Migration Wines

Articles About Migration Wines

Reviewed Wines

2017 Migration Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., $40. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new and 65% neutral. 75% MLF. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Demure, but pleasant aromas of lemon custard, pear, pineapple, butter and complimentary oak. Highly flavorful, with tastes of lemon, white peach and nutty oak. Slightly viscous, and easy to cozy up to with enough acidity for proper refreshment. Score: 90. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Migration Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 23,000 cases, $42. Sourced from six vineyards in the Green Valley, Russian River Valley and Petaluma Gap. A blend of more than 80 small lots of wine that winemaker Dana Epperson has to work with. Amazing quality and value considering the huge production. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. This wine was really a pleasant surprise. Outgoing aromas of black cherry, spice and a hint of toast lead to a gorgeous core of mid weight black cherry fruit framed by silken tannins and infused with proper acidity. A harmonious construct makes this wine instantly enjoyable upon opening. This wine has everything that most consumers welcome in a Pinot Noir and possesses amazing quality at a very high production level. Easy to find in the marketplace and on restaurant wine lists. Score: 92. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., $40. Sourced from Running Creek Estate, Charles Heintz, Orsi , Sullivan and Jewell vineyards. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new and 65% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of canned peaches, honey, butter, yeast and toasty oak. Modest flavors of lemon-lime and pineapple, with a clean mouthfeel, a touch of oak and spirited acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 23,000 cases, $40. With this vintage, the winery switched their flagship Russian River Valley Pinot Noir to the Sonoma Coast AVA, sourcing more fruit from cooler vineyards. 25% of the grapes were sourced from Bloomfield Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap AVA. Russian River Valley sites are 40% of the blend. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 60% neutral. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry, raspberry and sandalwood lead to a mid weighted core of cherry, spice and cozy oak flavors. Silky textured with restrained tannins, and a finish infused with cherry goodness. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., $55. A cool, high elevation site with Goldridge sandy loam soils. Old clone 4 vines planted in 1982. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in 90% French oak barrels, 35% new and 65% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. The aromas arrive slowly in the glass with air exposure, revealing lemon curd, yellow apple and artichoke. A flashy wine with vivacious flavors of lemon, pineapple and nori. Nicely composed with energetic acidity, folded in oak, and some pleasing aromatic persistence on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Running Creek Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., $55. A selection of the best blocks and barrels from this site. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new and 65% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of white peach, jasmine and ocean breeze. Slightly creamy on the palate, with bright acidity and a quenching, lemony finish. The bright flavors of lemon and pineapple are nicely integrated with oak seasoning. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $70. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 60% neutral. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Vigorous aromas of black cherry, baking spice, black tea and cigar hold up over time in the glass. An excellent charge of sumptuous black cherry fruit is complimented by a hint of oak and an earthiness. Impeccably balanced with a redeeming cut of acidity, and an intense, black cherry-fueled finish. Pretty much all you can ask for in a Pinot Noir. Score: 94. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $70. Vineyard planted in 2003 and farmed by the Dierberg family. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is “down and dirty,” offering aromas of fertile earth and clay with a hint of blackish fruit. More savory than fruity in a mid weight style, with flavors of red and black cherry and red and black raspberry accented with botanical, tar and black tea notes. Nicely balanced, with good acidity and some finishing length and boldness. Score: 91. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $70. Sourced from two cool vineyards in the Green Valley sub appellation of the Russian River Valley. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 60% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dusty black cherry, raspberry, vanilla and striking spice. Black cherry-driven in a middleweight style with a compliment of Asian spices. Satisfying harmony, with reserved tannins, engaging acidity, and a lovely spiced cherry finish. Score: 93. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Migration Running Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $70. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 60% neutral. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of bing cherry, cola and red rose petal. Packed with voluptuous black cherry and blackberry fruit in a mid weight plus style, yet sleek and welcoming. Balanced tannins hold the prodigious fruit in check, and the overall impression is one of polish. Clearly, the ripest fruited of the four wines tasted in this vintage. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14,2% alc., $32. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new and 60% neutral along with 20% stainless steel. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of lemon pie, yellow stone fruits and caramel. Somewhat light and austere and straightforward, with flavors of lemon-lime dominating. Flavor notes of straw and green herb are found. The wine is softly textured and bolstered by a good acid spine. Score: 88. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 12,840 cases, $40. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 60% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of darker red and black fruits with a hint of tobacco oak. Sappy and somewhat dense core of very ripe fruit including blackest cherry and black raspberry flavors framed by firm tannins. The wine’s best feature is the silky texture. A bit moody and reclusive, even when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., $55. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in 90% French oak barrels, 30% new and 60% neutral, along with 10% stainless steel. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. More reductive on the nose, with aromas of flint, oil slick, lemon oil and white peach, becoming more appealing with swirling over time. Citrus-driven in a rather austere style, featuring earthy lemon-lime flavors set off by notes of white stone fruits and nutty oak. The slightly creamy texture has appeal as does the wine's mature grape quality. Score: 92. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., $55. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in 90% French oak barrels, 30% new and 60% neutral along with 10% stainless steel. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of lemon oil, mango, banana and rain water. Full charged on the palate, with a vigorous show of grilled lemon, yellow peach, pineapple and creme caramel flavors. A denser, riper offering that has appeal but lacks vibrancy. Score: 90. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., $55. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in 90% French oak barrels, 30% new and 60% neutral, along with 10% stainless steel. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Fresh, clean aromas of ocean air, lemon, and vanilla creme. Very friendly, with noticeable vibrancy and finish, offering a bracing acidity that lifts and energizes the palate, leading the drinker to want more. The flavors of lemon-lime and white stone fruits are sustained and satisfying through a palate-cleansing finish. Score: 94. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Running Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., $55. 75% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new and 60% neutral along with 10% stainless steel. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with hi-tone scents of pear, white stone fruits, white flowers and lemon blossom. Bright and satisfying in the mouth with vivid flavors of lemon custard, pear, white nectarine and lime. Sleek and balanced, with only a whisper of oak, and a cleansing finish. Score: 92. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $68. This vineyard was planted in 2003 by the Dierberg family and is located at the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black cherry, earthy flora, toast and cigar box. Stunning on entry, with loads of black cherry, raspberry and spice flavor in a mid weight plus style that delivers immersed tannins and vibrant acidity. Nuances of earth and mushroom add interest. Very sleek and refreshing with the longest finish of the trio of 2015 Migration Pinot Noir wines tasted. Score: 93. Reviewed January 20, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $68. There is not much specific about the Dutton Ranch designation since the Duttons farm so many acres, but this bottling concentrates on the Green Valley or coolest and foggiest part of the Russian River Valley. Clones 115 and “828.” Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 60% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose opens broadly in the glass, sporting aromas of black cherry, Asian spices, and underbrush. An intense attack of black cherry fruit alerts the senses in this middleweight styled wine that is giving and forward. Creamy and sleek in the mouth, with melded tannins, and compatible acidity. The finish is gratifying but not extraordinary. The mild oak shadow needs some time to fully integrate. Score: 92. Reviewed January 20, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Running Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $68. Migration’s estate vineyard located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. A selection of the best blocks and barrels from this site (only about 3% of the vineyard’s total grapes). Second vintage. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasurable scents of black fruits and gentle oak. A little riper fruit and more sap and structure than the Dutton bottling. Fruit-driven, with hints of cola, earth and oak. Nicely balanced, with a satiny texture and an agreeable ending. Score: 92. Reviewed January 20, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 7,860 cases, $32. Released March 2016. Sourced from Jewell, Searby, Bellflower and Orsi Eastside vineyards. 75% malolactic fermentation, 10% aged in stainless steel. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Reserved aromas of lemon oil and white peach lead to unassuming flavors of lemon, pear and nectarine fruits framed by bracing acidity that shows up on the cleansing finish. Score: 87. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 19,675 cases, $38. Released March 2016. Aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red and black berry fruits, spice and shaved oak lead to a mid weight plus styled wine with exemplary balance and pleasing flavors of Bing cherries, cola and brown spice, finishing with a modest but very pleasing finish of pretentious fruit. An impressive offering considering the large production and one that is widely available in markets countrywide. Score: 90. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 165 cases, $55. Released March 2016. Sourced from blocks that include the original 1973 plantings and 1991 plantings in limestone-rich soils. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Plenty of interest to offer on the nose, with aromas of citrus, tropical fruits, white peach, banana and crème brûlée. Citrus-based flavors have a steely resolve in this edgy and highly enjoyable offering that speaks more of grapes and stony minerality than oak. Clearly the best of the 2014 Migration Chardonnays. Score: 92. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 235 cases, $55. Released March 2016. Clone 4 planted in 1982. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A restrained, but pleasing style with aromas of lemon, pastry creme and chalk dust. Nicely balanced, with juicy citrus and green apple flavors. Highly satisfying but I would have liked a tad more depth and dimension. Score: 91. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 162 cases, $55. Released March 2016. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is more expressive than the palate, offering bright aromas of lemon peel, spice, vanilla creme and caramel. Somewhat reserved and even austere in the mouth, with flavors of lemon and brioche. The mouthwatering acidity really sticks out. Score: 89. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Searby Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 162 cases, $55. Released March 2016. Vineyard dates to 1972. Dry farmed, low yields, old vine Rued clone. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely presented aromas of yellow apple, canned peach, white flower bouquet and brown butter. Slightly creamy on the lifted palate, with flavors of lemon wafer, apple and melon. Nicely composed, with vibrant acidity and an uplifting finish. Score: 90. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Bien Nacido Vineyards Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 310 cases, $68. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of cherry, strawberry and spice. Light to mid weight in style, with layers of dark red cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruits accented with notes of tea and toasty oak. Delicious, with juicy acidity and taut tannins, finishing with nuances of pine needle and Middle Eastern spices. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromatics still soared and the finish was remarkable. Score: 93. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 213 cases, $68. Vineyard planted in 2003 by the Dierberg family and is located on the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Savory notes of leaf, oak and earth combine with aromas of cherry and clove on the nose. Light to mid weight flavors of black cherry and blackberry have an earthy tone and are framed by dry, but not bitter tannins. Even better the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, showing more spice and exuberant fruit on the nose, and a more fruit-charged finish. Score: 92. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 316 cases, $68. Released September 2015. Sourced from three Dutton Ranch properties, all in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. A block and barrel selection of favorite Dutton lots and represents only about 7% of the total fruit obtained from Dutton Ranch. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Complex nose offering aromas of Bing cherry, strawberry, underbrush and a touch of oak. Silky in the mouth, strutting a middleweight core of cherry cola, dark raspberry, black plum and baking spice flavors framed by integrated tannins. Plenty of Russian River Valley luscious fruit in this polished wine. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Running Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 206 cases, $68. Inaugural release.I A Migration estate vineyard located on River Road, consisting of 70 acres and six clones of Pinot Noir. A block and barrel selection including only about 4% of the vineyard’s grape output. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of Bing cherry, spice and animale. Mid weight flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cola with a compliment of oak backing. Noticeable attack with good mid palate presence and persistence. Forward drinking with a very credible finish, although the wine leans a bit on oak. Unchanged the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Migration Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 14,300 cases, $32. Grapes are sourced from the cool Green Valley of Russian River Valley region. 75% malolactic fermentation. 10% of wine aged in stainless steel. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Complex and enticing aromas of lemon oil, white stone fruits, honeysuckle, vanilla and blonde caramel. Bright, refreshing and tasty, with mid palate flavors of white peach, pear and subtle nutty oak, finishing with a burst of lemon driven juiciness. This wine is easy to like with its polished texture and harmony. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Migration Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 19,722 cases, $38. A blend of fruit from the cooler Green Valley of Russian River Valley and slightly warmer parts of the Russian River Valley. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of interest here with aromas of strawberry, red cherry, baking spice and toasty oak. The light to mid weight flavors of cherry, black raspberry, rhubarb and cola are quite enjoyable, albeit with a slightly confected tone. A solid, forward drinker with supple tannins, a silky texture, and a sweet cherry finish. Score: 89. Reviewed August 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Migration Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 488 cases, $68. From the Duckhorn Wine Company portfolio. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of cherry, rhubarb, sandalwood and vanilla. Cherry-driven in a mid weight style, with discreetly concentrated fruit backed by silky, fine-grain tannins. The wine finishes juicy with notes of graham and spice. Score: 90. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Migration Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.46, 300 cases, $68. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Sourced from Dutton-Manzana and Dutton-Thomas Road vineyards located in the cool Green Valley of Russian River Valley. A mix of clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of crushed red cherries, cake spice and nutty oak lead off. Suave and inviting, with a middleweight charge of cherry fruit accented with a deft note of oak. Forward-drinking, with silky tannins, and a noticeable acidity-fueled freshness. My only nit is a bit of alcoholic warmth shows up on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Migration Goldrock Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.52, 300 cases, $68. Harvest Brix 25.0º. This vineyard is a few miles from the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of about 600 feet. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of blackberry, woodland and nutty oak. Engaging flavors of blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry in a mid weight style that sports noticeable but not weighty tannins. The overall impression is one of great harmony and polish and a memorable spiced berry and plum flavored finish. Tasted eight hours later from a previously opened and recorked bottle, the wine had come together even more beautifully and offered an arsenal of Pinot joy. Score: 93. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Migration Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.54, 8,459 cases, $32. Released October 2013. Grapes harvested from 11 vineyards. Aged 10 months in 90% French oak barrels (35% new), and bottled July 2013. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of pineapple, creme caramel, lemon, flint and subtle oak are echoed on the lightly scaled palate which adds a peach flavor. The juicy acidity makes for refreshing drinking. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Migration Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 11,588 cases, $38. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Effusive aromas of Bing cherry, strawberry, cranberry and a little oak spice. The flavor theme is dark cherry accented with cola, spice and oak. Modest in weight, with plenty of sweet fruit on the finish which throws a hint of heat. A solid wine considering its large scale production. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Migration Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 510 cases, $55. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of dried papaya, guava, apple and oak. Soft and slightly viscous on the palate with flavors of citrus and pear. Elegant and gentle, even a bit shy in fruit intensity. Easy to drink, but lacks a spark of acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed August 25, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Migration Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 288 cases, $55. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromatically alive with scents of lemon curd, green apple, nutty oak and vanilla. Very easy to like with an appealingly viscous texture and good flavor intensity. Plenty of lemon and stone fruits propel the juicy finish. Clearly, the Central Coast is one of the most underrated sources for Chardonnay. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Migration Searby Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.51, 278 cases, $55. Old vine Rued clone, planted in 1972, and grown in sandy loam and dry-farmed. Aged 10 months in 35% new and 65% once used French oak, and bottled July 2013. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of lemon, lychee and toast. Polished and slightly creamy on the palate with delicate flavors of grilled lemon and yellow peach. Nicely balanced with impressive barrel management. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2009 Migration Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 4.00, TA 0.49, $34. Aged 10 months in 45% new and 55% second vintage French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is dominated by toasted oak with faint dark fruit in the background. Medium bodied array of dark red berries with prominent oak-driven tarry flavor. Soft and slightly creamy on the palate. Decent. Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »