Dec 30, 2022
Search This Site:
Pellegrini Wine Company
| Owner(s) | Aida Pellegrini, Alexia Pellegrini, Bob Pellegrini |
| Web site | www.pellegrinisonoma.com |
| Link to this site |
Bob Pellegrini planted the now heritage Olivet Lane Vineyard on Olivet Road in the Russian River Valley in 1975. The vineyard is located on the Santa Rosa Plain and is planted to 20 acres of Martini clone Pinot Noir and 40 acres of Wente clone Chardonnay. Arturo Robledo has managed the vineyard for over nine years.
The latest winemaker, Lynn Krusmann, joined Pellegrini in the summer of 2013. She has over twenty-five years of winemaking experience, having worked at Esterlina Vineyards for the prior three years and at Williams Selyem for six years before that. A University of California at Davis graduate, she also has made wine at Clos du Bois, Freemark Abbey, Robert Mondavi Winery and Cloudy Bay Wines.
The winery, which is adjacent to the Olivet Lane Vineyard, was designed by noted winemaker Merry Edwards and completed in 2001.
An Olivet Lane Estate Chardonnay was first released in the late 1970s and an Olivet Lane Estate Pinot Noir in the 1980s. Merry Edwards has made an Olivet Lane Vineyard designated Pinot Noir since 1997, and several other notable wineries have made distinguished wines from this vineyard including Williams Selyem, WesMar, Gary Farrel, Brogan Cellars, Kosta Browne and Paul Hobbs.
A dissent among family members regarding management of the winery led to the cessation of wine production at the winery after a 2009 Pinot Noir and 2010 Chardonnay, with all Olivet Lane Vineyard grapes going to Williams Selyem and Mary Edwards. By 2013, Robert and his direct family had assumed sole proprietorship and estate wine production resumed with the 2015 release of Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Pellegrini vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs. A Pellegrini Wine Company Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also sold, primarily for restaurant accounts.
The winery is open for tasting by appointment.
Articles About Pellegrini Wine Company
2015 California Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.23 12/27/2015)
Adventures Along the Pinot Trail, Part 3 (6.34 7/30/2007)
California Old Vine Pinot Noir Vineyards Sonoma/Napa Counties - H-Q (12.8 8/30/2020)
Memoirs of a Wine Trip Well-Taken (6.5 11/26/2006)
Mining for Good Under-$30 Pinot: Inflation Tamers (8.32 3/1/2011)
Olivet Lane Pinot Noir: Best Ever in 2007 (8.2 10/3/2009)
Pellegrini Olivet Lane Heritage Pinot Noir (6.41 10/4/2007)
Pellegrini Wine Co. Olivet Lane Vineyard (10.13 6/27/2015)
Pellegrini Wine Company & Olivet Lane Vineyard: New Incarnation of a Heritage Estate (10.8 4/20/2015)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.40 10/20/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.10 9/24/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers (9.43 7/19/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (& Chardonnay) (10.1 12/11/2014)
Some Current Russian River Valley Appellation Offerings (8.45 11/1/2011)
Tasting Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir (7.11 1/28/2009)
Reviewed Wines
2016 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Unoaked Chardonnay
14.1% alc., $24.
·
Moderately light
golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, white grape, honey and white blossoms are
echoed in the flavors in the mouth. Better over time in the glass with an appealingly smooth
mouthfeel. The wine is driven by lively acidity and finishes with a tight, citrus note (grapes on a
high wire).
Score: 90.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2016 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.31, TA 0.72, $65. 5-day cold soak,
14-day fermentation in open-top fermenters, and aged 14
months in French oak barrels, 35% new.
·
Moderate garnet
color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black
cherry, blackberry, spice and a hint of espresso. A
quintessential Martini clone Pinot Noir featuring mid-weight
flavors of dark Bing cherry, blackberry, cola and loads of
spice. The intensity of the fruit makes quite an impression
and the polished tannins make for easy drinking. The
lengthy finish is awash in vibrant fruit with just a hint of oak
tailing off at the end.
Score: 93.
Reviewed August 27, 2020
ARTICLE »
2015 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Unoaked Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.74, 2,137
cases, $22.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Fresh aromas of cut apple, lychee and
pear transition to flavors of apple, pear, grapefruit and nori on the palate. Very crisp and clean, with a
slightly creamy mouthfeel.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.54, 727 cases, $35.
·
Nicely perfumed with hi-tone aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, blackberry and spice. The mid
weight core of black cherry fruit pleases, as does the soothing mouthfeel. The oak overlay is a bit
prominent and the finish is rather modest, but this is a solid wine that will please at the table.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., $45.
·
Moderate golden yellow
color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, pineapple, spice, brioche and caramel. Rich and ripe in style with a rather
luscious core of citrus fruits set off by toasty oak and butter notes. The wine reflects the well-ripened, even
tropical fruit character found often in Russian River Valley Chardonnay.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Pellegrini Hurst Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $50.
·
Light garnet color in the
glass. The aromas of spice cabinet dried herbs and cherry draw you in. Elegant in composure, with lighter
weighted flavors of black cherry, blueberry and blackberry set off with appealing spice. A harmonious wine with
demure tannins, juicy acidity and a fruit-inspired finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Pellegrini Toboni Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50.
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of black fruits and oak spice with unique notes of haystack and
eucalyptus. Discreetly concentrated flavors of cherry, blueberry and blackberry framed by fine-grain tannins.
Satisfying, but a bit shallow on the mid palate and finish. Forward drinking with admirable balance.
Score: 89.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $65.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The
seductive perfume of spiced Bing cherry is remarkable. Delicious mid
weight core of black cherry, cola, anise, spice and toasty oak flavors
nicely teamed together. Forward drinking, with tame tannins, juicy
acidity and an enduring finish. A classic Russian River Valley Pinot
Noir.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $30.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in
the glass. Aromas of black cherry, black tea and smoky oak lead to a tasty core of ripe strawberry, cherry and
cola flavors accented with oak. Medium weighted with good balance and some finishing persistence. A solid
everyday drinker.
Score: 88.
Reviewed December 10, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.59, $45. Barrel
fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Light golden straw color in
the glass. An appealing discreetly rich wine, with effusive aromas and flavors of citrus, apple, white peach and
tropical fruits. Bright on the palate with mild viscosity, energetic acidity, admirable integration of oak, and
inviting length on an apple-driven finish.
Score: 92-93.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Pellegrini Hurst Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.53, 160
cases, $45. Vineyard is located in the far western reaches of Sebastopol. 100% Pommard clone.
Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the
glass. Enticing scents of black cherry, kirsch, flower shop and the slightest oak. Impressive
roundness and polish, with mid weight plus flavors of succulent dark fruits. The silky texture really
stands out in this special wine that is thoroughly enchanting.
Score: 93-94.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Pellegrini Toboni Oakwild Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.60, $45.
Vineyard is adjacent Olivet Lane Vineyard with same soils. Clones are Pommard and Dijon 115, 667 and 777.
Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of
savory dark fruits and sous-bois. Intense, sappy blackberry and cassis flavors with a meaty underpinning and
refined tannins. As it was somewhat brooding upon opening, we decanted this wine and the luscious fruit really
emerged with a boisterous statement.
Score: 91-92.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.54, 300 cases, $65.
100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated with Assmannhausen yeast, aged 14 months in 100% French
oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas unfold nicely over time in the
glass, revealing notes of Bing cherry, spice and sweet oak. The mid-weight cherry core is juicy and mouth
filling accented with hints of cola, mocha and spice, framed by silky tannins. A load of cherry goodness really
hangs on to the long and expansive finish.
Score: 92-93.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.64, $30.
Grapes were sourced from two vineyards in the southwestern corner of the Russian River
Valley AVA. 20% whole cluster, 4-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months
in 33% new French oak.
·
Moderately deep reddish purple color in the glass. The nose
draws you in with aromas of cherry, cranberry and baking spices. Very bright, flavorful and
appealing, with mid weight flavors of cherries, cola, sarsaparilla, and spice. Forwarddrinking
and nicely balanced with submerged tannins and a moderately long and intense finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2009 Pellegrini Family Vineyards Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4%
alc., $28.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. A mix of red and black stone fruits and
berries on the nose and palate with an underpinning of earth, anise and leaf, reflecting nicely this
unique terroir and clonal combination. Soft in the mouth, finishing with a dry, mildly tannic finish.
More enticing over time in the glass. Good (+).
Reviewed November 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.93% alc., $28. 49% Occidental
Road, 33% Burnside Road, 14% BCD and 4% Pierres vineyards.
·
Bright Bing cherry and fresh strawberry
aromas with whiffs of oak and dark chocolate. Discreetly intense red cherry and red berry flavors with a slight
confected (Red Vines), earthy, and dark chocolate undertone. Reserved, fine-grain tannins. Well-crafted, but
only of moderate flavor interest. Decent (+).
Reviewed March 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate Reserve Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 168 cases, to
be released in 2010. Packaged in a heavier, taller bottle which
makes a statement. More new oak aging than the regular Estate
bottling.
·
This is a more decadent version of the estate wine. The fruit
intensity is ramped up on the nose offering a melange of dark red
cherries and berries with a hint of spice and a subtle floral scent.
Delicious red plum and black cherry flavors expand in the mouth, showing a
mild firmness, density and chewiness, yet still retaining a silky sensuality. A
very polished wine that is beautifully crafted and approachable now although
patience will bring even more rewards. Definitely worth the reserve
designation and the best Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate bottling to date.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 3, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pellegrini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH
3.48, 2,600 cases, $35, now released. Aged 16 months in
33% new French oak, mainly Francois Freres and
Rousseau.
·
Moderately deep reddish-purple robe.
Intoxicating nose right out of the bottle showing off bright
Bing cherry, a hint of strawberry jam on toast and the faintest oak. The
enticing medium-bodied core of red fruits are touched with citric peel and
sweet oak. The wine flows like silk over the palate, offering vim and vigor
from the refreshing acidity. Soft tannins make for easy current drinkability,
but this can age.
Score: 90.
Reviewed October 3, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate Bottled Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $36.
·
Bright crimson robe. Pleasing aromas of
red Pinot fruits, especially Bing cherry, oak spice and vanilla. Cherry driven
juicy flavors pushing ripeness to the edge with a hint of raisin and
roasted fruit. Easy to drink with fine-grained tannins and a refreshingly
clean finish.
Reviewed January 28, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $36. 10% whole clusters placed with remainder of the de-stemmed
fruit and lightly crushed. After a 3 day cold maceration, the
vats were inoculated with a selected strain of yeast. Fermentation
lasted 12 days with traditional hand punch downs. Aged 11 months in a
combination of French and Eastern European oak, 33% new.
·
Sensuous aromatics featuring Bing
cherry, anise, toast and strawberry. The core of red fruits is tasty and forward but elegant in presentation.
The wine is supple in the mouth with pleasing persistence and has a refreshing acid lift on the finish. Impeccable
balance. Ready to drink now, it will remain a really lovely wine over time. With a comfortable
price point, this is one to buy by the case.
Reviewed October 4, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $30.
·
Pretty flashy, with aromas of earth, leather and
spiced black cherries. Styled with finesse over fruit heaviness and great
verve. So juicy and tasty you will want to “nibble” at it.
Reviewed October 4, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Olivet Lane Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
$30.
·
This is a fine go-to Pinot
Noir that is often priced several dollars less than suggested retail. The wine
is not over-bearing or tiresome to drink and compliments food nicely. The
cherry fruit is of great breeding and the ethereal style is appealing.
Reviewed July 30, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
$30 Kevin loves working
with Olivet Lane fruit for he says the wine makes itself; no tricks,
additives, modifications required. 10% whole clusters used. Aged 11
months in French and Eastern European oak, 33% new.
·
This has been in bottle
only a short time so will only get better. Still, it is pretty flashy already, with
aromas of earth, leather, and spiced black cherries. This is a Pinot that has
finesse over fruit heaviness and great verve and style. It is a little showier than
the 2004. So juicy and tasty you want to ‘nibble’ at it.
Reviewed November 26, 2006
ARTICLE »
2004 Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 2,900 cases, $24
·
This Pinot has an attractive
nose of herbs, cola, spice and cherries. Flavors of dried fruit, herbs and cherry-pie filling are linger
on the finish which has plenty of zip and zing. As Mick Jagger would say, “It’s only Pinot Noir, but I like
it!”
Reviewed November 26, 2006
ARTICLE »
2016 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Unoaked Chardonnay
14.1% alc., $24. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, white grape, honey and white blossoms are echoed in the flavors in the mouth. Better over time in the glass with an appealingly smooth mouthfeel. The wine is driven by lively acidity and finishes with a tight, citrus note (grapes on a high wire). Score: 90. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2016 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.31, TA 0.72, $65. 5-day cold soak, 14-day fermentation in open-top fermenters, and aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spice and a hint of espresso. A quintessential Martini clone Pinot Noir featuring mid-weight flavors of dark Bing cherry, blackberry, cola and loads of spice. The intensity of the fruit makes quite an impression and the polished tannins make for easy drinking. The lengthy finish is awash in vibrant fruit with just a hint of oak tailing off at the end. Score: 93. Reviewed August 27, 2020 ARTICLE »
2015 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Unoaked Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.74, 2,137 cases, $22. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Fresh aromas of cut apple, lychee and pear transition to flavors of apple, pear, grapefruit and nori on the palate. Very crisp and clean, with a slightly creamy mouthfeel. Score: 91. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.54, 727 cases, $35. · Nicely perfumed with hi-tone aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, blackberry and spice. The mid weight core of black cherry fruit pleases, as does the soothing mouthfeel. The oak overlay is a bit prominent and the finish is rather modest, but this is a solid wine that will please at the table. Score: 89. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., $45. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, pineapple, spice, brioche and caramel. Rich and ripe in style with a rather luscious core of citrus fruits set off by toasty oak and butter notes. The wine reflects the well-ripened, even tropical fruit character found often in Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Score: 92. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Pellegrini Hurst Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $50. · Light garnet color in the glass. The aromas of spice cabinet dried herbs and cherry draw you in. Elegant in composure, with lighter weighted flavors of black cherry, blueberry and blackberry set off with appealing spice. A harmonious wine with demure tannins, juicy acidity and a fruit-inspired finish. Score: 92. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Pellegrini Toboni Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of black fruits and oak spice with unique notes of haystack and eucalyptus. Discreetly concentrated flavors of cherry, blueberry and blackberry framed by fine-grain tannins. Satisfying, but a bit shallow on the mid palate and finish. Forward drinking with admirable balance. Score: 89. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $65. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The seductive perfume of spiced Bing cherry is remarkable. Delicious mid weight core of black cherry, cola, anise, spice and toasty oak flavors nicely teamed together. Forward drinking, with tame tannins, juicy acidity and an enduring finish. A classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $30. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, black tea and smoky oak lead to a tasty core of ripe strawberry, cherry and cola flavors accented with oak. Medium weighted with good balance and some finishing persistence. A solid everyday drinker. Score: 88. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.59, $45. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light golden straw color in the glass. An appealing discreetly rich wine, with effusive aromas and flavors of citrus, apple, white peach and tropical fruits. Bright on the palate with mild viscosity, energetic acidity, admirable integration of oak, and inviting length on an apple-driven finish. Score: 92-93. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Pellegrini Hurst Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.53, 160 cases, $45. Vineyard is located in the far western reaches of Sebastopol. 100% Pommard clone. Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing scents of black cherry, kirsch, flower shop and the slightest oak. Impressive roundness and polish, with mid weight plus flavors of succulent dark fruits. The silky texture really stands out in this special wine that is thoroughly enchanting. Score: 93-94. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Pellegrini Toboni Oakwild Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.60, $45. Vineyard is adjacent Olivet Lane Vineyard with same soils. Clones are Pommard and Dijon 115, 667 and 777. Aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of savory dark fruits and sous-bois. Intense, sappy blackberry and cassis flavors with a meaty underpinning and refined tannins. As it was somewhat brooding upon opening, we decanted this wine and the luscious fruit really emerged with a boisterous statement. Score: 91-92. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.54, 300 cases, $65. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated with Assmannhausen yeast, aged 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas unfold nicely over time in the glass, revealing notes of Bing cherry, spice and sweet oak. The mid-weight cherry core is juicy and mouth filling accented with hints of cola, mocha and spice, framed by silky tannins. A load of cherry goodness really hangs on to the long and expansive finish. Score: 92-93. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Pellegrini Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.64, $30. Grapes were sourced from two vineyards in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley AVA. 20% whole cluster, 4-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in 33% new French oak. · Moderately deep reddish purple color in the glass. The nose draws you in with aromas of cherry, cranberry and baking spices. Very bright, flavorful and appealing, with mid weight flavors of cherries, cola, sarsaparilla, and spice. Forwarddrinking and nicely balanced with submerged tannins and a moderately long and intense finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2009 Pellegrini Family Vineyards Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $28. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. A mix of red and black stone fruits and berries on the nose and palate with an underpinning of earth, anise and leaf, reflecting nicely this unique terroir and clonal combination. Soft in the mouth, finishing with a dry, mildly tannic finish. More enticing over time in the glass. Good (+). Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.93% alc., $28. 49% Occidental Road, 33% Burnside Road, 14% BCD and 4% Pierres vineyards. · Bright Bing cherry and fresh strawberry aromas with whiffs of oak and dark chocolate. Discreetly intense red cherry and red berry flavors with a slight confected (Red Vines), earthy, and dark chocolate undertone. Reserved, fine-grain tannins. Well-crafted, but only of moderate flavor interest. Decent (+). Reviewed March 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate Reserve Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 168 cases, to be released in 2010. Packaged in a heavier, taller bottle which makes a statement. More new oak aging than the regular Estate bottling. · This is a more decadent version of the estate wine. The fruit intensity is ramped up on the nose offering a melange of dark red cherries and berries with a hint of spice and a subtle floral scent. Delicious red plum and black cherry flavors expand in the mouth, showing a mild firmness, density and chewiness, yet still retaining a silky sensuality. A very polished wine that is beautifully crafted and approachable now although patience will bring even more rewards. Definitely worth the reserve designation and the best Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate bottling to date. Score: 92. Reviewed October 3, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pellegrini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.48, 2,600 cases, $35, now released. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak, mainly Francois Freres and Rousseau. · Moderately deep reddish-purple robe. Intoxicating nose right out of the bottle showing off bright Bing cherry, a hint of strawberry jam on toast and the faintest oak. The enticing medium-bodied core of red fruits are touched with citric peel and sweet oak. The wine flows like silk over the palate, offering vim and vigor from the refreshing acidity. Soft tannins make for easy current drinkability, but this can age. Score: 90. Reviewed October 3, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Olivet Lane Vineyard Estate Bottled Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $36. · Bright crimson robe. Pleasing aromas of red Pinot fruits, especially Bing cherry, oak spice and vanilla. Cherry driven juicy flavors pushing ripeness to the edge with a hint of raisin and roasted fruit. Easy to drink with fine-grained tannins and a refreshingly clean finish. Reviewed January 28, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $36. 10% whole clusters placed with remainder of the de-stemmed fruit and lightly crushed. After a 3 day cold maceration, the vats were inoculated with a selected strain of yeast. Fermentation lasted 12 days with traditional hand punch downs. Aged 11 months in a combination of French and Eastern European oak, 33% new. · Sensuous aromatics featuring Bing cherry, anise, toast and strawberry. The core of red fruits is tasty and forward but elegant in presentation. The wine is supple in the mouth with pleasing persistence and has a refreshing acid lift on the finish. Impeccable balance. Ready to drink now, it will remain a really lovely wine over time. With a comfortable price point, this is one to buy by the case. Reviewed October 4, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Olivet Lane Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $30. · Pretty flashy, with aromas of earth, leather and spiced black cherries. Styled with finesse over fruit heaviness and great verve. So juicy and tasty you will want to “nibble” at it. Reviewed October 4, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Olivet Lane Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
$30. · This is a fine go-to Pinot Noir that is often priced several dollars less than suggested retail. The wine is not over-bearing or tiresome to drink and compliments food nicely. The cherry fruit is of great breeding and the ethereal style is appealing. Reviewed July 30, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
$30 Kevin loves working with Olivet Lane fruit for he says the wine makes itself; no tricks, additives, modifications required. 10% whole clusters used. Aged 11 months in French and Eastern European oak, 33% new. · This has been in bottle only a short time so will only get better. Still, it is pretty flashy already, with aromas of earth, leather, and spiced black cherries. This is a Pinot that has finesse over fruit heaviness and great verve and style. It is a little showier than the 2004. So juicy and tasty you want to ‘nibble’ at it. Reviewed November 26, 2006 ARTICLE »
2004 Olivet Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 2,900 cases, $24 · This Pinot has an attractive nose of herbs, cola, spice and cherries. Flavors of dried fruit, herbs and cherry-pie filling are linger on the finish which has plenty of zip and zing. As Mick Jagger would say, “It’s only Pinot Noir, but I like it!” Reviewed November 26, 2006 ARTICLE »