Dec 30, 2022
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Kanzler Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Lynda Kanzler, Stephen Kanzler |
| Web site | www.kanzlervineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
Kanzler Vineyard is the one of the hottest (not literally) Pinot Noir vineyards among Pinot Noir lovers. Planted by Stephen and Lynda Kanzler in 1996, just west of the town of Sebastopol in the Sonoma Coast appellation, it has quickly become a magical source for fine Pinot Noir. Pinot Noirs crafted by A.P. Vin, CL Wines, Kosta Browne, Rhys Vineyards and Roessler, among others, have caught the fancy of the wine press. Years ago, it was Williams Selyem that pushed Rochioli Vineyard to stardom and Kosta Browne has done that for Kanzler Vineyard.
The Kanzler Vineyard is located on an east-facing slope of a small valley on what was formerly an apple orchard. The site has Goldridge sandy loam soils, and the vines prosper from the cool, foggy nights, sunny days, and afternoon maritime breezes. Clones 667, 115 and Pommard are planted on appropriate rootstock for this location.
The Kanzlers are passionate grape farmers who are never far from the action as they live in a house on the vineyard property.
In 2004, the Kanzlers partnered with winemaker Greg Stach to make their own wine. Greg Stach is a Fresno State trained winemaker (1992) who has stints at Landmark Vineyards and Pellegrini Family Vineyards on his resume. Several years later, Alex Kanzler assumed the winemaking duties, crafting the wines at VML Winery in Healdsburg. Alex has worked at Landmark Wines, Kosta-Browne, Bevan Cellars, Domaine Serene in Oregon, and Carrick Wines in Central Otago.
A Chardonnay from the Kanzler Vineyard was offered beginning with the 2013 vintage.
The phone number is 707-824-1726. The wines are sold through a mailing list with limited retail distribution.
Articles About Kanzler Vineyards
California Spring Releases of Pinot Noir to Covet (11.7 8/7/2017)
Kanzler Vineyards Pinot Noir Debuts (6.2 10/23/2006)
Pinot Briefs (11.26 7/14/2018)
Sips of Recently Tasted Domestic Chardonnay (11.7 8/7/2017)
Small Sips (6.37 8/24/2007)
Small Sips of California Pinot (8.17 6/21/2010)
Small Sips of Sonoma Coast (6.63 8/4/2008)
Reviewed Wines
2016 Kanzler Vineyards Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.16, 167
cases, $26. Released April 1, 2017. 72% Kanzler Estate, 20% Walker Station, 4% Umino and 4%
Mes Filles. Aged 3 months in neutral French oak barrels and gently filtered prior to bottling. Crafted
using the saignée method where juice is bled from a fermentation tank and fermented apart as a
Rosé.
·
Pretty in pink color in the glass. Soaring aromas of red strawberry, blood orange and peach
that hold up over time in the glass. Welcoming in the mouth with fresh, crisp flavors of blood
orange, Rainier cherry, apricot and white nectarine. Impeccable balance, finishing dry with some
persistence.
Score: 93.
Reviewed August 6, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Kanzler Family Vineyards Walker Station Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc.,
pH 3.30, 98 cases, $56 - Sold out. Produced and bottled by Kanzler Vineyards, Sebastopol, CA.. Inaugural vintage
for this new vineyard-designated wine. 3-acre vineyard located in Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Aged
over 14 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, and finished 2 months in stainless steel.
·
Light golden yellow
color in the glass. Reserved aromas of lemon, lime and ocean breeze. Very pleasant in a mineral-inflected
style with austere flavors of lemon, peach and yellow apple. Nicely balanced and easygoing, with
complimentary oak, and a quenching finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed August 6, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Kanzler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.55, 481 cases, $56. Released April 1, 2017.
Sourced from grapes grown west of Sebastopol: 60% Kanzler Estate, 20% Mes Filles, 20% Umino, 5% Walker
Station. Early pick date in this vintage so less whole cluster inclusion (only 5%). 3 to 5-day cold soak, native
and inoculated yeast fermentations. Basket pressed. Aged 14 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 50%
new, and finished 1 month in stainless steel.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackest cherry, black
raspberry and clay loam lead off. An attacking charge of purple and black fruits aim to please and the flavors
last and last. The mouthfeel is velveteen, the tannins blend in inconspicuously, and only the slightest hint of
vanilla suggests an oak presence. Can be drunk now or aged for several years.
Score: 91.
Reviewed August 6, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Kanzler Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
481 cases, $56. Some Walker Station grapes
along with Estate vineyard grapes. Very modest whole cluster inclusion (5%). 3 to 5-day cold soak, fermented
with native yeast or inoculated commercial yeast in plastic bins or stainless steel fermentation tanks. Basket
pressed and aged 14 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of black cherry and warm spices lead to a mid weight style
offering flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry. Very modest tannins and bright acidity. Enters
better than it finishes but highly enjoyable. Could use a little more time in bottle.
Score: 90-91.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2015 Kanzler Walker Station Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., $56. Release
September 1, 2017.This 3-acre vineyard is planted in Goldridge soil in the Green Valley of Russian River
Valley.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of black fruits and earthy flora. A huge wine with an
explosion of boysenberry and black raspberry sappy fruit that floods the palate. The tannins are majestic as
well but the wine has some tension to counteract the prodigious tannins. Oak is integrated. Both tannins and a
little alcoholic warmth stick out on the finish. A bit over-the-top for my taste.
Score: 89.
Reviewed August 6, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Kanzler Estate Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7%
alc., $78. Release September 1, 2017. Grapes exclusively from Kanzler
Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills of Russian River Valley.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. The nose is really engaging, with bright aromas
of blackberry, blueberry-pomegranate, spice and underbrush. Excellent
grip and intensity in a mid weight plus, ripely fruited style. More sap,
more flavor delivery, but also more apparent alcohol compared to the
RRV bottling. Satiny in the mouth with ingrained tannins, satisfying
acidity and a notable finish. Undoubtedly, this wine will benefit from more
time in the cellar.
Score: 93.
Reviewed August 6, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Kanzler Vineyards Estate Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 225 cases, $78
(sold out). Good percentage of whole cluster in this wine and a significant proportion of Dijon clone 115
(55%) along with Dijon clone 667 and Pommard clone. Three barrels of 115 clone were fermented with
25% whole cluster inclusion.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Similar in aromatic profile to the 2013
vintage with scents of cherry, spice and floral bouquet. Impressive attack of black cherry fruit that
expands in the mouth. Juicy, with some textural interest, subtle oak in the background, and a very long
finish featuring gorgeous black cherry fruit. The balance is impeccable. Will only improve with further
time in the cellar.
Score: 93-94.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2012 Kanzler Vineyards Estate Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.. Less whole cluster inclusion
than in 2011.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Interesting aromas that include smoky cherry, incense, white
pepper and a slight vegetal note. A slightly smoky char note pairs with mid weight blueberry and black cherry
fruit flavors with added accents of dried herbs and warm spices. Nicely balanced, with silky tannins and a
modest, but pleasing finish.
Score: 91-92.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2011 Kanzler Vineyards Estate Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.. Some whole
cluster inclusion, clone 115 driven.
·
This wine is gorgeous with plenty of Pinot singing. Uplifting aromas
of cherry, blueberry and spice. A warm spice thread pervades the flavor profile. The silky, fine-grain
tannins caress the palate and the finish is fresh and generous. A remarkable wine from a challenging
vintage.
Score: 93-94.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2010 Kanzler Vineyards Estate Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.7% alc.. The first wine blended by
Alex Kanzler. Only 15 barrels in this vintage and 75 cases of the Reserve wine. A healthy amount of whole
cluster was included in the fermentation.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very nicely perfumed with whole
cluster nuances of exotic spices, burnt tobacco and rose petal. Modest in weight with soft tannins, featuring
flavors of dark red fruits, spice, savory herbs and oak char in the background. This wine has aged beautifully.
Score: 91-92.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
2008 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $48.
Kanzler Vineyard is located in the coastal hills between Bodega Bay and
Sebastopol and is farmed by Stephen and Linda Kanzler. The
winemaker is Greg Stach. Aged 15 months in 30% new French oak
barrels. Pommard and Dijon 115 and 667 clones.
·
Intense aromas of
black raspberry coulees, cardamon and red roses. Delicious berry
melange which is really a mouthful but there is an appealing roundness and
litheness that tames the fruit. Light on its feet and velvety in the mouth, leaving
a bit of warmth on the pleasing and persistent finish. Outstanding example of a
hedonistic, lush style.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Kanzler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $50. The Kanzler Vineyard
is on an east-facing slope of a small valley in the coastal hills between
Bodega Bay and Sebastopol. Foggy mornings, warm days, and afternoon
breezes are ideal for Pinot Noir. Farmed by Stephen and Lynda Kanzler. The
winemaker is Greg Stach.
·
Dark red cherry, strawberry, oak spice and some
herbs in the mix as well. Plenty of fruit but not flabby or overdone. Full of charm
with a soft, velvety texture, refined tannins, and a clean finish. A seamless wine
brimming with juiciness. Highly recommended. Retail distribution and mailing list sales. The website
is www.kanzlervineyards.com.
Reviewed August 4, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.9% alc.
·
Very deep ruby color. Bright
plum and blackberries with herbal overtones are the theme. Silky in texture with a plush mouth feel and a
tangy finish. A big tiger with a pussycat sensibility. A bigger style that I liked alot.
Reviewed August 24, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Very deep ruby color. Bright
plum, black berries and herbs in the nose. Soft dark fruit flavors are enhanced by a plush mouth feel A
big tiger with a pussycat sensibility. Alcohol is 14.9% but it never peaks out.
Reviewed July 30, 2007
ARTICLE »
2004 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., $35.
·
Classy wax closure. This is a light to medium
bodied Pinot which has a caressing texture. The aromatics
feature cherries, cranberries, rhubarb, and a little
smoke. This has more restraint and elegance as compared
to the Kosta Browne bottling. Over time, the oak and alcohol
can peek out on the finish, but with food this Pinot is magical.
I had this wine with grilled, marinated tri-tip and whole grain
Texmati brown and red rice with grilled veggies. This Pinot
really softens and integrates with food and isn’t this what
wine is really for?
Reviewed October 23, 2006
ARTICLE »
2016 Kanzler Vineyards Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.16, 167 cases, $26. Released April 1, 2017. 72% Kanzler Estate, 20% Walker Station, 4% Umino and 4% Mes Filles. Aged 3 months in neutral French oak barrels and gently filtered prior to bottling. Crafted using the saignée method where juice is bled from a fermentation tank and fermented apart as a Rosé. · Pretty in pink color in the glass. Soaring aromas of red strawberry, blood orange and peach that hold up over time in the glass. Welcoming in the mouth with fresh, crisp flavors of blood orange, Rainier cherry, apricot and white nectarine. Impeccable balance, finishing dry with some persistence. Score: 93. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Kanzler Family Vineyards Walker Station Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.30, 98 cases, $56 - Sold out. Produced and bottled by Kanzler Vineyards, Sebastopol, CA.. Inaugural vintage for this new vineyard-designated wine. 3-acre vineyard located in Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Aged over 14 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, and finished 2 months in stainless steel. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Reserved aromas of lemon, lime and ocean breeze. Very pleasant in a mineral-inflected style with austere flavors of lemon, peach and yellow apple. Nicely balanced and easygoing, with complimentary oak, and a quenching finish. Score: 90. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Kanzler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.55, 481 cases, $56. Released April 1, 2017. Sourced from grapes grown west of Sebastopol: 60% Kanzler Estate, 20% Mes Filles, 20% Umino, 5% Walker Station. Early pick date in this vintage so less whole cluster inclusion (only 5%). 3 to 5-day cold soak, native and inoculated yeast fermentations. Basket pressed. Aged 14 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 50% new, and finished 1 month in stainless steel. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackest cherry, black raspberry and clay loam lead off. An attacking charge of purple and black fruits aim to please and the flavors last and last. The mouthfeel is velveteen, the tannins blend in inconspicuously, and only the slightest hint of vanilla suggests an oak presence. Can be drunk now or aged for several years. Score: 91. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Kanzler Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
481 cases, $56. Some Walker Station grapes along with Estate vineyard grapes. Very modest whole cluster inclusion (5%). 3 to 5-day cold soak, fermented with native yeast or inoculated commercial yeast in plastic bins or stainless steel fermentation tanks. Basket pressed and aged 14 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of black cherry and warm spices lead to a mid weight style offering flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry. Very modest tannins and bright acidity. Enters better than it finishes but highly enjoyable. Could use a little more time in bottle. Score: 90-91. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2015 Kanzler Walker Station Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., $56. Release September 1, 2017.This 3-acre vineyard is planted in Goldridge soil in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of black fruits and earthy flora. A huge wine with an explosion of boysenberry and black raspberry sappy fruit that floods the palate. The tannins are majestic as well but the wine has some tension to counteract the prodigious tannins. Oak is integrated. Both tannins and a little alcoholic warmth stick out on the finish. A bit over-the-top for my taste. Score: 89. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Kanzler Estate Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., $78. Release September 1, 2017. Grapes exclusively from Kanzler Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills of Russian River Valley. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is really engaging, with bright aromas of blackberry, blueberry-pomegranate, spice and underbrush. Excellent grip and intensity in a mid weight plus, ripely fruited style. More sap, more flavor delivery, but also more apparent alcohol compared to the RRV bottling. Satiny in the mouth with ingrained tannins, satisfying acidity and a notable finish. Undoubtedly, this wine will benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 93. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Kanzler Vineyards Estate Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 225 cases, $78 (sold out). Good percentage of whole cluster in this wine and a significant proportion of Dijon clone 115 (55%) along with Dijon clone 667 and Pommard clone. Three barrels of 115 clone were fermented with 25% whole cluster inclusion. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Similar in aromatic profile to the 2013 vintage with scents of cherry, spice and floral bouquet. Impressive attack of black cherry fruit that expands in the mouth. Juicy, with some textural interest, subtle oak in the background, and a very long finish featuring gorgeous black cherry fruit. The balance is impeccable. Will only improve with further time in the cellar. Score: 93-94. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2012 Kanzler Vineyards Estate Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.. Less whole cluster inclusion than in 2011. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Interesting aromas that include smoky cherry, incense, white pepper and a slight vegetal note. A slightly smoky char note pairs with mid weight blueberry and black cherry fruit flavors with added accents of dried herbs and warm spices. Nicely balanced, with silky tannins and a modest, but pleasing finish. Score: 91-92. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2011 Kanzler Vineyards Estate Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.. Some whole cluster inclusion, clone 115 driven. · This wine is gorgeous with plenty of Pinot singing. Uplifting aromas of cherry, blueberry and spice. A warm spice thread pervades the flavor profile. The silky, fine-grain tannins caress the palate and the finish is fresh and generous. A remarkable wine from a challenging vintage. Score: 93-94. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2010 Kanzler Vineyards Estate Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.7% alc.. The first wine blended by Alex Kanzler. Only 15 barrels in this vintage and 75 cases of the Reserve wine. A healthy amount of whole cluster was included in the fermentation. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very nicely perfumed with whole cluster nuances of exotic spices, burnt tobacco and rose petal. Modest in weight with soft tannins, featuring flavors of dark red fruits, spice, savory herbs and oak char in the background. This wine has aged beautifully. Score: 91-92. Reviewed June 4, 2017
2008 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $48. Kanzler Vineyard is located in the coastal hills between Bodega Bay and Sebastopol and is farmed by Stephen and Linda Kanzler. The winemaker is Greg Stach. Aged 15 months in 30% new French oak barrels. Pommard and Dijon 115 and 667 clones. · Intense aromas of black raspberry coulees, cardamon and red roses. Delicious berry melange which is really a mouthful but there is an appealing roundness and litheness that tames the fruit. Light on its feet and velvety in the mouth, leaving a bit of warmth on the pleasing and persistent finish. Outstanding example of a hedonistic, lush style. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Kanzler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $50. The Kanzler Vineyard is on an east-facing slope of a small valley in the coastal hills between Bodega Bay and Sebastopol. Foggy mornings, warm days, and afternoon breezes are ideal for Pinot Noir. Farmed by Stephen and Lynda Kanzler. The winemaker is Greg Stach. · Dark red cherry, strawberry, oak spice and some herbs in the mix as well. Plenty of fruit but not flabby or overdone. Full of charm with a soft, velvety texture, refined tannins, and a clean finish. A seamless wine brimming with juiciness. Highly recommended. Retail distribution and mailing list sales. The website is www.kanzlervineyards.com. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.9% alc. · Very deep ruby color. Bright plum and blackberries with herbal overtones are the theme. Silky in texture with a plush mouth feel and a tangy finish. A big tiger with a pussycat sensibility. A bigger style that I liked alot. Reviewed August 24, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Very deep ruby color. Bright plum, black berries and herbs in the nose. Soft dark fruit flavors are enhanced by a plush mouth feel A big tiger with a pussycat sensibility. Alcohol is 14.9% but it never peaks out. Reviewed July 30, 2007 ARTICLE »
2004 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., $35. · Classy wax closure. This is a light to medium bodied Pinot which has a caressing texture. The aromatics feature cherries, cranberries, rhubarb, and a little smoke. This has more restraint and elegance as compared to the Kosta Browne bottling. Over time, the oak and alcohol can peek out on the finish, but with food this Pinot is magical. I had this wine with grilled, marinated tri-tip and whole grain Texmati brown and red rice with grilled veggies. This Pinot really softens and integrates with food and isn’t this what wine is really for? Reviewed October 23, 2006 ARTICLE »