Dec 30, 2022
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Cutruzzola Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Francis Cutruzzola |
| Web site | www.cutruzzolavineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
Located in a coastal valley seven miles east of the town of Cambria on California's Central Coast. 2 acres planted to Riesling and 5 acres to Pinot Noir. Clones are Pommard 5, 667, 828, 115 and 23.
The winemaker is Stephen Dooley of Stephen Ross Wine Cellars.
A tasting room opened in downtown Cambria at 555 Main Street in 2016.
Articles About Cutruzzola Vineyards
California Pinot Noir Doctors (9.25 6/2/2013)
Recent Sips of Other Interesting Whites (9.40 4/17/2014)
Recent Sips of Pinot Noir & A Few Whites (10.7 4/6/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.32 6/18/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (9.34 12/17/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines (9.39 3/29/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.12 10/27/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2014 Cutruzolla Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548, 156 cases, $42.
Release spring 2018. Clones are Pommard 5 and 115. 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with 20%
whole cluster using Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Harmonious aromas of black cherry and tobacco oak. Middleweight styled,
with the essence of black cherry and lesser notes of blueberry, pomegranate and toasty oak. Impeccable
balance, with supportive tannins and bright acidity. The finish is quite generous and fulfilling. Maybe a skosh
too much oak for my personal taste, but otherwise an outstanding wine.
Score: 90.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548,
123 cases, $48. Released September 2017. This bottling includes all clones planted in vineyard (Pommard 5,
667, “828,” 115 and 23). 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with 20% whole cluster using
Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in
the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of dark red fruits, damp flora and pasture. Satisfying mid weight flavors of
boysenberry, blackberry and candied plum framed by modest tannins and supportive tannins. A solid, but not
exceptional wine that is ready now.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Cutruzzola Giacomino Reserve San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548,
108 cases, $55. Released September 2017. Heavy bottle. 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with
20% whole cluster using Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new.
Four favorite barrels selected from the 2014 vintage.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas
of cherry, spice, sandalwood and nutty oak arrive over time in the glass. An explosion of purple and black fruits
drenches the mouth on entry, offering layers of sappy fruit and bracing tannins. A bit of salinity shows up over
time. Silky in texture, noticeable barrel treatment, and some finishing power. The wine is relatively closed, even
when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Needs time.
Score: 90-91.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Cutruzzola Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4%
alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.59, 441 cases, $40. 10% whole cluster, inoculated
fermentation with Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 10 months
in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple
color in the glass. Welcoming nose alive with scents of boysenberry,
raspberry and a hint of herbs. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry,
raspberry and boysenberry with a touch of spice and oak seasoning.
Very pleasant on the palate, with a suede texture, good acid tension,
finishing dry with a slight grip of tannin. Even better the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 91.
Reviewed April 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Cutruzzola Vineyards Giacomino Reserve San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.42,
TA 0.585, 88 cases, $55. Yet to be released. 5-acre vineyard in Cambria planted to clones 5, 667, “828,” 115
and 23. Vines are between 9 and 14 years old. Inaugural reserve bottling selected from favorite four barrels
from the 2013 vintage. 10% whole cluster. Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Extended barrel aging to 18
months in 50% new French oak.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A very juicy and elegant
wine with aromas and flavors of blackberry and black cherry with a compliment of toasty oak. The tannins are
modest and proportional and the wine finishes with a sweet cherry tone that catches your attention.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 18, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Riesling
12.5% alc., pH 3.05, TA
0.62, 440 cases, $22. A long, cool fermentation was stopped at 2.3% residual sugar to balance the
pH.
·
Light golden yellow color in the glass. Drinks like a dry wine with aromas and flavors of lemonlime
(7-Up), blood orange, vanillin, petrol and rum cake. Moderately viscous with good supporting
acidity. A California-styled Riesling.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Cutruzulla Vineyards Gloria San Louis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.59, 290 cases, $40. “Koo-troot-ZOL-a.” The Riven
Rock Vineyard responded to the ideal 2012 growing season by producing its
largest crop to date, but still less than 1 ton-per-acre! The vineyard is located in
a coastal valley just outside the town of Cambria on California’s Central Coast.
5 acres are planted to Pinot Noir and 2 acres ro Riesling. Many of vineyard
blocks contain limestone soils. The winemaker is Stephen Dooley of Stephen
Ross Wine Cellars. Pommard 5, 115, 667, “828,” and 23. Aged 10 months in
30% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely
perfumed with aromas of black cherry, sarsaparilla, and baking spices including
nutmeg and cola. The medium to full bodied and fully ripened cherry, dark berry and plum fruits fill the mouth
with pleasure. A dash of oak-driven toast and vanilla adds interest. The soft demeanor on the palate is
particularly appealing and the finish is long and pleasurable.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Cutruzzola Vineyards Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., p;H 3.75, TA 0.63, 38 cases, $N/A. The Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard is
located 7 miles east of the town of Cambria on California’s Central Coast. 5 acres are planted to Pinot Noir
including Pommard 5, 667, “828,” 115 and 23. Aged 10 months in 60% French oak barrels and 40% in stainless steel.
·
Moderately light red color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of
red cherry, sandalwood and a hint of new oak. Elegant and supple on the palate, with modestly intense flavors
of fresh red cherries and a hint of wood tar and spice in the background. The tannins are silky and the acidity
adds enough verve for refreshing drinking. A very feminine, pleasing offering that is cozy and approachable.
Score: 89.
Reviewed December 18, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard San Luis Obispo Riesling
12.5% alc., $22. Fermented in
stainless steel.
·
Pale yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, vanilla, oiled wood
and leather boot. Enjoyable flavors of lemon and white peach with a hint of petrol in the background.
Slightly creamy with good finishing acidity. A unique expression of dry Riesling.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2010 Cutruzzola Vineyards Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $34 (by the
case).
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Strutting aromas of red cherries, fruit
leather, sandalwood and rose petals. Delicious flavors of boysenberry and black cherry cola
complimented by cardamom spice. The cherry really sings in this wine on the relatively long finish.
Nicely balanced and ready for prime time now. Very good.
Reviewed June 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2014 Cutruzolla Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548, 156 cases, $42. Release spring 2018. Clones are Pommard 5 and 115. 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with 20% whole cluster using Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Harmonious aromas of black cherry and tobacco oak. Middleweight styled, with the essence of black cherry and lesser notes of blueberry, pomegranate and toasty oak. Impeccable balance, with supportive tannins and bright acidity. The finish is quite generous and fulfilling. Maybe a skosh too much oak for my personal taste, but otherwise an outstanding wine. Score: 90. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548, 123 cases, $48. Released September 2017. This bottling includes all clones planted in vineyard (Pommard 5, 667, “828,” 115 and 23). 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with 20% whole cluster using Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of dark red fruits, damp flora and pasture. Satisfying mid weight flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and candied plum framed by modest tannins and supportive tannins. A solid, but not exceptional wine that is ready now. Score: 89. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Cutruzzola Giacomino Reserve San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.548, 108 cases, $55. Released September 2017. Heavy bottle. 2-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation on skins with 20% whole cluster using Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 0% new. Four favorite barrels selected from the 2014 vintage. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of cherry, spice, sandalwood and nutty oak arrive over time in the glass. An explosion of purple and black fruits drenches the mouth on entry, offering layers of sappy fruit and bracing tannins. A bit of salinity shows up over time. Silky in texture, noticeable barrel treatment, and some finishing power. The wine is relatively closed, even when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Needs time. Score: 90-91. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Cutruzzola Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.59, 441 cases, $40. 10% whole cluster, inoculated fermentation with Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Welcoming nose alive with scents of boysenberry, raspberry and a hint of herbs. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry, raspberry and boysenberry with a touch of spice and oak seasoning. Very pleasant on the palate, with a suede texture, good acid tension, finishing dry with a slight grip of tannin. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed April 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Cutruzzola Vineyards Giacomino Reserve San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.585, 88 cases, $55. Yet to be released. 5-acre vineyard in Cambria planted to clones 5, 667, “828,” 115 and 23. Vines are between 9 and 14 years old. Inaugural reserve bottling selected from favorite four barrels from the 2013 vintage. 10% whole cluster. Assmannhausen and RC212 yeasts. Extended barrel aging to 18 months in 50% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A very juicy and elegant wine with aromas and flavors of blackberry and black cherry with a compliment of toasty oak. The tannins are modest and proportional and the wine finishes with a sweet cherry tone that catches your attention. Score: 90. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Riesling
12.5% alc., pH 3.05, TA 0.62, 440 cases, $22. A long, cool fermentation was stopped at 2.3% residual sugar to balance the pH. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Drinks like a dry wine with aromas and flavors of lemonlime (7-Up), blood orange, vanillin, petrol and rum cake. Moderately viscous with good supporting acidity. A California-styled Riesling. Score: 89. Reviewed April 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Cutruzulla Vineyards Gloria San Louis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.59, 290 cases, $40. “Koo-troot-ZOL-a.” The Riven Rock Vineyard responded to the ideal 2012 growing season by producing its largest crop to date, but still less than 1 ton-per-acre! The vineyard is located in a coastal valley just outside the town of Cambria on California’s Central Coast. 5 acres are planted to Pinot Noir and 2 acres ro Riesling. Many of vineyard blocks contain limestone soils. The winemaker is Stephen Dooley of Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Pommard 5, 115, 667, “828,” and 23. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, sarsaparilla, and baking spices including nutmeg and cola. The medium to full bodied and fully ripened cherry, dark berry and plum fruits fill the mouth with pleasure. A dash of oak-driven toast and vanilla adds interest. The soft demeanor on the palate is particularly appealing and the finish is long and pleasurable. Score: 92. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Cutruzzola Vineyards Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., p;H 3.75, TA 0.63, 38 cases, $N/A. The Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard is located 7 miles east of the town of Cambria on California’s Central Coast. 5 acres are planted to Pinot Noir including Pommard 5, 667, “828,” 115 and 23. Aged 10 months in 60% French oak barrels and 40% in stainless steel. · Moderately light red color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of red cherry, sandalwood and a hint of new oak. Elegant and supple on the palate, with modestly intense flavors of fresh red cherries and a hint of wood tar and spice in the background. The tannins are silky and the acidity adds enough verve for refreshing drinking. A very feminine, pleasing offering that is cozy and approachable. Score: 89. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Cutruzzola Riven Rock Vineyard San Luis Obispo Riesling
12.5% alc., $22. Fermented in stainless steel. · Pale yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, vanilla, oiled wood and leather boot. Enjoyable flavors of lemon and white peach with a hint of petrol in the background. Slightly creamy with good finishing acidity. A unique expression of dry Riesling. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Cutruzzola Vineyards Gloria San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $34 (by the case). · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Strutting aromas of red cherries, fruit leather, sandalwood and rose petals. Delicious flavors of boysenberry and black cherry cola complimented by cardamom spice. The cherry really sings in this wine on the relatively long finish. Nicely balanced and ready for prime time now. Very good. Reviewed June 4, 2013 ARTICLE »