lush on the palate but balanced with tannin and complimented by oak. The spice component spoke of whole cluster in the wine. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Stemmler Winside Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot

14.5% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.60 1,349 cases, $44.. Released May 2014. Winside, Inc., a partnership of Danish businesspersons, acquired Donum and Stemmler in the fall of 2011, and in November 2012, purchased Nugent Vineyard, now named Winside Vineyard. A blend of 115 (55%) and 667 (35%) with a Pommard selection (10%). Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very appealing nose with hitone, soaring scents of fresh cherries, red raspberries, and strawberries. A very harmonious offering that is discreetly concentrated and welcoming. The spicy black raspberry core is very tasty, the tannins are suave and well-proportioned, and the elegance is seductive. Even better when tasted later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A noble wine with personality. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Stemmler Nugent Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $44. · Moderate reddishpurple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, featuring scents of confected red cherry, red licorice, watermelon and sandalwood. Soft on the palate and flavorful offering middleweight core of Bing cherries framed by mild tannin and judicious use of oak. Finishes with some length and generosity. Score: 89. Reviewed September 29, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Stemmler Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.62, 784 cases, $42. A limited release from fruit grown on The Donum Estate. A blend of six blocks planted to predominantly heritage selections and comprises Dijon, Martini, Roederer, Calera, Hanzell and Swan. 100% destemmed, hot fermentations lasting 5 to 9 days for maximum extraction. Extended maceration for 2 to 6 days. Each block made and aged separately until the final blend is assembled in the spring and then returned to barrel for 10 months. The blend represents every part of The Donum Estate. Total aging 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Fragrant with purple stone fruits, black grapes, tea leaves, spice and vanilla. Silky and beautifully balanced, with appealing flavors of blackberries, Hoison, and black currants with oak, tea and mushroom notes in the background. Moderately rich and earthy with well-proportioned tannins. Quintessential Carneros. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Stemmler Nugent Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.63, 606 cases, $42. An 11-acre site in the heart of the Russian River Valley planted with tight spacing in 1997 to Dijon 115 and 667 clones. 100% de-stemmed, hot fermentations, extended maceration and aged 18 months in 20% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruity nose of mixed berry jam aromas with a slight funky note. Soft and velvety on the palate with bright black cherry cola flavor offering some fruitdriven aromatic persistence on the finish. Great balance. I like this wine for its seductive mouthfeel. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Stemmler Ferguson Block Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.63, 67 cases, $44. To be released soon. Ferguson Block sits less than a mile east of The Donum Estate. It is the oldest vineyard in The Donum Estate, planted in 1974 with an old Martini selection of Pinot Noir on St. George rootstock in gravelly, loamy clay soils. Aged 18 months in once-used French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Evocative nose offering savory and fruity aromas including black cherries, baking spice and herbs. Really wows in the mouth with flat-out delicious core of earthy black cherries accented with complimentary vanillin oak. Satiny in texture with a generous finish that makes you want to take another sip. Nothing like old vine sophistication. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Stemmler Carneros Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.28, TA 0.80, 875 cases, $34. From three sites on the Donum Estate, the oldest of which is the Ferguson Block planted in 1974 to the Wente selection. Also includes Dijon and Wierner selections. Partial MLF. Aged on its lees in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate straw color in the glass. Well-raised aromas of pear, white peach, apple, honey and cream soda. Brisk and juicy flavors of Asian pear, melon and baked apple which linger on the dry finish leaving behind a subtle aroma of oak. Solid, but not exceptional. Good (+). Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Stemmler Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.62, 4,409 cases, $36. From Demeter Certified vineyards. A potpourri of clones and selections including Dijon, Martini, Roederer, Calera, Hanzell and Swan representing every part of the estate. De-stemmed fruit, 4-6 day cold soak, extended maceration. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Aromas of dark red Bing cherries and berries with a subtle hint of oak. A medium-weighted pleasing wine with tasty black cherry and plum flavors lingering on the finish which features some smoky oak in the background. Nicely crafted with soft tannins and ready drinkability. Good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Stemmler Ferguson Block Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.63, 159 cases, $44. Ferguson Block is less than a mile east of The Donum Estate. Planted in 1974 with a Martini selection on St. George rootstock in gravelly, loamy clay soils. Native fermentation, aged 16 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Subdued, but pleasing aromas of cherries, strawberries and raspberries. Delicious essence of cherries and raspberries that saturate the mid palate and carry over to a Wow! finish that will send cherry lovers into ecstasy. Harmonious with supple tannins and faint oak adding support. Generous and forthcoming, offering immense pleasure now, but will age beautifully. Ferguson Block fruit is crazy good! Lovable. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »