Dec 30, 2022
Search This Site:
Ryan Cochrane Wines
| Owner(s) | Ryan Cochrane |
| Web site | www.ryancochranewines.com |
| Link to this site |
Ryan Cochrane turned to winemaking after an unfortunate career event. In 2009, his work at a San Francisco advertising agency imploded and tried freelancing, but he decided to pursue winemaking, something he had long dreamed about doing.
He interned with Roger Nicolas at RN Estate in Paso Robles in 2009 and made a barrel of Pinot Noir a year later at RN Estate. In 2011, he tripled his production and was promoted to assistant winemaker. In 2012, he made 12 barrels of Pinot Noir total.
The wines are offered through a mailing list.
Articles About Ryan Cochrane Wines
Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.30 9/14/2018)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.11 5/25/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines (9.39 3/29/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.13 11/12/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2016 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
12.5% alc., 192 cases,
$36. 100% Dijon 96. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 10 months with lees stirring in
French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of pineapple, lemon,
brown butter and warm brioche lead off. Silky in the mouth with very bright acidity featuring edgy flavors of
lemon, pineapple and pear underlain with a touch of toasty oak. This wine is for fans of crisp, acid-driven
Chardonnay.
Score: 91.
Reviewed September 14, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 122 cases, $46. 60% 115, 20% 113, 20% 667. 15% whole
cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Aromas of red and black cherry, dark chocolate and nutty oak. Vivid
black raspberry and black cherry fruit flavors fill the mouth with
goodness. A slightly savory earthy tone adds to the appeal. Tame
tannins, with a satiny mouthfeel and a deft touch of oak in the
background. Tasted twice with consistent results.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 14, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 149 cases, $46. 25% 115,
40% 667 and 35% Pommard 5. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20%
new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate light garnet color in the glass. The nose is giving, with pleasant
aromas of cherry, walnut and cardamom. Striking mid weight raspberry fruited core with good length in the
mouth and on the finish. Juicy, with good vibrancy and a hint of complimentary oak. The raspberry really leaps
out in this wine, something I rarely encounter.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 14, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
13.4% alc., 74 cases, $36.
Previously this bottling was made from Wente clone 4, but this bottling is made from Dijon 96 clone. Barrel
fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirring. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new.
·
Light
golden yellow color in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with aromas of fresh pear, lemon rind, yellow grapefruit
and brioche. Appealing leanness on the palate, with flavors of citrus, white flower water, tropical fruits and
buttered toast. Nicely balanced with restrained oak and a succulent finish. This wine is ideally suited to food.
Score: 93.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 150 cases, $46. 60% 115, 20% 113 and 20% 667. 15%
whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels,
20% new. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered.
·
Light ruby red color in the
glass. Aromas of cherry, savory earthy flora and sandalwood. Light
weighted but highly satisfying flavors of red cherry and berry backed by
warm spices and a touch of savory herbs. Elegant and juicy with tame,
suede tannins. The proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove.
Score: 93.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 220 cases, $46.
20% 115, 40% 667 and 40% 777. 15% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20%
new. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Endowed with lovely aromas of
strawberry, red cherry, bark, anise and oak spice. Light in weight yet flavorful, featuring an array of red fruit
flavors with a compliment of spice and smoky oak. Elegant, with lacy tannins and some staying power on the
cherry-fueled finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
13.3% alc., 70 cases, $34.
Clone 4. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation with lees stirring. Aged 10 months in French oak
barrels, 33% new.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromatically pleasing with scents of yellow
apple, yellow peach and brioche. Slightly creamy on the palate, with flavors of lemon, peach, honey, baking
spices and toast. Highly flavorful, with a good acid spine, and a cleansing finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 190 cases, $43. 60% 115,
20% 113, and 20% 667. 20% whole cluster. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined
and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light cherry red hue in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry and sandalwood lead
to a mid weight flavored wine featuring dark red cherry, cranberry, strawberry and raspberry fruits
complimented by a hint of spice, The tannins are tame, the wine is nicely balanced, and the finish is pleasantly
exuberant.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 270 cases, $43.
30% 115, 30% 667, 40% Pommard 5. 20% whole cluster. Feral yeast primary fermentation. Aged 10 months in
French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Both
cherry and berry fruits and oak aromas blend on the nose. Elegantly styled, with mid weight flavors of cherry,
strawberry, tobacco and dried herbs, even a tomato note. Oak plays a prominent role in this wine that has a
pleasing cherry-fueled, dry finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., 125
cases, $34. Wente clone 4. Native yeast fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation. Barrel
fermented and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately light golden yellow
color in the glass. The nose is very charming, with pleasing aromas of lemon peel, brioche and
vanilla pastry creme. Flavors of lemon, Asian pear, white peach and subtle vanilla are accented with
a saline minerality. Nicely balanced with adept integration of oak, and thirst-quenching acidity on a
finish that has some persistence.
Score: 92.
Reviewed May 25, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 125 cases, $43. 75% Dijon 115, 25% Pommard 5. 20%
whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20%
new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. More red-fruited
in this vintage, offering scents of strawberry, cherry and sandalwood.
Appealing elegance on the palate, with a vibrant array of red cherry and
red berry flavors. The tannins are folded in nicely, there is inviting
underlying acidity, the oak plays a complimentary role in the background,
and the long red cherry finish grabs your attention. A completely different
wine than the 2012 vintage offering, but equally enjoyable for its pinot
character.
Score: 91.
Reviewed May 25, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 392 cases, $43.
33% Dijon 115, 33% Dijon 667 and 33% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in
French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. This wine sports a little more
concentration, roundness and polish than the 2012 version. Aromas of cherry, red berry and toasty oak
become more giving over time in the glass. Smooth and debonair on the palate, with a middleweight core of
ripe black cherry fruit that is juicy and persistent. The tannins are supple, their is lively supporting acidity, and
the cherry-fueled finish is uplifting.
Score: 91.
Reviewed May 25, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 134 cases, $43.
75% clone 115, 25% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in 1 new and 4 neutral
French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple color and slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass. Demure aromas of
dark red berries and leafy herbs build in intensity over time in the glass. Mid weight core of dark red berry fruits
with a riff of savory herbs in the background and a touch of citrus on the finish. Bright acidity, managed firm
tannins and a graceful presence. Better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Tasted
twice.
Score: 88.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 134 cases, $43. 75% Dijon
115, 25% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A bit brooding initially, reluctantly offering aromas of dark berry
fruits, rose petal and oak. The succulent, mid weight plus blackberry and boysenberry fruits flood the mouth
with sweet, sappy goodness, carrying over to a luscious finish offering citrus-laced berry fruits. The most
concentrated and darkest fruited of the four Pinot Noirs tasted here with the most intensity on the finish. The
wine becomes more appealing over time in the glass and showed better oak integration the following day from
a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Decant if you drink now, but better to give this beauty another year
or two in bottle.
Score: 91.
Reviewed May 25, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 143 cases,
$43. 50% clone 115, 50% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in 1 new and 5
neutral French oak barrels. Ryan Cochrane trained under Roger Nicolas of RN Estate for four years before
launching his own label.
·
Light reddish purple color in the glass. Upon opening, the shy nose offers aromas of
cherry, raspberry and sandalwood. Over time in the glass, more oak-driven notes emerge including coffee.
Light to mid weight array of red fruit flavors including strawberry and cherry with a shadow of oak in the
background. Charming and elegant with juicy acidity and balanced tannins. Tasted twice.
Score: 88.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 143 cases, $43.
50% Dijon 115, 50% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels,
25% new.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark cherry, baking spice and
tobacco become more effusive over time in the glass. Very elegant, with mid weight flavors of cherry, Damsel
plum, and tobacco at play. Modest tannins, with vivid finishing acidity. This wine charms with finesse.
Score: 90.
Reviewed May 25, 2015
ARTICLE »
2016 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
12.5% alc., 192 cases, $36. 100% Dijon 96. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 10 months with lees stirring in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of pineapple, lemon, brown butter and warm brioche lead off. Silky in the mouth with very bright acidity featuring edgy flavors of lemon, pineapple and pear underlain with a touch of toasty oak. This wine is for fans of crisp, acid-driven Chardonnay. Score: 91. Reviewed September 14, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 122 cases, $46. 60% 115, 20% 113, 20% 667. 15% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red and black cherry, dark chocolate and nutty oak. Vivid black raspberry and black cherry fruit flavors fill the mouth with goodness. A slightly savory earthy tone adds to the appeal. Tame tannins, with a satiny mouthfeel and a deft touch of oak in the background. Tasted twice with consistent results. Score: 93. Reviewed September 14, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 149 cases, $46. 25% 115, 40% 667 and 35% Pommard 5. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate light garnet color in the glass. The nose is giving, with pleasant aromas of cherry, walnut and cardamom. Striking mid weight raspberry fruited core with good length in the mouth and on the finish. Juicy, with good vibrancy and a hint of complimentary oak. The raspberry really leaps out in this wine, something I rarely encounter. Score: 92. Reviewed September 14, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
13.4% alc., 74 cases, $36. Previously this bottling was made from Wente clone 4, but this bottling is made from Dijon 96 clone. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirring. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with aromas of fresh pear, lemon rind, yellow grapefruit and brioche. Appealing leanness on the palate, with flavors of citrus, white flower water, tropical fruits and buttered toast. Nicely balanced with restrained oak and a succulent finish. This wine is ideally suited to food. Score: 93. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 150 cases, $46. 60% 115, 20% 113 and 20% 667. 15% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, savory earthy flora and sandalwood. Light weighted but highly satisfying flavors of red cherry and berry backed by warm spices and a touch of savory herbs. Elegant and juicy with tame, suede tannins. The proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. Score: 93. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 220 cases, $46. 20% 115, 40% 667 and 40% 777. 15% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Endowed with lovely aromas of strawberry, red cherry, bark, anise and oak spice. Light in weight yet flavorful, featuring an array of red fruit flavors with a compliment of spice and smoky oak. Elegant, with lacy tannins and some staying power on the cherry-fueled finish. Score: 91. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
13.3% alc., 70 cases, $34. Clone 4. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation with lees stirring. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromatically pleasing with scents of yellow apple, yellow peach and brioche. Slightly creamy on the palate, with flavors of lemon, peach, honey, baking spices and toast. Highly flavorful, with a good acid spine, and a cleansing finish. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 190 cases, $43. 60% 115, 20% 113, and 20% 667. 20% whole cluster. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red hue in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry and sandalwood lead to a mid weight flavored wine featuring dark red cherry, cranberry, strawberry and raspberry fruits complimented by a hint of spice, The tannins are tame, the wine is nicely balanced, and the finish is pleasantly exuberant. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 270 cases, $43. 30% 115, 30% 667, 40% Pommard 5. 20% whole cluster. Feral yeast primary fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Both cherry and berry fruits and oak aromas blend on the nose. Elegantly styled, with mid weight flavors of cherry, strawberry, tobacco and dried herbs, even a tomato note. Oak plays a prominent role in this wine that has a pleasing cherry-fueled, dry finish. Score: 89. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., 125 cases, $34. Wente clone 4. Native yeast fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation. Barrel fermented and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is very charming, with pleasing aromas of lemon peel, brioche and vanilla pastry creme. Flavors of lemon, Asian pear, white peach and subtle vanilla are accented with a saline minerality. Nicely balanced with adept integration of oak, and thirst-quenching acidity on a finish that has some persistence. Score: 92. Reviewed May 25, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 125 cases, $43. 75% Dijon 115, 25% Pommard 5. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. More red-fruited in this vintage, offering scents of strawberry, cherry and sandalwood. Appealing elegance on the palate, with a vibrant array of red cherry and red berry flavors. The tannins are folded in nicely, there is inviting underlying acidity, the oak plays a complimentary role in the background, and the long red cherry finish grabs your attention. A completely different wine than the 2012 vintage offering, but equally enjoyable for its pinot character. Score: 91. Reviewed May 25, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 392 cases, $43. 33% Dijon 115, 33% Dijon 667 and 33% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. This wine sports a little more concentration, roundness and polish than the 2012 version. Aromas of cherry, red berry and toasty oak become more giving over time in the glass. Smooth and debonair on the palate, with a middleweight core of ripe black cherry fruit that is juicy and persistent. The tannins are supple, their is lively supporting acidity, and the cherry-fueled finish is uplifting. Score: 91. Reviewed May 25, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 134 cases, $43. 75% clone 115, 25% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in 1 new and 4 neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color and slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass. Demure aromas of dark red berries and leafy herbs build in intensity over time in the glass. Mid weight core of dark red berry fruits with a riff of savory herbs in the background and a touch of citrus on the finish. Bright acidity, managed firm tannins and a graceful presence. Better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Tasted twice. Score: 88. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 134 cases, $43. 75% Dijon 115, 25% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A bit brooding initially, reluctantly offering aromas of dark berry fruits, rose petal and oak. The succulent, mid weight plus blackberry and boysenberry fruits flood the mouth with sweet, sappy goodness, carrying over to a luscious finish offering citrus-laced berry fruits. The most concentrated and darkest fruited of the four Pinot Noirs tasted here with the most intensity on the finish. The wine becomes more appealing over time in the glass and showed better oak integration the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Decant if you drink now, but better to give this beauty another year or two in bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed May 25, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 143 cases, $43. 50% clone 115, 50% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in 1 new and 5 neutral French oak barrels. Ryan Cochrane trained under Roger Nicolas of RN Estate for four years before launching his own label. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Upon opening, the shy nose offers aromas of cherry, raspberry and sandalwood. Over time in the glass, more oak-driven notes emerge including coffee. Light to mid weight array of red fruit flavors including strawberry and cherry with a shadow of oak in the background. Charming and elegant with juicy acidity and balanced tannins. Tasted twice. Score: 88. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ryan Cochrane Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 143 cases, $43. 50% Dijon 115, 50% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark cherry, baking spice and tobacco become more effusive over time in the glass. Very elegant, with mid weight flavors of cherry, Damsel plum, and tobacco at play. Modest tannins, with vivid finishing acidity. This wine charms with finesse. Score: 90. Reviewed May 25, 2015 ARTICLE »