Dec 30, 2022
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E16 Wine Company
| Owner(s) | Robert Jones |
| Web site | www.E16wines.com |
| Link to this site |
E16 Wine Company takes its name from 3rd generation winegrower Robert Jones' estate vineyard that is located off El Dorado county Highway E16 in the Sierra Foothills appellation of Fairplay. Today, Jones goes beyond El Dorado county lines to secure select blocks of Pinot and Chardonnay for his E16 label.
Winemaker Daniel Moore (formerly of Martinelli and Lynmar) produces the wines in Sebastopol in a facility geared toward super-premium Pinot Noir production. His 30 vintages of experience enables him to craft exceptional wines.
Other labels include FIREFALL and V.
Articles About E16 Wine Company
2014 California Value Priced Pinot Noir First Team All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
E16 Pinot Noir: A Pleasant Surprise (9.40 4/17/2014)
Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir (10.10 5/11/2015)
Recently Tasted California Chardonnay (11.41 3/22/2019)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.37 9/6/2016)
Recently Tasted California Wines (11.42 4/14/2019)
Reviewed Wines
2016 E16 Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.50, 279 cases,
$. Fruit harvested from a block planted in 1976 with clone 4. Barrel fermented and aged 18 months in French
oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Light golden yellow color in the glass. Reserved, but teasing aromas of lemon pie,
butter, biscuit and clean air after a rain. The appealing lemon and spice flavors gain traction over time in the
glass. There is adroit oak treatment and an oily texture. The overall impression is one of harmony. I have tasted
many Chardonnays from the Bacigalupi Bloom Ranch and this wine shows the character inherent in that
vineyard.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 E16 E16 Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.61, RS 0.02 g/L, 335
cases, $N/A. This wine combines fruit from two Russian River Valley vineyards (Hawk’s Roost and Martaella)
along with a 13% combined contribution from properties in Anderson Valley, Bennett Valley and the Santa
Lucia Highlands. Mariafeld, Dijon and “828,” clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Dark
garnet color in the glass. Black and purple fruits are featured in this modestly concentrated wine that offers
good harmony, restrained oak and a modest finish. Solid but not exciting.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 E16 Bowland Ranch - Moaveni Vineyard Bennett Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, RS
0.07 g/L, 375 cases, $42. A 10-acre planting of Pommard clone. Three blocks picked at slightly different stages
of ripeness and later co-fermented in one tank. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately
dark garnet color in the glass. Very shy nose offering delicate fruit aromas along with toast and char. Discrete,
oak-kissed array of dark fruit flavors framed by modest tannins, finishing with a charge of purple grape and
boysenberry goodness. Impressive balance but without plentiful intrigue.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 E16 Upper Bench - Escolle Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.64, TA
0.57, RS 0.01 g/L, 395 cases, $42. Pommard clone planted in 2008. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels,
33% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry and pomegranate. A very
gracious wine with mid weight flavors of dark red and black cherry and raspberry. Silky, with gossamer tannins
and soothing harmony. The wine trails off on the finish with a downy elegance.
Score: 92.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 E16 Trenton 1880 - Martaella Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.61,
RS 0.092 g/L, 225 cases, $45. The 1880 designation acknowledges the year grapevines were first planted in
the village of Trenton. Also called, “Trenton Station,” the area is located at the northern end of the Laguna
Ridge and about eight miles east of where the Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean. High-density
plantings of Dijon clones and “828,” planted in 2007 in Goldridge soils. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels,
40% new.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of blackest cherry, blackberry, spice and nutty
oak. Rather bold, with significant oak infusion, featuring flavors of black cherry, cola, earth and spice. The
velvety mouthfeel and charming fruit are very seductive and the reserve tannins make for easy drinking. This
wine shows the most barrel influence in the lineup.
Score: 91.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 E16 The West End - Conzelman Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61,
pH 0.05 g/L, 350 Cases, $50. Pommard and 667 clones planted in 2001. Aged 11 months in French oak
barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and vitamin lead to a
mid-weighted style offering bold flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, blackberry and marzipan. Silky in the
mouth, with an intense, fruit-filled finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2014 E16 E16 Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.61, 335 cases, $40.
Sourced from Hawks Roost Ranch (Mariafeld clone) and Martaella Vineyard (Dijon clones), and a small
contribution from properties in Anderson Valley, Bennett Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Aged 11 months
in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Savory aromas of
underbrush and flora compliment the aromas of cherry and strawberry. Both savory and fruity on the palate,
with flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, pine needle, and woodland herbs. Shy initially, picking up interest
over time in the glass. Finishes on a sweet cherry high note.
Score: 91.
Reviewed September 7, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 E16 Upper Bench Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.96, TA 0.48, 395 cases, $42.
Sourced from Escolle Vineyard planted in 2008 to eleven Pinot Noir clones on five rootstocks. Pommard clone.
Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Exceptional
aromatic presence with scents of cherry, dark strawberry, rose petal, pipe smoke and sweet oak. Ripe flavors
of strawberry, black cherry and black raspberry are accented by tobacco oak and framed by suave tannins.
Although the acidity is low, the wine does not come across as flabby. The finish is generous and shows some
persistence.
Score: 91.
Reviewed September 7, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 E16 Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.50, $44. Aged 11
months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Light golden yellow
color in the glass. The nose is flat out amazing with soaring
scents of lemon, golden apple juice and honey. Impeccably
crafted, with vivid flavors of pineapple, juicy yellow apple, spice,
buttered toast and honey. Silky smooth in the mouth, with a
dreamy finish that has serious length. A superb wine.
Score: 94.
Reviewed September 7, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 E16 Bowland Ranch Bennett Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, 375 cases, $44. Sourced
from the Bowland Ranch Block at Moaveni Vineyard. Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels,
40% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is somewhat primary, opening slowly in
the glass to reveal aromas of blackberry, spice and graham. The middleweight sweet fruited flavors of
blackberry and black raspberry are a bit flat and the wine finishes with a noticeable oak presence.
Score: 88.
Reviewed September 7, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 E16 Trenton 1880 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.61, 225 cases, $50.
Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Sourced from Martaella Vineyard. Dijon and 828 clones.
·
Nicely scented, with aromas of black cherry, boysenberry jam and spice cabinet. Delightful flavors of black
cherry, blueberry, black raspberry, black tea and spice. Toasty oak is complimentary in the background, the
tannins are satiny, and the intensely fruity finish satisfies.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 7, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 E16 The West End Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, 350 cases, $60. Sourced
from Conzelman Vineyard in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley. Pommard and Dijon 667 clones. Aged 11
months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Black fruits prevail
on the nose and palate in this sappy and structured offering that has a sweet and spicy tone to the fruit flavors.
This is a big boy, hedonistic wine yet offers admirable balance.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 7, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 E16 E16 Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.58, 546 cases, $38.
Primarily a blend of two Russian River Valley vineyards (Trenton Road and Hawks Roost) with 13% from
Anderson Valley, Bennett Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Barrels are chosen that impress in youth.
Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose
offers a fragrant mix of cherry, sous-bois mushroom and oak aromas. Quite savory and earthy on the palate,
with flavors of black cherry, tea, and cola, and admirable length and intensity on the juicy, cherry-driven finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed May 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 E16 Upper Bench Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.58, 370 cases, $38.
Sourced from Escolle Vineyard, Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new.
Unfiltered.
·
Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Lovely scent of mashed red cherries, strawberries
and sandalwood. Light to mid weight flavors of strawberries, cherries and spice. Very elegant and refined,
with fine-grain tannins tucked in and juicy acidity providing vibrancy. Not as brawny as many Santa Lucia
Highlands Pinot Noirs, with more personality. This wine reminds me of wines from Rosella’s Vineyard.
Score: 93.
Reviewed May 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 E16 Bowland Ranch Bennett Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.58, 295 cases, $42. Sourced
from 3 blocks of Pommard clone picked at different Brix and co-fermented. Aged 11 months in 100% French
oak barrels. Unfiltered.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of wooded forest and
oak without any fruit even over a long time in the glass. Mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, black plum and
spice with oak in the background. Pleasant but not exceptional with modest length and intensity on the finish.
The mouth is soft and appealing. A fair amount of tannin and quite a bit of oak shows up on the finish.
Score: 88.
Reviewed May 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 E16 Trenton 1880 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc.,
TA 0.57, 372 cases, $48. Sourced from Relgnis Family Vineyard owned
by Mary and Joseph Relgnis. An homage to the first grapevines planted
in old town Trenton. Clone 667. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak
barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Highly inviting
nose with aromas of cherry-soaked oak and violets. Very tasty black
cherry core with accents of crystallized berry, cola and mocha, framed by
modest tannins. Soft in the mouth with a good cut of acidity on the finish
which packs a little heat.
Score: 91.
Reviewed May 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 E16 The West End Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.57, 369 cases, $55. Sourced
from a single vineyard at the extreme north end of the Anderson Valley. Clones 667 and Pommard 4. Aged 11
months in 100% French oak barrels. Unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose
resonates with aromas of black cherry, darker berries, pine and pencil shavings. The mid weight flavors of
black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry merge into a magical blend. A hint of spice and herbs add
interest. The mouth feel is like touching purple velvet. Nicely composed with good balanced t n’ a and a fruity
finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed May 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 E16 E16 Selection Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 600 cases, $35. Primarily a blend from
Trenton Road and Bowland Ranch vineyards. 20% comes from Anderson Valley and the Santa Lucia
Highlands. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A lovely
nose you could nibble at with bright aromas of red cherry and strawberry. Light to mid weight core of cherry
and strawberry fruits with a complimentary backing of spice and an echo of oak. Silky in the mouth, holding up
nicely over time in the glass, offering a pleasing kick of citrus on the finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 E16 Santa Lucia Highlands “Upper Bench” Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 270 cases, $35. Sourced from the
upper reaches of Escole Vineyard. Single block of Pommard 4 clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose really attracts attention with vivid aromas of fresh cherries,
strawberries, and sandalwood. Soft, even pillowy on the palate with middleweight flavors of red cherries and
red strawberries, accented with a hint of cola and oak. A very refined, elegant interpretation of Santa Lucia
Highlands fruit with a sleek finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 E16 Bennett Valley Bowland Ranch Bennett Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 295 cases, $40. 3 blocks of Pommard
clone from grower Chris Bowland. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in
the glass. Another aromatic bombast with scents of black cherry, earthy flora, and spice. A refined, silky wine
that is harmonious, picking up interest over time in the glass. The tasty, mid weight flavors of black cherry,
black raspberry and cola are accented with oak and persist noticeably on the suave finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 E16 Russian River Valley “Trenton 1880” Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 320 cases, $45. Sourced from
Singler Family Vineyards owned by Pete and Karrie Singler. The 1880 designation pays homage to the year
the first grapevines that were planted in the town of Trenton next to this vineyard. Clone 667. Aged 11 months
in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Exceptional aromatic explosion of
Bing cherry, cardamom spice and cedary oak aromas. Really delicious spiced cherry bombast with plenty of
spring and vibrancy. Mild tannins, bright acidity and a cherry-driven, mouth watering finish of uncommon
length. My only nit is that a hint of heat shows up on the finish. This wine really draws your attention.
Score: 92.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 E16 Anderson Valley “The West End” Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 220 cases, $50. Sourced from a single
vineyard located at the extreme north end of the Anderson Valley. Clone 667 and Pommard. Aged 11 months
in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Penetrating aromas of blueberry,
black cherry liquor and a hint of mint that comes and goes. The nose becomes somewhat muddled and loses
interest over time in the glass. Mid to full-bodied, very ripe black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate fruit
flavors with an undertow of oak and a backbone of soft tannins. Plenty of sweet, luscious, juicy fruit that is
hard to ignore, but the wine is a touch cloying.
Score: 88.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2016 E16 Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.50, 279 cases, $. Fruit harvested from a block planted in 1976 with clone 4. Barrel fermented and aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Reserved, but teasing aromas of lemon pie, butter, biscuit and clean air after a rain. The appealing lemon and spice flavors gain traction over time in the glass. There is adroit oak treatment and an oily texture. The overall impression is one of harmony. I have tasted many Chardonnays from the Bacigalupi Bloom Ranch and this wine shows the character inherent in that vineyard. Score: 92. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 E16 E16 Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.61, RS 0.02 g/L, 335 cases, $N/A. This wine combines fruit from two Russian River Valley vineyards (Hawk’s Roost and Martaella) along with a 13% combined contribution from properties in Anderson Valley, Bennett Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Mariafeld, Dijon and “828,” clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Black and purple fruits are featured in this modestly concentrated wine that offers good harmony, restrained oak and a modest finish. Solid but not exciting. Score: 89. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 E16 Bowland Ranch - Moaveni Vineyard Bennett Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, RS 0.07 g/L, 375 cases, $42. A 10-acre planting of Pommard clone. Three blocks picked at slightly different stages of ripeness and later co-fermented in one tank. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Very shy nose offering delicate fruit aromas along with toast and char. Discrete, oak-kissed array of dark fruit flavors framed by modest tannins, finishing with a charge of purple grape and boysenberry goodness. Impressive balance but without plentiful intrigue. Score: 89. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 E16 Upper Bench - Escolle Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.57, RS 0.01 g/L, 395 cases, $42. Pommard clone planted in 2008. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry and pomegranate. A very gracious wine with mid weight flavors of dark red and black cherry and raspberry. Silky, with gossamer tannins and soothing harmony. The wine trails off on the finish with a downy elegance. Score: 92. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 E16 Trenton 1880 - Martaella Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.61, RS 0.092 g/L, 225 cases, $45. The 1880 designation acknowledges the year grapevines were first planted in the village of Trenton. Also called, “Trenton Station,” the area is located at the northern end of the Laguna Ridge and about eight miles east of where the Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean. High-density plantings of Dijon clones and “828,” planted in 2007 in Goldridge soils. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of blackest cherry, blackberry, spice and nutty oak. Rather bold, with significant oak infusion, featuring flavors of black cherry, cola, earth and spice. The velvety mouthfeel and charming fruit are very seductive and the reserve tannins make for easy drinking. This wine shows the most barrel influence in the lineup. Score: 91. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 E16 The West End - Conzelman Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, pH 0.05 g/L, 350 Cases, $50. Pommard and 667 clones planted in 2001. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and vitamin lead to a mid-weighted style offering bold flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, blackberry and marzipan. Silky in the mouth, with an intense, fruit-filled finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2014 E16 E16 Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.61, 335 cases, $40. Sourced from Hawks Roost Ranch (Mariafeld clone) and Martaella Vineyard (Dijon clones), and a small contribution from properties in Anderson Valley, Bennett Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Savory aromas of underbrush and flora compliment the aromas of cherry and strawberry. Both savory and fruity on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, pine needle, and woodland herbs. Shy initially, picking up interest over time in the glass. Finishes on a sweet cherry high note. Score: 91. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 E16 Upper Bench Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.96, TA 0.48, 395 cases, $42. Sourced from Escolle Vineyard planted in 2008 to eleven Pinot Noir clones on five rootstocks. Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Exceptional aromatic presence with scents of cherry, dark strawberry, rose petal, pipe smoke and sweet oak. Ripe flavors of strawberry, black cherry and black raspberry are accented by tobacco oak and framed by suave tannins. Although the acidity is low, the wine does not come across as flabby. The finish is generous and shows some persistence. Score: 91. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 E16 Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.50, $44. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is flat out amazing with soaring scents of lemon, golden apple juice and honey. Impeccably crafted, with vivid flavors of pineapple, juicy yellow apple, spice, buttered toast and honey. Silky smooth in the mouth, with a dreamy finish that has serious length. A superb wine. Score: 94. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 E16 Bowland Ranch Bennett Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, 375 cases, $44. Sourced from the Bowland Ranch Block at Moaveni Vineyard. Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is somewhat primary, opening slowly in the glass to reveal aromas of blackberry, spice and graham. The middleweight sweet fruited flavors of blackberry and black raspberry are a bit flat and the wine finishes with a noticeable oak presence. Score: 88. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 E16 Trenton 1880 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.61, 225 cases, $50. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Sourced from Martaella Vineyard. Dijon and 828 clones. · Nicely scented, with aromas of black cherry, boysenberry jam and spice cabinet. Delightful flavors of black cherry, blueberry, black raspberry, black tea and spice. Toasty oak is complimentary in the background, the tannins are satiny, and the intensely fruity finish satisfies. Score: 92. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 E16 The West End Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, 350 cases, $60. Sourced from Conzelman Vineyard in the “deep end” of the Anderson Valley. Pommard and Dijon 667 clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Black fruits prevail on the nose and palate in this sappy and structured offering that has a sweet and spicy tone to the fruit flavors. This is a big boy, hedonistic wine yet offers admirable balance. Score: 92. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 E16 E16 Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.58, 546 cases, $38. Primarily a blend of two Russian River Valley vineyards (Trenton Road and Hawks Roost) with 13% from Anderson Valley, Bennett Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Barrels are chosen that impress in youth. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers a fragrant mix of cherry, sous-bois mushroom and oak aromas. Quite savory and earthy on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, tea, and cola, and admirable length and intensity on the juicy, cherry-driven finish. Score: 89. Reviewed May 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 E16 Upper Bench Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.58, 370 cases, $38. Sourced from Escolle Vineyard, Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. Unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Lovely scent of mashed red cherries, strawberries and sandalwood. Light to mid weight flavors of strawberries, cherries and spice. Very elegant and refined, with fine-grain tannins tucked in and juicy acidity providing vibrancy. Not as brawny as many Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs, with more personality. This wine reminds me of wines from Rosella’s Vineyard. Score: 93. Reviewed May 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 E16 Bowland Ranch Bennett Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.58, 295 cases, $42. Sourced from 3 blocks of Pommard clone picked at different Brix and co-fermented. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels. Unfiltered. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of wooded forest and oak without any fruit even over a long time in the glass. Mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, black plum and spice with oak in the background. Pleasant but not exceptional with modest length and intensity on the finish. The mouth is soft and appealing. A fair amount of tannin and quite a bit of oak shows up on the finish. Score: 88. Reviewed May 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 E16 Trenton 1880 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., TA 0.57, 372 cases, $48. Sourced from Relgnis Family Vineyard owned by Mary and Joseph Relgnis. An homage to the first grapevines planted in old town Trenton. Clone 667. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Highly inviting nose with aromas of cherry-soaked oak and violets. Very tasty black cherry core with accents of crystallized berry, cola and mocha, framed by modest tannins. Soft in the mouth with a good cut of acidity on the finish which packs a little heat. Score: 91. Reviewed May 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 E16 The West End Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.57, 369 cases, $55. Sourced from a single vineyard at the extreme north end of the Anderson Valley. Clones 667 and Pommard 4. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose resonates with aromas of black cherry, darker berries, pine and pencil shavings. The mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry merge into a magical blend. A hint of spice and herbs add interest. The mouth feel is like touching purple velvet. Nicely composed with good balanced t n’ a and a fruity finish. Score: 91. Reviewed May 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 E16 E16 Selection Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 600 cases, $35. Primarily a blend from Trenton Road and Bowland Ranch vineyards. 20% comes from Anderson Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A lovely nose you could nibble at with bright aromas of red cherry and strawberry. Light to mid weight core of cherry and strawberry fruits with a complimentary backing of spice and an echo of oak. Silky in the mouth, holding up nicely over time in the glass, offering a pleasing kick of citrus on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 E16 Santa Lucia Highlands “Upper Bench” Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 270 cases, $35. Sourced from the upper reaches of Escole Vineyard. Single block of Pommard 4 clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose really attracts attention with vivid aromas of fresh cherries, strawberries, and sandalwood. Soft, even pillowy on the palate with middleweight flavors of red cherries and red strawberries, accented with a hint of cola and oak. A very refined, elegant interpretation of Santa Lucia Highlands fruit with a sleek finish. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 E16 Bennett Valley Bowland Ranch Bennett Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 295 cases, $40. 3 blocks of Pommard clone from grower Chris Bowland. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Another aromatic bombast with scents of black cherry, earthy flora, and spice. A refined, silky wine that is harmonious, picking up interest over time in the glass. The tasty, mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and cola are accented with oak and persist noticeably on the suave finish. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 E16 Russian River Valley “Trenton 1880” Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 320 cases, $45. Sourced from Singler Family Vineyards owned by Pete and Karrie Singler. The 1880 designation pays homage to the year the first grapevines that were planted in the town of Trenton next to this vineyard. Clone 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Exceptional aromatic explosion of Bing cherry, cardamom spice and cedary oak aromas. Really delicious spiced cherry bombast with plenty of spring and vibrancy. Mild tannins, bright acidity and a cherry-driven, mouth watering finish of uncommon length. My only nit is that a hint of heat shows up on the finish. This wine really draws your attention. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 E16 Anderson Valley “The West End” Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 220 cases, $50. Sourced from a single vineyard located at the extreme north end of the Anderson Valley. Clone 667 and Pommard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Penetrating aromas of blueberry, black cherry liquor and a hint of mint that comes and goes. The nose becomes somewhat muddled and loses interest over time in the glass. Mid to full-bodied, very ripe black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate fruit flavors with an undertow of oak and a backbone of soft tannins. Plenty of sweet, luscious, juicy fruit that is hard to ignore, but the wine is a touch cloying. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »