Cattleya Wines

Articles About Cattleya Wines

Reviewed Wines

2019 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.63, RS 0.69 g/L, 2,000 cases, $30. Alma means “soul” in Spanish and Cattleya is the national flower of Colombia. Sourced equally from vineyards across the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley AVAs of Sonoma County. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777, Pommard, Wädenswil 2A and faux 828. 100% de-stemmed, short cold soak, fermented in stainless steel open-top tanks, hand punch-downs, aged 16 months in French oak barrels. DIAM cork closure. · Score: 90. Reviewed March 21, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Cattleya Cuvée Number One Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 350 cases, $60. Part of the Appellation Series.The name reflects Bibiana’s first AVA blend under Cattleya Wines. Crafted from small, individual row selections of two Russian River Valley vineyards located in the Green Valley and Santa Rosa Plain subdivisions of the AVA. 42% clone 115, 28% Pommard, 21% 777, and 9% 667. 100% de-stemmed, native primary fermentation in stainless steel open-top tanks following 10 days of cold soak. Gentle punchdowns by hand. Aged in French oak barrels, 45% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very bright aromas of ripe strawberry, black cherry and baking spices upon opening. Refined and elegant, yet packed with black cherry and ollaliberry fruit flavors with a black tea and cola note in the background. Modest tannins, with a tangy, moderately long finish. Score: 94. Reviewed March 21, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Cattleya Beyond the Threshold Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 125 cases, $65. A single barrel selection of clone 95 from one vineyard site. Native primary and malolactic fermentation in 33% new French oak barrels. Aged 15 months, then bottled unfined and unfiltered. · A complete wine of superior breeding, offering the utmost in gratification. Easily one of the greatest California Chardonnays I have had in recent years. My wife loved it too. Score: 97. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Cattleya Belly of the Whale Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 250 cases, $75. Part of the Collection series. 50/50 clones 777 and 667 at Sun Chase Vineyard , perched at an elevation of 2,300 feet above the cool maritime fog layer and overlooking western Sonoma County. Slow, methodical hand-sorting, 100% de-stemmed, native fermentation in opentop stainless steel tanks, hand punch-downs twice daily. Aged 10 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Bottled without fining or filtration. · Whoa, Nelly! Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely and engaging aromas of black cherry, rose petal, spice, pipe smoke and tilled earth. Mid-weight plus in style with a luscious core of black cherry fruit embellished with clove and cardamom spices. Gentle power, with terrific flow and balance with an extremely long finish. Delightful in every way. Still terrific when tasted the following two days from a previously opened bottle. Score: 96. Reviewed March 21, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.57, 500 cases, $20, DIAM cork closure. Pommard and dijon 115. Made by whole cluster pressing with the intention of specifically making rosé. Inoculated with a selection of French yeasts, no malolactic fermentation, aged 6 months in the cellar. · Light pink color in the glass. The nose offers a combination of rose petal, cherry and botanical aromas. Infused with flavors of strawberry, cherry and herbs and driven by a modicum of acidity. Score: 88. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.62, 600 cases $24, DIAM cork closure. Clones are a combination of Old Wente, 78, 15 and 4 from ten different vineyard blocks. After pressing, the juice is settled overnight and then transferred to stainless steel tanks and barrels (15% of the volume ferments) for alcoholic fermentation. The juice is inoculated with French yeast and undergoes partial malolactic fermentation. Aged 15 months before bottling. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of lemon, baking spices and a hint of oak. Suave in the mouth with bright acidity, offering flavors of lemon, pineapple and melon. Nicely balanced and easy to like. A special value. Score: 90. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.59, 1,600 cases, $28, DIAM closure. A blend of four vineyards and eight clones including Dijon Pommard and Calera. 100% de-stemmed fruit, short cold soak, fermented with a combination of native and proprietary yeasts. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is highlighted with aromas of cherry, savory herbs and underbrush. A savory, light to mid weight styled wine with flavors of cherry and herbs. Easygoing, with modest tannins. Score: 88. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Cattleya Cuvée Number Five Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 167 cases, $50. A blend of Old Wente, clone 78 and clone 15 from two vineyard sites. Gently whole cluster pressed with a small bladder press. The free-run juice was settled overnight in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to French oak barrels and puncheons for fermentation. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Well-ripened yellow peach, apple and pineapple aromas and flavors are featured. Quite charming, with enviable balance, a suave texture and energetic acidity. The wine literally slides off the back of the palate. Score: 92. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Cattleya Cuvée Number One Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 135 cases, $50. Grapes were sourced from the cool Green Valley. Pommard (includes whole cluster) and 115 in about equal proportions. Each clone was fermented separately in a stainless steel open-top tank. 100% de-stemmed, 10- day cold soak. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled in August 2018 unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple grape, savory herbs and tobacco. Well-spiced flavors of black cherry and black raspberry taking on more appeal over time in the glass. The wine has wellintegrated, fine-grain tannins and a glamorous finish offering both savory and fruity pleasures. Score: 93. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Cattleya Belly of the Whale Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 78 cases, $70. Sourced from the 45- acre Donum Estate Vineyard. Roederer clone from the oldest block. 100% de-stemmed, 10-day cold soak, fermented on the skins for 24 days, and aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Clean and spirited aromas of fresh black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, sous bois, smores and cigar. Robust, virile and fruit-driven, featuring deep, dark flavors of black cherry and blackberry that flood the palate with goodness. Full-flavored, yet has welcome finesse and a silken mouthfeel. The felty tannins fit right in, the vibrant acidity elevates, and a sneaky hint of savoriness peaks one’s interest. Score: 93. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Cattleya Belly of the Whale Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 78 cases, $70. Roederer clone from the oldest part of the Donum Estate Vineyard. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Clean and spirited aromas of fresh cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, sous bois, s’mores and cigar. Robust, virile, and fruit-driven, featuring deep, flamboyant flavors of black cherry and blackberry that flood the palate with goodness. Full-flavored, yet has welcome finesse and a silken mouthfeel. The felty tannins fit right in,, the vibrant acidity elevates, and a sneaky hint of savoriness peaks one’s interest. Reviewed June 4, 2019. Score: 93. Reviewed August 22, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Cattleya Call to Adventure Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 68 cases, $70. The name is derived from Bibiana’s start of her own winery marking a new adventure. Sourced from Pratt Vineyard. Four rows of Clone 15 were planted about 20 years ago by Jim Pratt. Whole cluster pressed and cold-settled overnight. Primary fermentation lasted four months followed by complete malolactic fermentation. Aged 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. This is a wine to please those looking for both fruit and minerality. There is a delightful array of stone fruit, lemon and pineapple fruit aromas and flavors along with oak-driven notes of spice, brioche, honey and toffee. This wine always delivers a delicious drinking experience and has the right cut and lip-smacking length to satisfy. Even better when tasted a day after opening. Score: 94. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Cattleya Wines Cuvée Number One Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 112 cases, $50. Sourced from Lakeview Vineyard in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Pommard and clone 115 fermented in separate tanks. Aged in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose elevates over time in the glass. reaching a crescendo with aromas of blackberry, cassis, spice, violets, vanilla and a hint of toasty oak. Mid weight plus in style, with an energetic attack of purple and black fruits with underpinnings of spice, earth and oak. Veers to ultra-ripeness but does not cross the line. The tannins are tucked in, the texture is refined and silky, and the finish is juicy. Still terrific when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Cattleya Pratt Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 75 cases, $70. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Spirited aromas of lemon zest, white peach, graphite and flint holding court for a long time in the glass. This is a spiritual wine with caressing refinement, offering flavors of lemon zest, yellow grapefruit, flint and subtle toast that drape the palate. The composure is seamless and the tight-wound acidity provides brightness and crispness. Every year, this beauty is one of my favorite California Chardonnays. Pratt Vineyard is an exceptional site for Chardonnay. Score: 94. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Cattleya Wines Donum Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 65 cases, $70. Sourced from the West Slope block containing the vineyard’s oldest vines. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black raspberry, dried dark rose petal and spice are enticing. Deep, dark and mysterious, with a generous amount of sappy black fruits touched by oak and supported by sleek tannins. Very polished, with a sexy, plush texture, and finishing long and dry. A bit reserved upon opening, showing off more when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Cattleya Cuvée Number One Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc.,pH 3.52, TA 0.67, 143 cases, $50. Spring release. Very limited production. sourced from Lakeview Vineyard in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Pommard and 115 clones. Each clones fermented in its own open-top fermenter. 100% de-stemmed. 5 to 10-day cold soak, fermented on skins for 22 days. Each clone aged separately in French oak barrels for 11 months. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of Bing cherry raspberry, redwood grove and sous-bois. Intense on the attack with mouth filling flavors of black cherry and black raspberry fruits. A decadent, powerful wine that is yet demure in character with oodles of persuasive fruit goodness fueled by spirited acidity and backed by invisible tannins. The finish is exceptional long and endowed with uncommon generosity. I tasted this wine throughout a day’s time and it never wavered in its showy character. Wow! Score: 96. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Cattleya Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.45, TA .66, 200 cases, $50. A blend of Old Wente Davis selections, clone 4 and 78 grown at vineyards located in the heart of the Santa Rosa plain. Bladder pressed. Full malolactic fermentation. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 85% neutral. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, pineapple and brioche are replicated in the flavors with added notes of golden apple, nutty oak and a hint of butter. Pleasingly creamy in the mouth, with a bright and lemon-fueled finish. Score: 90. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Cattleya Donum Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 50 cases, $70. Sourced from the oldest (37-years-old) vines at Donum, the West Slope. Roederer clone. 25% whole cluster. 5- day cold soak, fermented on skins for 18 days then barreled down. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Lovely nose offering aromas of exotic spices, fertile earth, dark chocolate and blackberry preserves. Silky and seductive in the mouth with impressive harmony, displaying mid weight flavors of darker cherry, black raspberry and pomegranate accompanied by a stealthy earthy tone and the slightest thread of oak. Well structured but integrated tannins with a noticeably long finish that ingratiates with pleasure. Score: 94. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Cattleya Pratt Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 65 cases, $70. Clone 15 (an old Wente clone). Native fermented and aged 16 months in French oak barrels 66% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromatically alive with scents of lemon oil, honey, toast, baking spice and caramel. Mouth filling flavors of lemon, golden apple, yellow grapefruit and toasty brioche in a discreetly rich style with inviting brightness, gracious texture, exquisite balance and a lasting finish. An seductive wine by all measures. Score: 94. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Cattleya Wines Cuvée Number One Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., very limited, unreleased. Sourced from Lakeview Vineyard in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Pommard and Dijon 115. Named after the successful first of many blending trials between both clones. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of black cherry, cassis and bark. Exceptionally refined in the mouth with a velvety texture, featuring mid weight flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and plum. Impeccable balance with involved but not intrusive fine-grain tannins. and an intensely endowed finish. A gregarious and toothsome wine that is meant to please. Score: 94. Reviewed February 5, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Cattleya Pratt Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 100 cases, $70. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A delightful wine that is very polished and hi-collar. Aromas of citrus, pear and spice carry over on the palate that adds integrated toasted oak flourishes and an acid-driven minerality that further elevates the wine. This wine has nothing out of place, is very easy to drink, and urges you to search for nuance. Score: 94. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Cattleya Wines Donum Vineyard Sonoma Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.65, 88 cases, $70. Roederer clone. 25% whole clusters. 5-day cold soak, fermented on the skins for 18 days, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Nicely perfumed, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and a deft touch of oak. Structured and somewhat bold, with earth-kissed flavors of black cherry and blackberry. The firm but polished tannins are nicely balanced by a laser beam of acidity propelling the finish. A classy wine that is built to age, and a proper salute to Carneros terroir. Score: 93. Reviewed February 5, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Cattleya Wines Pratt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.69, 101 cases, $70. Pratt Vineyard is one of Sonoma County’s premier Chardonnay vineyards, owned and farmed by Jim Pratt. The vineyard was planted in 2000, and this wine is sourced from 4 rows of clone 15 (Old Wente selection). Carefully hand sorted, gently pressed, native yeast fermented for 2 months, followed by 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Welcoming aromas of lemon pudding, pineapple and vanilla creme. Creamy and delicious on the palate, with flavors of pear, kiwi and grilled pineapple augmented by hints of butterscotch and nutty oak, offering impressive fruit expression, and sliding off the palate with aplomb at the finish. So beautifully composed, one is tempted to drink it all night. Score: 96. Reviewed February 5, 2016 ARTICLE »