Dec 30, 2022
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Ernest Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Erin Brooks, Todd Gottula |
| Web site | www.ernestvineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay crafted by winemaker Kent Humphrey (Eric Kent Wines).
Todd Gottula is co-owner and a lover of the wines of Burgundy. He has been in the wine business since 2008 and has developed relationships with winegrowers and wine producers. The other co-owner and chief proprietor of Ernest Vineyards is Erin Brooks whose background is in sales and marketing.
The brand is named after Ernest Gottula, Todd's paternal grandfather. Ernest and his maternal grandfather, Ray Chute, are Air Force and SeaBee veterans respectively. To honor them, a percentage of every sale is given to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The wines are offered through a mailing list.
Articles About Ernest Vineyards
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.40 10/20/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Chardonnay (9.41 5/15/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers (9.43 7/19/2014)
Reviewed Wines
2015 Edaphos Green Valley Ranch Chardonnay
12.5% alc., 81 cases, $28. Pronounced “ee-dah-
fos,” it means “base,” or “soil” in Greek. The strategy behind this label is exploration,
experimentation and applying lesions learned making wine under the winery’s other labels. These
are basically laboratory, small-lot wines that incorporate new approaches to winemaking with
different styles and sometimes off beat grape varieties. Rued-Z clone from Green Valley Ranch
harvested at 22.3º average Brix. Cold fermented at 50ºF and aged in 2/3 stainless steel and 1/3
neutral oak.
·
Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Highly floral nose, with added aromas of
white peach and spice. A wine with personality, offering flavors of citrus, white stone fruits, apricot and edible
flower. Exceptional grip and length on the bright finish. This wine works beautifully as a stand-alone drinker, or
can pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods.
Score: 93.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Bombardier Black Emerald Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., 141 cases, $42. Sourced from a 17-acre vineyard on Vine Hill Road in the heart of the Russian
River Valley. Originally planted by Duff Bevill to Old Wente clone of Chardonnay in the 1960s, today the owners
are Dennis and Mary Black and the site is called Black Emerald. 75% Black Emerald and 25% Green Valley
Ranch vineyards. Wente 4 and Rued clones harvested at an average Brix of 23.2º. Aged 10 months in French
oak barrels, 43% new.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A more ripely fruited wine with more oak
seasoning. Aromas of charred lemon, yellow apple, poached pear, pastry cream and spice. Richly flavored,
with tastes of lemon, pear, pineapple and toast. Viscous in texture, with some fruit persistence on the finish.
Rewarding ripe fruit flavors, but lacking some of the vibrancy exhibited by The Farmer bottling.
Score: 90.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Farmer Green Valley Ranch Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
13.0% alc., 298
cases, $45. Sourced from a vineyard planted by Warren Dutton in 1969 west of the town of Graton. The clone
is Rued-Z harvested at 23.0º average Brix. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new.
·
Moderate golden
yellow color and clear in the glass. Complex nose offering scents of lemon rind, cake spice, white flower, and
flint. Nicely lifted on the palate, with flavors of yellow stone fruits and citrus. Refined and sophisticated, with
impeccable balance and soothing, but not creamy texture.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Engineer Romanini Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
12.0% alc., 260
cases, $51. This vineyard was originally planted in Sonoma Valley in 1954 by Antonio Romanini. Pommard
clone and Calera selection harvested at 21.9º average Brix. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of forest floor, pine needle, Asian spice, red cherry and red
raspberry lead off. The savory fruits are darker tasting, and the overall tone is rustic and forestry. Rather lean,
with vivid acidity and a dry finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Artist Bush Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 131 cases, $55.
From a 12-acre vineyard planted in 2012 and developed for a select set of Dutton Ranch clients including
Ernest. The vineyard is located in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA. Calera selection harvested
at 22.0º average Brix. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color
in the glass. Glorious aromas of dark cherry reduction sauce and spice emerge over time in the glass. Very
satisfying in the mouth, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, savory herbs, cola and subtle oak. Sleek
tannins with a silky texture, and an exceptionally long and generous finish. An impeccably balanced wine that
won me over.
Score: 93.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Grandfather Rayhill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 161
cases, $56. Clone 115 harvested at 23.4º Brix. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderate
reddish purple color in the glass. An array of aromas greet the nose, including black cherry, forest floor and
oak. A harmonious offering, with teasing flavors of dark cherry, red currant and supportive oak. Easy to cozy up
to with invisible tannins, and a grand finish that goes on and on.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Settler Cleary Freestone Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
12.5%
alc., 388 cases, $58. A 6-acre vineyard downslope from Freestone Hill Vineyard in the West Sonoma Coast.
Clones are Pommard, 777, 667 and 113 harvested at average Brix of 23.1º. Aged 10 months in French oak
barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Fruit aromas of blueberry and black cherry
are complimented by scents of rose petal and oak. A mid weight plus styled wine, with ripe fruited flavors of
blueberry-pomegranate, plum and black cherry with a background hint of spice and herbs. The tannins are
silky and integrated, the finish is modest but pleasant and the overall impression is one of harmony.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Ernest Vineyards The Engineer Romanini Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 360
cases, 360 cases, $36. Released spring 2014. Pommard
clone and Calera selection. Aged in 37% new French
oak.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely
scented with hi-tone cherry, berry and briar aromas. Mid
to full-bodied, with an impressive Bing cherry attack,
complimentary oak in the background, and a vivacious finish. The
tannins are evident but suave. There is plenty of sappy fruit in this
wine, but the wine is still fresh, juicy, balanced and ready for
current enjoyment.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ernest Vineyards Rued Vineyard Dutton Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.4% alc., 180 cases, $42. Rued-Z clone. Aged in 27% new French oak and 49% stainless steel. 33%
malolactic fermentation.
·
Moderate light golden yellow color in the glass. A uniquely aromatic wine with scents
of pineapple, lemongrass and floral perfume. Bright and crisp on the palate, with flavors of yellow stone fruits,
lemon, tangerine and vanilla, and a vein of stony minerality in the background.
Score: 87.
Reviewed May 15, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ernest Vineyards The Wrangler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 184 cases, $48.
Released spring 2014. Grand Vent and Dutton-Freestone vineyards. Pommard, 113 and 667 clones.
Aged in 37% new French oak.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose offers an
appealing combination of black cherry, black raspberry, spice and oak scents. Relatively full-bodied,
featuring a core of dark red cherry and berry fruit with a bit of tarry oak in the background. Softly
textured with balanced tannins, and some intensity on the finish which sports a good cut of refreshing
acidity. Not as precocious as The Engineer, and will benefit from cellaring.
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2015 Edaphos Green Valley Ranch Chardonnay
12.5% alc., 81 cases, $28. Pronounced “ee-dah- fos,” it means “base,” or “soil” in Greek. The strategy behind this label is exploration, experimentation and applying lesions learned making wine under the winery’s other labels. These are basically laboratory, small-lot wines that incorporate new approaches to winemaking with different styles and sometimes off beat grape varieties. Rued-Z clone from Green Valley Ranch harvested at 22.3º average Brix. Cold fermented at 50ºF and aged in 2/3 stainless steel and 1/3 neutral oak. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Highly floral nose, with added aromas of white peach and spice. A wine with personality, offering flavors of citrus, white stone fruits, apricot and edible flower. Exceptional grip and length on the bright finish. This wine works beautifully as a stand-alone drinker, or can pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. Score: 93. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Bombardier Black Emerald Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., 141 cases, $42. Sourced from a 17-acre vineyard on Vine Hill Road in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Originally planted by Duff Bevill to Old Wente clone of Chardonnay in the 1960s, today the owners are Dennis and Mary Black and the site is called Black Emerald. 75% Black Emerald and 25% Green Valley Ranch vineyards. Wente 4 and Rued clones harvested at an average Brix of 23.2º. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 43% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A more ripely fruited wine with more oak seasoning. Aromas of charred lemon, yellow apple, poached pear, pastry cream and spice. Richly flavored, with tastes of lemon, pear, pineapple and toast. Viscous in texture, with some fruit persistence on the finish. Rewarding ripe fruit flavors, but lacking some of the vibrancy exhibited by The Farmer bottling. Score: 90. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Farmer Green Valley Ranch Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
13.0% alc., 298 cases, $45. Sourced from a vineyard planted by Warren Dutton in 1969 west of the town of Graton. The clone is Rued-Z harvested at 23.0º average Brix. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Complex nose offering scents of lemon rind, cake spice, white flower, and flint. Nicely lifted on the palate, with flavors of yellow stone fruits and citrus. Refined and sophisticated, with impeccable balance and soothing, but not creamy texture. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Engineer Romanini Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
12.0% alc., 260 cases, $51. This vineyard was originally planted in Sonoma Valley in 1954 by Antonio Romanini. Pommard clone and Calera selection harvested at 21.9º average Brix. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of forest floor, pine needle, Asian spice, red cherry and red raspberry lead off. The savory fruits are darker tasting, and the overall tone is rustic and forestry. Rather lean, with vivid acidity and a dry finish. Score: 89. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Artist Bush Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 131 cases, $55. From a 12-acre vineyard planted in 2012 and developed for a select set of Dutton Ranch clients including Ernest. The vineyard is located in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA. Calera selection harvested at 22.0º average Brix. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Glorious aromas of dark cherry reduction sauce and spice emerge over time in the glass. Very satisfying in the mouth, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, savory herbs, cola and subtle oak. Sleek tannins with a silky texture, and an exceptionally long and generous finish. An impeccably balanced wine that won me over. Score: 93. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Grandfather Rayhill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 161 cases, $56. Clone 115 harvested at 23.4º Brix. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. An array of aromas greet the nose, including black cherry, forest floor and oak. A harmonious offering, with teasing flavors of dark cherry, red currant and supportive oak. Easy to cozy up to with invisible tannins, and a grand finish that goes on and on. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ernest Vineyards The Settler Cleary Freestone Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 388 cases, $58. A 6-acre vineyard downslope from Freestone Hill Vineyard in the West Sonoma Coast. Clones are Pommard, 777, 667 and 113 harvested at average Brix of 23.1º. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Fruit aromas of blueberry and black cherry are complimented by scents of rose petal and oak. A mid weight plus styled wine, with ripe fruited flavors of blueberry-pomegranate, plum and black cherry with a background hint of spice and herbs. The tannins are silky and integrated, the finish is modest but pleasant and the overall impression is one of harmony. Score: 91. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Ernest Vineyards The Engineer Romanini Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 360 cases, 360 cases, $36. Released spring 2014. Pommard clone and Calera selection. Aged in 37% new French oak. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely scented with hi-tone cherry, berry and briar aromas. Mid to full-bodied, with an impressive Bing cherry attack, complimentary oak in the background, and a vivacious finish. The tannins are evident but suave. There is plenty of sappy fruit in this wine, but the wine is still fresh, juicy, balanced and ready for current enjoyment. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ernest Vineyards Rued Vineyard Dutton Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.4% alc., 180 cases, $42. Rued-Z clone. Aged in 27% new French oak and 49% stainless steel. 33% malolactic fermentation. · Moderate light golden yellow color in the glass. A uniquely aromatic wine with scents of pineapple, lemongrass and floral perfume. Bright and crisp on the palate, with flavors of yellow stone fruits, lemon, tangerine and vanilla, and a vein of stony minerality in the background. Score: 87. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ernest Vineyards The Wrangler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., 184 cases, $48. Released spring 2014. Grand Vent and Dutton-Freestone vineyards. Pommard, 113 and 667 clones. Aged in 37% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose offers an appealing combination of black cherry, black raspberry, spice and oak scents. Relatively full-bodied, featuring a core of dark red cherry and berry fruit with a bit of tarry oak in the background. Softly textured with balanced tannins, and some intensity on the finish which sports a good cut of refreshing acidity. Not as precocious as The Engineer, and will benefit from cellaring. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »