Alma Fria

Articles About Alma Fria

Reviewed Wines

2018 Alma Fria Pleural Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 415 cases, $40. 10% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in 10% new French oak. · Typical Sonoma Coast nose featuring dark strawberry, spice and autumn forest. Full-bodied, with a flood of purple and black fruits attacking the palate infused with muscular tannins. Monotone and undistinguished. Score: 88. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Alma Fria Döna Margerita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 60 cases, $70. Vineyard planted in 2002 in Freestone. 15% whole cluster. Aged in 25% new French oak. · Aromas of boysenberry, prickly pear, rose petal and oak vanillin. Mid-weight flavors of boysenberry, blueberry-pomegranate with respectable balance and a moderately long finish. Score: 91. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 100 cases, $70. Vineyard planted in Annapolis in 2002 at 700-800 feet elevation. 15% whole cluster. Aged in 30% new French oak. · Dark garnet. Nice perfume of black cherry, wine cave and dark rose petal. A discreet load of purple and black berry fruits with a savory herbal thread. Modest tannins, admirable balance and some length on the finish. Some enjoyable personality. Score: 92. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.3% alc., 175 cases, $40. Sourced from Campbell Ranch and Joyce vineyards. Clones are Hyde Old Wente and 15. Wild yeast fermented, aged in 100% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass with a slight haze. Inviting aromas of pineapple, lemon curd and warm pastry. Fairly rich and heady flavors of lemon, pineapple, butterscotch and caramel with a slightly sweet lemon meringue fueled finish. A showy, ripe-fruited style. Score: 90. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 250 cases, $40. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers an array of aromas including dark berries, underbrush, moss and rose petal. Midweight plus in style with a charge of purple and black berry fruits that flood the mouth with goodness. There is a noticeable spice, floral and botanical character as well. A modest amount of tannin shows up on the finish over time. Score: 89. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Alma Fria Campbell Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.3% alc., 115 cases, $50. · Wild yeast barrel fermented in 25% new French oak. Moderate golden yellow color in the glass with a slight haze. Refined aromas of citrus, baked pear and nut oils. A very polished wine in the mouth with focused flavors of lemon, pear, yellow peach and warm croissant that leave you wanting another sip. Impeccable harmony and class with a noticeably long finish. A much more refined wine than the 2017 Plural Chardonnay. Score: 95. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Alma Fria Doc’s Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

$70. One of the coolest vineyard sites in all of Sonoma County. Vineyard is named after “Doc” Van Alstyne, a long-time resident and former landowner of acreage encompassing this ridge in Occidental (including the parcels where this vineyard is located). the vineyard was planted in 1999 and 2010 and totals 9 acres (8 acres of Pinot Noir and 1 acre of Chardonnay). Elevation rises to nearly 1,000 feet above sea level giving a view of the Pacific Ocean and Pt. Reyes seashore. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Exuberant aromas of wild strawberry and forest floor initially. The fruit expression veers toward boysenberry, blackberry and pomegranate in a mid-weight style. Impressive harmony, with a satiny mouthfeel and a persistent finish. More aromatic and appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 140 cases, $70. Clones 115, 777, “828,” and Pommard 5. 20% whole cluster, native yeast fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The most alluring nose in the 2017 lineup, offering scents of blackberry syrup, leather and redwood, gathering ebullience over time in the glass. Somewhat rich in concentration in a nearly full-bodied style with a core of black cherry and cassis flavors underlain by notes of wild herbs, and framed by harmonious tannins and acidity. A wine of sophisticated composure with a fruit-laden finish that goes on and on. Still superb when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2016 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.2% alc.,185 cases, $40. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Initial aromas of ripe pineapple, pear and lemongrass fade over time. Rather mundane, with flavors of pineapple, yellow peach, roasted nuts and caramel, shot through with steely acidity. Score: 87. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2016 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 280 cases, $40. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose features primarily earthy flora aromas with a note of cherry Danish pastry. More earthy than fruity on the palate with middleweight flavors of black cherry, dried herb seasoning and mushroom. Modest tannins for upfront enjoyment, with a slightly tart cranberry finish. Score: 88. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2016 Alma Fria Doña Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 145 cases, $70. This vineyard is located in the tiny hamlet of Freestone, 7 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and exposed to the ingress of fog from Bodega Bay. It offers a very cool microclimate. Planting began in 2002 to clones 115 and Pommard. Goldridge fine sandy loam soil. 15% whole cluster, wild yeast fermented, aged in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackest cherry, tobacco, spice and oak. Midweight flavors centered on black cherry with a citrus note in the background. Pleasant, but not exciting, with suede tannins, and nervy acidity that makes its presence felt. The finish has a sweet and sour tone. Score: 88. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2016 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 140 cases, $70. Clones 115, 777, “828,” and Pommard 5. 15% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. · Nicely perfumed with aromas of red and black cherry and spice cake. The essence of cherry and dark raspberry fruits exude an aura of pleasure. A arrow of acidity is woven into the fabric of the wine and a compliment of oak plies the background. The wine picks up interest and body with time in the glass, and offers a long and exuberant finish. Score: 93. Reviewed March 22, 2020 ARTICLE »

2015 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.4% alc., 180 cases, $40. Native yeast fermentation, aged 12 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Lean citrus aromas along with more penetrating aromas of dried apple, pear and white flower blossom. Bright in the mouth with leaner, yet appealing flavors of green apple, pear and white grape. Excellent friendliness, with spirited acidity and a taut finish. An edgy wine that is stylish and sophisticated. Exceptional at this price point. Score: 93. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 300 cases, $40. Native fermentation, 10% whole cluster, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Hints of whole cluster are revealed in the nose that shows aromas of cherry, rose petal, spice and pipe smoke. The mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and tobacco are welcome and supported by filigree tannins, but the acid is out of balance in this wine. The vibrant finish is bitter and woody as well as tasting of pink grapefruit. Score: 87. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Alma Fria Campbell Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.3% alc., 95 cases, $50. Vines planted in 2008 in Annapolis at 750 feet elevation. Wild yeast fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. Native yeast fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Richly perfumed with aromas of lemon creme, pie crust and custard. Lighter and leaner in style with vivacious acidity, offering flavors of green apple, lemon-lime and a hint of tangerine and caramel. Only the slightest tannin in the background and a finish if grandeur that leaves persistent aromatic memories and quenching acidity. Score: 93. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Alma Fria Doña Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 172 cases, $62. Vineyard planted in 2002 in Freestone at 500-625 feet elevation. 15% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nice whole cluster imprint on the nose with aromas of dark cherry, exotic spices and pine sap. Slightly plush in the mouth in a mid weight plus style offering delicious flavors of black cherry, blueberry, cardamom spice and dried herbs. Adept harmony with fully integrated tannins and proper uplifting acidity on the juicy finish. I liked this wine. Score: 93. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 95 cases, $62. Vineyard planted in Annapolis in 2002 at 700-800 feet elevation. 15% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Entirely different aromatic profile from Dona Margarita Vineyard, offering aromas of earthy flora, mushroom, nutty oak and purple and black fruits. A feral, savory wine that speaks of the earth and forest. Mid weight plus fruit flavors of black raspberry and blackberry framed by modest tannins, finish on a feral note. Score: 92. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 175 cases, $40. Native fermentation. Aged 14 months in no new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Very light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. The complex nose offers aromas of lemon, cut yellow apple, marzipan, vanilla creme and sawdust. Lush in the mouth yet rather delicate and easy going with a good cut of acidity well immersed. Flavors of citrus including grapefruit and lemon stand out. Score: 91. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 325 cases, $40. Native fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 10% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of strawberry, cherry and the slightest oak. Light to mid weight flavors of black cherry, strawberry, baking spices and seasoning oak backed by integrated tannins and some noticeable intensity on the finish that has good cut. An early drinking wine with attractive finesse. Score: 89. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Alma Fria Doña Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 195 cases, $62. Vineyard planted in 2002 in Freestone at 400-625 feet elevation. 10% whole cluster. Native fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of cherry, red berry, sandalwood and rose petal. Elegantly composed and nicely balanced, with light to mid weight flavors of cherry, grape, boysenberry, spice and cedary oak. Very giving now, with gossamer tannins and a finish filled with spiced fruit goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 140 cases, $62. Vineyard planted in 2002 in Annapolis at 700-800 feet elevation. 10% whole cluster. Native fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. I really was intrigued with the nose that offered scents of cherry, blackberry, bourbon and spice box. Both fruity and savory on the palate in a middleweight style. Fruit flavors of black cherry and raspberry interplay with savory notes of forest and herbs. The wine becomes more expressive over time in the glass. Score: 92. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

26 months · Earth-kissed aromas including black cherry, peppery spices, pine forest and savory herbs. A generous gulp of beautifully ripened black cherry and black raspberry fruits entice the palate. Mid weight plus in style, with suave tannins, a compliment of oak, and a very long finish. Previously 90 Score: 94. Reviewed February 4, 2018 ARTICLE »

2013 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 340 cases, $40. Native yeast fermentation, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 10% new. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass Whole cluster character dominates the aromatics which offer scents of bark, spice and red rose petal. Less whole cluster driven on the palate, featuring mid weight flavors of well-spiced cherry and boysenberry with a slight stem note in the background. Good roundness, smoothly textured and admirable harmony with gripping acidity a dominant feature. Score: 88. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Alma Fria Doña Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 143 cases, $58. Vineyard planted in 2002 in Freestone at 500 to 625 feet elevation. 10% whole cluster. Native yeast fermentation, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose is alive with aromas of black cherry, rose petal and woodshed. Imposing flavors of dark cherry, purple grape and berry, and vivid spice grab on to the palate and finish with an intense flourish. Fine-grain tannins add an appealing touch to the texture. A classy wine. Score: 92. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 138 cases, $58. Vineyard planted in 2002 in Annapolis at 700 to 800 feet elevation. 10% whole cluster. Native yeast fermentation, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is generous upon opening, offering hi-tone aromas of cherry, rose petal and exotic spices. Acidity drives the light to mid weight core of spiced cherry, cranberry and purple berry fruits that are framed by caressing tannins. The finish is fueled with a charge of fruit, leaving a citrus note in its wake. Still solid the next net day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Alma Fria Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 350 cases, $35. · Moderate reddish purple color in the galss. Nicely scented with hi-tone black cherries, black raspberries and a hint of oak. Strikingly silky on the palate with a luscious charge of black cherry, huckleberry and Marionberry flavors accented with spice and peppery herbs. Picks up intensity and interest over time in the glass, showing persistence on the berry-laden finish. Score: 91. Reviewed November 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Alma Fria Doña Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

230 cases, $58. 10% whole cluster. Native yeast fermentation. Aged in 25% new French oak. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Enchanting aromas of Damson plum, cherry and exotic spices which become more effusive over time. I have nothing but good things to say about this wine which features delicious dark red cherry, raspberry and plum flavors, soft tannins, lively acidity, good integration of oak, and impressive harmony. Exceptional length, cut and class. Score: 93. Reviewed November 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 185 cases, $58. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Attention-getting aromas of cherry, sous-bois, bramble and complimentary oak spice. Nicely crafted, with flavors of plum, cherry, raspberry and spice and supportive soft tannins. Welcoming elegance, with a gorgeous note of fresh raspberry juice on the long finish. Even better later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed November 19, 2014 ARTICLE »