Dec 30, 2022
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Ten Acre Winery
| Owner(s) | Lynn Adams, Scott Adams |
| Web site | www.tenacrewinery.com |
| Link to this site |
Ten Acre was founded by Scott and Lynn Adams, who have grown wine grapes for almost 20 years. They are known for producing Zinfandel and Rhone varietals at their other winery, Bella, but they developed a love for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while living on their 10-acre vineyard in the Russian River Valley. They established Ten Acre to produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards in the cooler parts of the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast. Ten Acre’s vineyard program is guided by renowned vineyard manager Charlie Chenoweth
Owners Scott and Lynn Adams acquired their first estate vineyard in 1995. In 1999, they established Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves specializing in limited production Zinfandel and Rhone wines. Since 2002, the Adams have lived on a 10-acre vineyard in the Russian River Valley, just two miles from Rochioli's vineyards. Over the years, the Adams have sold grapes from their home vineyard to other wineries. Beginning in 2008, they launched an independent winery with the name, Ten Acre, taking inspiration from their home property.
The winemaker is Michael Zardo (pictured) who has been the assistant winemaker at Pisoni Vineyards & Winery. He is a graduate of Fresno State University and has also worked at Bernardus Winery and in New Zealand.
The wines are available for tasting at Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, 9711 West Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. Winery and cave tours are available by advanced appointment. The wines are sold through a mailing list Wine Club membership.
Articles About Ten Acre Winery
2018 California Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
2019 California Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
2019 Chardonnay All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
Dry Creek Valley: Ten Acre Winery & Reeve Wines (11.44 6/2/2019)
Latest Gems from the Russian River Valley (9.20 2/26/2013)
Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.25 6/26/2018)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (9.27 7/22/2013)
Sips of White Wines Tasted Recently (9.27 7/22/2013)
Tastes of World of Pinot Noir (10.7 4/6/2015)
Tasting at Ten Acre Winery (11.29 8/24/2018)
The Making of a Glorious ChardonnYAY: Winemaker Michael Zardo of Ten Acre Winery Tells How He Did It (11.26 7/14/2018)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Ten Acre Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 250 cases, $48.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Highly aromatic, featuring scents of red cherry, rose petal and
sandalwood. Light to mid weight in style, offering elegantly composed flavors of red cherry and
berry framed by modest tannins. An outstanding up-front sipper.
Score: 89.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 203 cases, $55. A blend of fruit from Three Perch and
Jenkins vineyards.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very appealing aromas of darker red and purple fruits
with hints of spice and white pepper. More concentrated than the Russian River Valley bottling, featuring a mid
weight array of blue and purple fruits along with a touch of oak and licorice. Nicely integrated tannins and some
finishing persistence.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Earl Stephens Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 200 cases,
$65. This 10-acre vineyard is a warmer site located on a steep hill near Iron Horse Vineyards.
Pommard, 115, 777 and 667 clones. 5-10% whole cluster.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Aromas of dark cherry and berry, spice and friendly oak. Seductive flavors of black fruits in a mid
weight plus style. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the
oak overlay had receded, and the stellar black raspberry finish was exquisite.
Score: 93-94.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.4% alc., 150 cases, $65. A
variety of Chardonnay clones in the vineyard and in the wine.
·
Fruity aromas of pear, apple and citrus. Aciddriven,
with flavors of green and yellow apple and lemon, finishing tight and quenching.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 228 cases, $68. 7-10% whole cluster.
·
Shy aromas of smoky
black cherry lead to a middleweight wine offering tasty flavors of blue and
purple berries. Nicely composed, with chewy tannins and a big finish.When
tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the
wine had opened up and the suave, melt-in-the-mouth texture was
appealing as was the sweet blackberry finish. Excellent balance.
Score: 93-94.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., 168 cases, $68.
A combination of E Block (cane pruned with more acidity) and A Block (cordon pruned with some
tropical notes from musque-type Wente selections).
·
Wonderful aromas of lemon, spice, caramel,
toasty brioche and botanical notes. Luscious and intensely flavored, offering delicious tastes of
lemon meringue, pineapple, peach, melon, and a hint of caramel. A connoisseur’s Chardonnay that
finishes long and intense.
Score: 95.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 157 cases, $75.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The fruit-driven nose offers aromas of black cherry and black
raspberry liquor. Deeply flavored, with waves of black grape, blackberry and black currant fruits flooding the
palate. Modest tannins with admirable balance and a generous fruit-filled finish.
Score: 92-93.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Three Perch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 180 cases, $75. An anomalous
year for this wine in that it is very dark and concentrated.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Rich dark fruits perfuse
the nose. Full-bodied in a Zinfandel style featuring an array of ripe dark fruits framed by healthy tannins and
finishing with a flood of fruit. This is a wine for fruit hedonists only and quite atypical for Pinot Noir.
Score: 90-91.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Horseshoe Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2%
alc., 168 cases, $78.
·
The nose is similar to the regular Ritchie bottling but not as much fruit ripeness.
The aromatics really soar over time in the glass. Brighter than the regular Ritchie bottling with more
cut on the long, dry finish. A delightful wine centered around white stone fruit flavors that has energy
to spare.
Score: 96.
Reviewed June 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Earl Stephens Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 150 cases.
Unreleased. Vineyard is located south of Forestville on a steep hillside. Clones are Pommard, 115
and 777. Some whole cluster inclusion.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Exuberant black cherry
aroma with accompanying oak-driven notes of caramel and cocoa. The wine’s luscious black cherry
fruit fills the mouth with goodness. The fruit is well-ripened but not over ripened. The tannins are well
managed and their is noticeable supportive oak to go along with the sexy texture. I took the opened
bottle with me after the tasting and sampled it 4 days later after it had traveled inside my car over several
miles, and the wine held up beautifully, even showing much better than when first opened.
Score: 94-95.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.. Release planned for fall 2018
or spring 2019. Vineyard planted by noted grower Charlie Chenoweth. Clones 115 and 667. 15% whole cluster.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of black cherry, pomegranate and chocolate.
Darker, sappy fruits are featured in a bold style with a touch of spice. Still young, but showing nicely integrated
tannins and acidity, predicting potential greatness ahead.
Score: 92-93.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 175 cases. Unreleased.
Aged in French oak barrels, 33% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark red fruits and
underbrush. Very silky on the palate, with vivacious mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry. There is no
sense of oak in this wine. Approachable now with commendable balance.
Score: 92-93.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Three Perch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 175 cases. Unreleased. The 8-
acre vineyard is located just outside Occidental. Very small clusters, low yields, producing an intense wine.
Always the last vineyard harvested at Ten Acre. Clones are Pommard and 777 and a Calera selection.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Penetrating aromas of blueberry-pomegranate fruit along with
underbrush. Full-bodied and boldly sappy, featuring purple and black fruits. A fruit-laden, big boy with a long,
fruity finish. Nicely composed and not overly heavy with integrated tannins.
Score: 91-92.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.3% alc., 300-400 cases, $30.
·
A solid entry
offering with aromas and flavors of pear, lemon and green apple. Crisp, bright and clean with an
arrow of acidity.
Score: 89.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 250 cases, $35.
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry, cocoa, and floral spices holding up in the glass
over time. Flavorful darker fruits are blessed with integrated oak in a forward drinking mid weight
style with some finishing length.
Score: 89-90.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Boots Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., 200 cases, $38. A
blend of Ritchie Vineyard young vines and Big River Ranch Vineyard fruit.
·
Subdued, but pleasing
aromas of citrus, white stone fruits, and a “mineral” character. The flavors echo the aromas with a
backbone of virile acidity and a quenching finish of some length.
Score: 90.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Green Acres Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc., 135 cases, $48. Old Wente
clone grapes from a Sangiacomo Vineyard in Carneros.
·
Very bright aromas of citrus and wet gravel. Flavors of
lemon, kiwi and peach are forward and powerful. Spirited acidity adds freshness and a clean finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., $55. September
2018 release.
·
Sourced from an old vine block previously used by Mark Aubert along with a young
vines block. There are probably Ritchie, Hyde and Muscat clones in the vineyard. The aromas of
citrus, stone fruits and brioche leap from the glass - Wow! Perfectly balanced and sleek in style, with
dreamy flavors of lemon and white peach. One doesn’t think of oak when sampling this beauty.
Score: 96.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.55, TA
0.63, 210 cases, $55. Wente heritage clone, planted in 1972 and 2004. Yield 3.0 tons per acre.
Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. Full malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined
and unfiltered.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. This is clearly a special wine from the first
whiff and taste. Enticing aromas of lemon creme, white-fleshed fruit, white flower blossoms, honey,
and the slightest spice and vanilla pick up intensity over time in the glass. Great polish and balance
make for exceedingly easy drinking. Velvety in the mouth without oiliness, offering fresh flavors of
lemon, pineapple, coconut, apricot and a subtle compliment of oak peeks from the background. A juicy arrow of
sound acidity is at the heart of the wine. The finish is dry and quenching and urges another sip. This wine
seduces rather than attacks the senses and is truly Chardonnay nirvana.
Score: 97.
Reviewed July 14, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.60, TA
0.65, 150 cases, $65. Vineyard planted by Charlie Chenoweth in 2001. Clones 115 and 667
planted in Goldridge gravelly loam soils. 5-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation. Aged in
French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Deep Bing cherry
perfume along with a compliment of oak and spice rub. Black cherry and blackberry goodness
floods the mouth in a mid weight styled wine with a rounded, soft texture. A brotherly touch of oak
and friendly tannins are in harmony with the well-endowed fruit. Elegantly aggressive and
quintessential Russian River Valley.
Score: 94.
Reviewed June 29, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.64, 100
cases, $65. Winermaker Michael Zardo first made a Soberanes vineyard-designate Pinot Noir while working as
an assistant winemaker at Pisoni Vineyards. The vineyard is ideally located with exposure to Salinas Valley fog
and wind, Soils are well-draining sandy loam and rocky decomposed granite. Pisoni clone planted in 2009.
Yield 1.5 tons per acre. Aged 11 months in Taransaud French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of black cherry, underbrush and oak char. Intensely flavored and
succulent, in a mid weight plus style featuring flavors of black cherry and blueberry-pomegranate. A silky
texture is seductive, the tannins are well matched and the toothsome fruit drives the finish. Tobacco oak plies
the background and there is the slightest hint of alcohol on the finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed June 29, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., $48. The
inaugural Chardonnay from Ritchie Vineyard for Ten Acre. A combination of 40-year-old and young
vines.
·
Amazing aromas of exotic stone and tropical fruits with an edgy, stony guise. A beautiful
combination of richness from the old vines and aromas and acidity from the young vines. Plenty of
viscosity and weight to satisfy, with a sleep texture and appealing harmony. A flat-out exceptional
mildly aged wine.
Score: 97.
Reviewed August 24, 2018
ARTICLE »
2012 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc..
·
Moderately dark reddish
purple color in the glass. Effusive aromas of black raspberry and spice. Mid weight flavors of black raspberry
and blackberry fruits with some earthiness and oak seasoning. Structured, with slightly grippy tannins on the
persistent finish.
Score: 90-91.
Reviewed April 4, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Ten Acre Ramona’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc..
·
Moderate reddish purple
color in the glass. Deep perfume of black cherry, spice and sous-bois. Rich and luscious on the palate with a
charge of robust, sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit. The tannins are tucked in, and the mouthfeel is soft
and caressing. A hedonistic style of Pinot Noir.
Score: 88-89.
Reviewed April 4, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Ten Acre Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.65, 190 cases, $28.
This wine comes from Monte Negra Vineyard planted in 1999 to clone 4. Fermented
in 40% stainless steel and 60% neutral French oak barrels.
·
Very light yellow pear color and clear in
the glass. Aromas of Asian pear, banana, walnuts, pastry cream and vanilla wafer. Tasty core of
lemon, pear and green apple fruits. A clean, restrained, bracing style of Chardonnay that drinks easy,
finishing on a refreshing note of yellow fruits with a zip of acidity.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 21, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Ten Acre Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.62, 350 cases, $38. Select
barrels intended to capture the essence of the Russian River Valley AVA. Sources include Cummings, Jenkins,
Stephens and LaCzar vineyards. Various clones, aged in 33% new, 33% 1-year-old, and 33% 2-year-old
French oak barrels. Some unspecified whole cluster fermentation.
·
Medium reddish-purple color and unfiltered
appearance in the glass. Scents of black cherries, tobacco oak, forest floor and spice. Middleweight flavors of
black cherry, black raspberry, pomegranate and cola. Rich and fruity with balanced tannins. Solid, but not
exceptional.
Score: 87.
Reviewed July 21, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Ten Acre Cummings Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.60, 200
cases, $55. Planted in 2001 by Charlie Chenoweth on a flat land near Santa Rosa. A relatively warm site with
sand and clay soils.
·
Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruit nose featuring penetrating aromas of
boysenberry and plum underpinned with subtle accents of rose petal, sap and sawdust. The core of darker
berry and plum fruit is appealing but doesn’t explode on entry like the Jenkins bottling. A hint of grilled
mushrooms, cola and oak add interest. Very smooth with silky tannins and some finishing presence. A little
heat hangs around in the background.
Score: 87.
Reviewed July 21, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.61, 180 cases,
$65. Vineyard located on a hillside outside Sebastopol and planted by Charlie Chenoweth in 2001 in Goldridge
and gravely loam soils. Clones 667, 777 and 115.Yields 1.5 to 2 tons per acre. Aged in 50% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Fresh aromas of dark cherries and berries with a
subtle complement of oak. Very flavorful in a mid weight style, hitting the mid palate with intensity and finishing
with power. The core features perfectly ripened black cherry and blueberry fruit with a good dose of spice.
The fruit really grabs your attention. My only nit is the specter of alcohol in the background.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 21, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Ten Acre Green Acre Hills Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.3% alc., pH 3.55, 250 cases, $48.
Sourced from a vineyard planted in 1991 at a cool, coastal influenced mountain location. Yields 1.5 to 2 tons per acre. Aged 11 months sur lie with barrel
stirring in 40% new and 60% neutral French oak barrels, 100% MLF.
·
Light straw color and clear in the glass.
Fresh aromas of lemon zest, baked pear, kiwi, graham and almonds. Very tasty and complex with flavors of
lemon tart, pear, toffee, toast and cocoa powder. Slightly creamy with noticeable body and admirable balance.
A pleasing wine that can be drunk now and over the next four years. Very good.
Reviewed February 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Ten Acre Earl Stephens Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.55, 190 cases, $55. Clones 115, 667, 777 and Pommard
from a vineyard planted in 1999 in Goldridge soil. The wine was aged 12
months in 40% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in
the glass. A cherry-fruited nose draws you into the glass. Delicious Bing cherry
core with complimentary riffs of cola, sassafras and spice. The oak is well
integrated, and the copious fruit is tempered nicely by enough ripe fruit tannin to
create a mouth-coating experience. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot
Noir. Very good.
Reviewed February 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 250 cases, $48. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly aromatic, featuring scents of red cherry, rose petal and sandalwood. Light to mid weight in style, offering elegantly composed flavors of red cherry and berry framed by modest tannins. An outstanding up-front sipper. Score: 89. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 203 cases, $55. A blend of fruit from Three Perch and Jenkins vineyards. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very appealing aromas of darker red and purple fruits with hints of spice and white pepper. More concentrated than the Russian River Valley bottling, featuring a mid weight array of blue and purple fruits along with a touch of oak and licorice. Nicely integrated tannins and some finishing persistence. Score: 90. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Earl Stephens Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 200 cases, $65. This 10-acre vineyard is a warmer site located on a steep hill near Iron Horse Vineyards. Pommard, 115, 777 and 667 clones. 5-10% whole cluster. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry and berry, spice and friendly oak. Seductive flavors of black fruits in a mid weight plus style. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the oak overlay had receded, and the stellar black raspberry finish was exquisite. Score: 93-94. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.4% alc., 150 cases, $65. A variety of Chardonnay clones in the vineyard and in the wine. · Fruity aromas of pear, apple and citrus. Aciddriven, with flavors of green and yellow apple and lemon, finishing tight and quenching. Score: 92. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 228 cases, $68. 7-10% whole cluster. · Shy aromas of smoky black cherry lead to a middleweight wine offering tasty flavors of blue and purple berries. Nicely composed, with chewy tannins and a big finish.When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had opened up and the suave, melt-in-the-mouth texture was appealing as was the sweet blackberry finish. Excellent balance. Score: 93-94. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., 168 cases, $68. A combination of E Block (cane pruned with more acidity) and A Block (cordon pruned with some tropical notes from musque-type Wente selections). · Wonderful aromas of lemon, spice, caramel, toasty brioche and botanical notes. Luscious and intensely flavored, offering delicious tastes of lemon meringue, pineapple, peach, melon, and a hint of caramel. A connoisseur’s Chardonnay that finishes long and intense. Score: 95. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 157 cases, $75. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The fruit-driven nose offers aromas of black cherry and black raspberry liquor. Deeply flavored, with waves of black grape, blackberry and black currant fruits flooding the palate. Modest tannins with admirable balance and a generous fruit-filled finish. Score: 92-93. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Three Perch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 180 cases, $75. An anomalous year for this wine in that it is very dark and concentrated. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Rich dark fruits perfuse the nose. Full-bodied in a Zinfandel style featuring an array of ripe dark fruits framed by healthy tannins and finishing with a flood of fruit. This is a wine for fruit hedonists only and quite atypical for Pinot Noir. Score: 90-91. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Horseshoe Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., 168 cases, $78. · The nose is similar to the regular Ritchie bottling but not as much fruit ripeness. The aromatics really soar over time in the glass. Brighter than the regular Ritchie bottling with more cut on the long, dry finish. A delightful wine centered around white stone fruit flavors that has energy to spare. Score: 96. Reviewed June 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Earl Stephens Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 150 cases. Unreleased. Vineyard is located south of Forestville on a steep hillside. Clones are Pommard, 115 and 777. Some whole cluster inclusion. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Exuberant black cherry aroma with accompanying oak-driven notes of caramel and cocoa. The wine’s luscious black cherry fruit fills the mouth with goodness. The fruit is well-ripened but not over ripened. The tannins are well managed and their is noticeable supportive oak to go along with the sexy texture. I took the opened bottle with me after the tasting and sampled it 4 days later after it had traveled inside my car over several miles, and the wine held up beautifully, even showing much better than when first opened. Score: 94-95. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.. Release planned for fall 2018 or spring 2019. Vineyard planted by noted grower Charlie Chenoweth. Clones 115 and 667. 15% whole cluster. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of black cherry, pomegranate and chocolate. Darker, sappy fruits are featured in a bold style with a touch of spice. Still young, but showing nicely integrated tannins and acidity, predicting potential greatness ahead. Score: 92-93. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 175 cases. Unreleased. Aged in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark red fruits and underbrush. Very silky on the palate, with vivacious mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry. There is no sense of oak in this wine. Approachable now with commendable balance. Score: 92-93. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Three Perch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 175 cases. Unreleased. The 8- acre vineyard is located just outside Occidental. Very small clusters, low yields, producing an intense wine. Always the last vineyard harvested at Ten Acre. Clones are Pommard and 777 and a Calera selection. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Penetrating aromas of blueberry-pomegranate fruit along with underbrush. Full-bodied and boldly sappy, featuring purple and black fruits. A fruit-laden, big boy with a long, fruity finish. Nicely composed and not overly heavy with integrated tannins. Score: 91-92. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.3% alc., 300-400 cases, $30. · A solid entry offering with aromas and flavors of pear, lemon and green apple. Crisp, bright and clean with an arrow of acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 250 cases, $35. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry, cocoa, and floral spices holding up in the glass over time. Flavorful darker fruits are blessed with integrated oak in a forward drinking mid weight style with some finishing length. Score: 89-90. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Boots Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., 200 cases, $38. A blend of Ritchie Vineyard young vines and Big River Ranch Vineyard fruit. · Subdued, but pleasing aromas of citrus, white stone fruits, and a “mineral” character. The flavors echo the aromas with a backbone of virile acidity and a quenching finish of some length. Score: 90. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Green Acres Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc., 135 cases, $48. Old Wente clone grapes from a Sangiacomo Vineyard in Carneros. · Very bright aromas of citrus and wet gravel. Flavors of lemon, kiwi and peach are forward and powerful. Spirited acidity adds freshness and a clean finish. Score: 92. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., $55. September 2018 release. · Sourced from an old vine block previously used by Mark Aubert along with a young vines block. There are probably Ritchie, Hyde and Muscat clones in the vineyard. The aromas of citrus, stone fruits and brioche leap from the glass - Wow! Perfectly balanced and sleek in style, with dreamy flavors of lemon and white peach. One doesn’t think of oak when sampling this beauty. Score: 96. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.63, 210 cases, $55. Wente heritage clone, planted in 1972 and 2004. Yield 3.0 tons per acre. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. Full malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. This is clearly a special wine from the first whiff and taste. Enticing aromas of lemon creme, white-fleshed fruit, white flower blossoms, honey, and the slightest spice and vanilla pick up intensity over time in the glass. Great polish and balance make for exceedingly easy drinking. Velvety in the mouth without oiliness, offering fresh flavors of lemon, pineapple, coconut, apricot and a subtle compliment of oak peeks from the background. A juicy arrow of sound acidity is at the heart of the wine. The finish is dry and quenching and urges another sip. This wine seduces rather than attacks the senses and is truly Chardonnay nirvana. Score: 97. Reviewed July 14, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.65, 150 cases, $65. Vineyard planted by Charlie Chenoweth in 2001. Clones 115 and 667 planted in Goldridge gravelly loam soils. 5-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Deep Bing cherry perfume along with a compliment of oak and spice rub. Black cherry and blackberry goodness floods the mouth in a mid weight styled wine with a rounded, soft texture. A brotherly touch of oak and friendly tannins are in harmony with the well-endowed fruit. Elegantly aggressive and quintessential Russian River Valley. Score: 94. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.64, 100 cases, $65. Winermaker Michael Zardo first made a Soberanes vineyard-designate Pinot Noir while working as an assistant winemaker at Pisoni Vineyards. The vineyard is ideally located with exposure to Salinas Valley fog and wind, Soils are well-draining sandy loam and rocky decomposed granite. Pisoni clone planted in 2009. Yield 1.5 tons per acre. Aged 11 months in Taransaud French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of black cherry, underbrush and oak char. Intensely flavored and succulent, in a mid weight plus style featuring flavors of black cherry and blueberry-pomegranate. A silky texture is seductive, the tannins are well matched and the toothsome fruit drives the finish. Tobacco oak plies the background and there is the slightest hint of alcohol on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., $48. The inaugural Chardonnay from Ritchie Vineyard for Ten Acre. A combination of 40-year-old and young vines. · Amazing aromas of exotic stone and tropical fruits with an edgy, stony guise. A beautiful combination of richness from the old vines and aromas and acidity from the young vines. Plenty of viscosity and weight to satisfy, with a sleep texture and appealing harmony. A flat-out exceptional mildly aged wine. Score: 97. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »
2012 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Effusive aromas of black raspberry and spice. Mid weight flavors of black raspberry and blackberry fruits with some earthiness and oak seasoning. Structured, with slightly grippy tannins on the persistent finish. Score: 90-91. Reviewed April 4, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Ten Acre Ramona’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep perfume of black cherry, spice and sous-bois. Rich and luscious on the palate with a charge of robust, sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit. The tannins are tucked in, and the mouthfeel is soft and caressing. A hedonistic style of Pinot Noir. Score: 88-89. Reviewed April 4, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Ten Acre Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.65, 190 cases, $28. This wine comes from Monte Negra Vineyard planted in 1999 to clone 4. Fermented in 40% stainless steel and 60% neutral French oak barrels. · Very light yellow pear color and clear in the glass. Aromas of Asian pear, banana, walnuts, pastry cream and vanilla wafer. Tasty core of lemon, pear and green apple fruits. A clean, restrained, bracing style of Chardonnay that drinks easy, finishing on a refreshing note of yellow fruits with a zip of acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Ten Acre Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.62, 350 cases, $38. Select barrels intended to capture the essence of the Russian River Valley AVA. Sources include Cummings, Jenkins, Stephens and LaCzar vineyards. Various clones, aged in 33% new, 33% 1-year-old, and 33% 2-year-old French oak barrels. Some unspecified whole cluster fermentation. · Medium reddish-purple color and unfiltered appearance in the glass. Scents of black cherries, tobacco oak, forest floor and spice. Middleweight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, pomegranate and cola. Rich and fruity with balanced tannins. Solid, but not exceptional. Score: 87. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Ten Acre Cummings Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.60, 200 cases, $55. Planted in 2001 by Charlie Chenoweth on a flat land near Santa Rosa. A relatively warm site with sand and clay soils. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruit nose featuring penetrating aromas of boysenberry and plum underpinned with subtle accents of rose petal, sap and sawdust. The core of darker berry and plum fruit is appealing but doesn’t explode on entry like the Jenkins bottling. A hint of grilled mushrooms, cola and oak add interest. Very smooth with silky tannins and some finishing presence. A little heat hangs around in the background. Score: 87. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Ten Acre Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.61, 180 cases, $65. Vineyard located on a hillside outside Sebastopol and planted by Charlie Chenoweth in 2001 in Goldridge and gravely loam soils. Clones 667, 777 and 115.Yields 1.5 to 2 tons per acre. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Fresh aromas of dark cherries and berries with a subtle complement of oak. Very flavorful in a mid weight style, hitting the mid palate with intensity and finishing with power. The core features perfectly ripened black cherry and blueberry fruit with a good dose of spice. The fruit really grabs your attention. My only nit is the specter of alcohol in the background. Score: 89. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Ten Acre Green Acre Hills Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.3% alc., pH 3.55, 250 cases, $48. Sourced from a vineyard planted in 1991 at a cool, coastal influenced mountain location. Yields 1.5 to 2 tons per acre. Aged 11 months sur lie with barrel stirring in 40% new and 60% neutral French oak barrels, 100% MLF. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Fresh aromas of lemon zest, baked pear, kiwi, graham and almonds. Very tasty and complex with flavors of lemon tart, pear, toffee, toast and cocoa powder. Slightly creamy with noticeable body and admirable balance. A pleasing wine that can be drunk now and over the next four years. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Ten Acre Earl Stephens Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.55, 190 cases, $55. Clones 115, 667, 777 and Pommard from a vineyard planted in 1999 in Goldridge soil. The wine was aged 12 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A cherry-fruited nose draws you into the glass. Delicious Bing cherry core with complimentary riffs of cola, sassafras and spice. The oak is well integrated, and the copious fruit is tempered nicely by enough ripe fruit tannin to create a mouth-coating experience. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »