Dec 30, 2022
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Scherrer Winery
| Owner(s) | Fred Scherrer |
| Web site | www.scherrerwinery.com |
| Link to this site |
For nearly 20 years, Fred Scherrer has been vinifying Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. A University of California at Davis graduate, he was the winemaker at Dehlinger Winery for ten years before striking out on his own in 1998. His winemaking guidelines for Pinot Noir are: “Be patient. Let the fruit speak. Listen. Touch lightly. Watch closely. Listen.” This formula has worked well for him and his wines are sold to an enthusiastic mailing list.
Fred is not big on publicity or marketing. His fans have been trying to talk him into updating his label to something more hip and flashy. If you meet Fred, you will understand his passion for winemaking supersedes any need for notoriety. He finally succumbed to the pressure and had a new modern label created for the 2005 vintage. The old label emphasized the varietal within, the new label puts Fred’s name front and center. Be assured, Fred will not let it go to his head. His winery has no signage and is housed in an undistinguished metal building.
The wines, which include Chardonnay, Rose and Zinfandel, are sold primarily through a mailing list with limited retail sales. Tasting by appointment.
Articles About Scherrer Winery
2015 California Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.23 12/27/2015)
2017 California Chardonnay All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
Adventures Along the Pinot Trail, Part 3 (6.34 7/30/2007)
Along the Pinot Trail in California: Part 2 - North Coast & Other (9.8 6/24/2012)
Fog Makes Pinot in the Russian River Valley (7.5 11/2/2008)
On the Pinot Event Trail (9.3 2/22/2012)
Pinots of Distinction (8.40 6/30/2011)
Scherrer Pinot Noir Rocks (7.9 1/1/2009)
Scherrer Winery (10.21 11/22/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.13 11/12/2017)
Small Sips of Pinot (6.58 5/7/2008)
Tasting Scherrer Pinot Vertically (8.14 4/23/2010)
Reviewed Wines
2015 Scherrer Helfer Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 140 cases, $50. Released
November 2017. Vineyard is located in the Vine Hill area of
the Russian River Valley. The vines are densely planted and
must be hand cultivated.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in
the glass. Noble aromas of green apple, honey, spice and
ginger. Delicious flavors of lemon, lychee, apple,
honeycomb, toast and caramel in a robustly fruited style with a slightly
creamy texture and some finishing persistence. Year in and year out
one of Russian River Valley’s best Chardonnays, yet lightly recognized.
Score: 95.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 1,190 cases, $50. Released November 2017.
Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing perfume of dark pie cherries and spice.
Tasteful cherry core with good length and finishing persistence. Refreshing, sleek and polished, with gossamer
tannins, brotherly oak, and a riff of cherry cola on the finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Scherrer Helfer Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 160 cases, $48.
·
Moderate golden
yellow hue in the glass. Lovely scent of peach, pear, lemon drop,
buttery brioche, vanilla and floral bouquet. Bright and lush flavors
of lemon, peach, and complimentary oak, with a welcome cut of
acidity adding vibrancy and producing a palate cleansing, citrus-fueled
finish. Similar to the 2012 vintage, but with a slightly better
marriage of fruit and oak, and more riveting fruit flavors.
Score: 94.
Reviewed November 22, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Scherrer Hallberg Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 48 cases,
$75. Released November 2017.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, pomegranate,
exotic spices and burnt tobacco (suggesting some whole cluster). A middleweight style with welcome elegance,
offering flavors of black cherry, strawberry and pomegranate with noticeable smoky oak in the background,
Nicely balanced with a pleasurable and extended finish. This wine grows on you the more you sample it, and
was even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93.
Reviewed November 12, 2017
ARTICLE »
2012 Scherrer Helfer Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 117 cases, $48. Released November 2014. This densely planted vineyard is located in the Vine Hill
area. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Clean and fresh, with inviting aromas
of lemon curd, nectarine and buttery brioche. Vibrant, complex and flavorful, featuring tastes of lemon, yellow
peach, apple, caramel, toast and spice. A quintessential Russian River Valley Chardonnay that offers plenty of
fruit goodness, but is not overblown or weighty.
Score: 93.
Reviewed November 22, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $48. Released October 2015. Unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice and a hint of tar lead to
tasty, mid weight flavors of black cherry, purple berries, spice and a touch of herbs and red hard candy. Layers
of goodness with balanced, slightly gravely tannins, and a succulent finish. Notably complex for an appellation
wine.
Score: 90.
Reviewed November 22, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Scherrer ‘Big Brother’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., 140 cases, $55. Released July 2015. A blend of fruit from a
vineyard in Annapolis and one in Bodega.
·
Moderate reddish
purple color in the glass. Charming aromas of cherry, rose, and
sous-bois. Intensely flavored yet has the comportment of a
ballerina on the palate, with luscious flavors of perfectly ripened
dark red cherries and berries wrapped in suave tannins.
Impeccably balanced with a charge of cherry extract on the persistent
finish. Perfect to drink now, but this wine has the structure and harmony
to age beautifully. I recently (mid-2015) consumed a 2007 vintage ‘Big
Brother’ and it still had many years of life ahead.
Score: 94.
Reviewed November 22, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Scherrer Hallberg Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,48 cases,
$75. Released October 2015. Fruit from this vineyard is the normal backbone of the Russian River Valley
bottling.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A haunting wine, with intense mid weight plus flavors
of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice, dried herbs and a hint of tarry oak. An underlying citric edge brings the
juicy fruit alive. Impressive length on the palate and the lush finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 22, 2015
ARTICLE »
2008 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 620 cases, $40. Essentially from the Green
Valley appellation. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose
unfolds slowly in the glass, reaching a crescendo in about 45 minutes, featuring fresh Bing cherries and red
berries with a hint of spice. Light on first taste, picking up intensity over time in the glass. Brighter and fresher
than the 2007 vintage with more red fruits featured. The tannins are supple making for easy drinking. The
wine finishes with a bit of spice and orange peel, and refreshing acidity. Very good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Scherrer Platt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,
185 cases, $75. Released November 2011. Joan and Lew Platt planted
this vineyard overlooking the town of Bodega. A very cool site that
escaped the summer wildfire issues.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Subdued aromas of dark red cherries with a hint of tea leaf and
oak. The fruit really pops on the palate with vibrant exuberance. Flavors
of black cherries, blueberries and black raspberries elevated by a lively cut of
acidity. Moderately rich and beautifully balanced. Needs time to open in the
glass. Built for the long haul (available in magnums which should easily last 15
years).
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2007 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $32. Unfined
and unfiltered.
·
Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely
appointed nose with aromas of black cherries, dried rose petals, frambiose and
Moroccan spices. The aromas are strikingly fruity and become more spiced
over time in the glass. Rich core of black cherries, dark strawberries, black
raspberries, with baking spice and herbs in the background, framed by supple
tannins. The flamboyant finish clings to the palate. A voluptuous wine from a
superb vintage that has staying power in the glass and is hard to resist.
Source: website, mailing list, retail. Very good.
Reviewed July 1, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $36. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark
reddish-purple color in the glass. Dark cherries are the featured fruit on the nose with hints of balsam, spice
and smoky oak. Moderately intense array of black cherry, and black raspberry flavors with supple tannins and
some length on the finish which leaves a trace of heat in its wake. This bottle seems a bit tired at this stage.
Good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2007 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $40.
·
Shy
nose sporting Bing cherries, spice and smoky oak. Gorgeous core of
fruit including cherries, boysenberries and plums with a faint note of
citrus peel in the background, wrapped in ripe, dry tannins and kissed by
oak. The fruit has plenty of pop and pizzazz and although this wine is
very good now, it will be stunning in another five years if you have
patience.
Reviewed April 23, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Scherrer “Big Brother” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 160 cases, $50. A blend from a
vineyard in Annapolis and another in Bodega, the name comes from the generosity of the wine, yet
retains a delicacy typical of Pinot Noir.
·
Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Multiple aromas pop up
over time including black cherry, spiced plum, sassafras, wine cellar and new oak. Packed with fruit but
slinky and easy to cozy up to. Flavors of black cherries, boysenberries, sassafras and smoky oak,
supported by silky tannins, finishing smooth and clean. Impeccable balance.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2006 Scherrer Winery Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $35.
·
Lightly colored.
Nicely woven aromas of cherries, oak and brown spice. Tasty cherry core with a faint echo
of earthiness and oak and a pristine freshness. Not a wimpy entry level Pinot, the wine has
a decent mid palate richness. Perfectly fine for what it is and a wine that you can enjoy
every night at the dinner table. My wife loved the cherry high notes and bought a case of
half-bottles.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $40.
·
Darker fruits are featured in this wine with
scents of blackberry jam, dark chocolate, pears and oak. Ripe black cherry essence with a riff of roasted nuts
and a grip of grapefruit peel on the finish. Tannins are fine-grain and restrained. Good.
Reviewed April 23, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Scherrers Winery “Big Brother” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 420 cases, $50. Named for
its darker fruits and generosity. Blended from a vineyard in Annapolis and one in Bodega Bay.
·
Exotic and
intoxicating aromas of wild berries and spice box. Lovely berry flavors with some earthy notes and a faint note
of citrus peel lurking in the background. Plenty of fruit, yet stylish and nimble. Harmonious and flawless with
supple tannins and decent persistence. No rush to drink this one.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Winery Vin Gris
350 cases, $14. A blend of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel fermented in neutral
barrels.
·
Still hanging in there. Roseate, persimmon and vibrant acidity. Fairly plush mouth feel.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Winery Old Vine Zinfandel
890 cases, $30. Vinified more like Pinot Noir, essentially receiving
the same winemaking treatment. The result is Zin for Pinot lovers. Plenty of acidity and not flabby or alcoholic.
·
Smooth and velvety, brimming with red and black fruits and a touch of pepper. The tannins are not in sight and
you can almost drink this like beer.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
$32. This wine comes from vineyards located in both Goldridge
Series soils producing red fruit and orange peel components and
clay soils offering deep black cherry flavors. Unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Potent aromas of ripe cherries, cola, caramel and
baking spices that are intoxicating and never fade or tire in the
glass. Tasty black cherry flavor with soft tannins, well-integrated
oak, and a tangerine peel tang on the refreshing finish. A wine with seamless
texture that is immensely satisfying. Like a bimbo that draws you in with perfume
and seduces you with silk. Fred Scherrer knows Pinot and his wines are always sensibly priced. The best
Russian River Valley bottling ever for Scherrer.
Reviewed November 2, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Winery Helfer Vineyard Chardonnay
140 cases, $36.
·
Plenty of acid grip now with notes of
citrus, minerals and pears. Not even close to its best drinkability window.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $39. Primarily from
fruit grown in Goldridge soils. New label.
·
Lovely scents of red fruits, vanilla, root
beer and a subtle touch of alcohol. Wood-kissed, the wine offers racy red stone fruits,
a little earthiness, a solid acid core, and fine-grain tannins which hold everything together.
Fred Scherrer knows Pinot and his wines are as reliable as you can find.
Reviewed May 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Winery Bliss Vineyard Syrah
90 cases, $40. Last bottling as the vineyard was sold to
Lynmar Winery.
·
An elegant Syrah brimming with dark red and blue fruit, grilled meat and a typical silky Pinot
Noir mouth feel.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2004 Scherrer Winery Sonoma County Pinot Noir
730 cases, $24.
·
Rhubarb, red cherry and toast in
the nose, red fruits, cola and root beer on the palate. Nice little kick of spice on the back end.
Reviewed July 30, 2007
ARTICLE »
2004 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
800 cases, $26.
·
Woodsy aromatics featuring
mushrooms and wet earth, and flavors of black berries and spice.
Reviewed July 30, 2007
ARTICLE »
2003 Scherrer Winery Helfer Vineyard Chardonnay
45 cases, $35. The Helfer Vineyard is located in the
Vine Hill area of the Russian River Valley. Originally a Pinot Noir vineyard, it has been grafted over to a
selection of Chardonnay budwood that came from Kistler, the vineyard’s neighbor just across Vine Hill Road.
The vineyard has densely planted vines that require hand cultivation and yield more concentrated fruit than by
traditional California vine spacing. The wines from this vineyard need several years to reach their potential.
Unfined an unfiltered.
·
This wine has really come together and is drinking beautifully. Tasty citrus, a little butter,
a hint of oak, and a smooth and silky texture.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2003 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $47.
·
Opens beautifully in the glass over
time revealing aromas of Bing cherries, baking spices and toast. Delicate core of dark red cherry and berry
fruit with a toasty oak overlay. A demure wine with supple tannins and an appealing velvety texture. Good.
Reviewed April 23, 2010
ARTICLE »
2002 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 860 cases, $35.
·
Secondary bouquet of
cigar box and good funk joined by dark cherries, red berries and spice. Mildly oaked black cherry and cola
flavors with a healthy bolt of oak on the slightly astringent and dry finish. The wine has a nicely aged patina
with gossamer tannins.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2002 Scherrer Winery Ft. Ross Vineyard ‘High Slopes’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 210 cases,
$38. From some of the highest elevations in this coastal vineyard where the vines struggle. The wine tends to
be tightly structured demanding the use of a high percentage of new barrels. An assemblage of the most
harmonious barrels. Unfined, unfiltered.
·
Fabulous nose of black cherries and black currants with a touch of
allspice. Still a big wine with earth-kissed berry and cassis flavors and noticeable dry tannins. I would
recommend drinking this with hearty food.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2001 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $47.
·
Bouquet of forest floor, pepper and seasoned oak. Tasty essence of cherries
and berries with a hint of juicy fruit and citric peel. Soft in the mouth with
welcoming fruit intensity, bright acidity and very soft tannins. Very good.
Reviewed April 23, 2010
ARTICLE »
2000 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $47.
·
Retains a moderately dark color. Bright aromas of black cherries, pepper, cigar
box, marzipan and oak. Juicy flavors of cherries, plums, tea and a subtle note of
citrus peel. Beautiful aged patina with a very smooth texture. If you like aged
Pinot Noir, this is your cup of tea. Very good.
Reviewed April 23, 2010
ARTICLE »
2015 Scherrer Helfer Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 140 cases, $50. Released November 2017. Vineyard is located in the Vine Hill area of the Russian River Valley. The vines are densely planted and must be hand cultivated. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Noble aromas of green apple, honey, spice and ginger. Delicious flavors of lemon, lychee, apple, honeycomb, toast and caramel in a robustly fruited style with a slightly creamy texture and some finishing persistence. Year in and year out one of Russian River Valley’s best Chardonnays, yet lightly recognized. Score: 95. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 1,190 cases, $50. Released November 2017. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing perfume of dark pie cherries and spice. Tasteful cherry core with good length and finishing persistence. Refreshing, sleek and polished, with gossamer tannins, brotherly oak, and a riff of cherry cola on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Scherrer Helfer Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 160 cases, $48. · Moderate golden yellow hue in the glass. Lovely scent of peach, pear, lemon drop, buttery brioche, vanilla and floral bouquet. Bright and lush flavors of lemon, peach, and complimentary oak, with a welcome cut of acidity adding vibrancy and producing a palate cleansing, citrus-fueled finish. Similar to the 2012 vintage, but with a slightly better marriage of fruit and oak, and more riveting fruit flavors. Score: 94. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Scherrer Hallberg Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 48 cases, $75. Released November 2017. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, exotic spices and burnt tobacco (suggesting some whole cluster). A middleweight style with welcome elegance, offering flavors of black cherry, strawberry and pomegranate with noticeable smoky oak in the background, Nicely balanced with a pleasurable and extended finish. This wine grows on you the more you sample it, and was even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »
2012 Scherrer Helfer Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 117 cases, $48. Released November 2014. This densely planted vineyard is located in the Vine Hill area. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Clean and fresh, with inviting aromas of lemon curd, nectarine and buttery brioche. Vibrant, complex and flavorful, featuring tastes of lemon, yellow peach, apple, caramel, toast and spice. A quintessential Russian River Valley Chardonnay that offers plenty of fruit goodness, but is not overblown or weighty. Score: 93. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $48. Released October 2015. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice and a hint of tar lead to tasty, mid weight flavors of black cherry, purple berries, spice and a touch of herbs and red hard candy. Layers of goodness with balanced, slightly gravely tannins, and a succulent finish. Notably complex for an appellation wine. Score: 90. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Scherrer ‘Big Brother’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 140 cases, $55. Released July 2015. A blend of fruit from a vineyard in Annapolis and one in Bodega. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Charming aromas of cherry, rose, and sous-bois. Intensely flavored yet has the comportment of a ballerina on the palate, with luscious flavors of perfectly ripened dark red cherries and berries wrapped in suave tannins. Impeccably balanced with a charge of cherry extract on the persistent finish. Perfect to drink now, but this wine has the structure and harmony to age beautifully. I recently (mid-2015) consumed a 2007 vintage ‘Big Brother’ and it still had many years of life ahead. Score: 94. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Scherrer Hallberg Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,48 cases, $75. Released October 2015. Fruit from this vineyard is the normal backbone of the Russian River Valley bottling. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A haunting wine, with intense mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice, dried herbs and a hint of tarry oak. An underlying citric edge brings the juicy fruit alive. Impressive length on the palate and the lush finish. Score: 92. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »
2008 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 620 cases, $40. Essentially from the Green Valley appellation. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose unfolds slowly in the glass, reaching a crescendo in about 45 minutes, featuring fresh Bing cherries and red berries with a hint of spice. Light on first taste, picking up intensity over time in the glass. Brighter and fresher than the 2007 vintage with more red fruits featured. The tannins are supple making for easy drinking. The wine finishes with a bit of spice and orange peel, and refreshing acidity. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Scherrer Platt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 185 cases, $75. Released November 2011. Joan and Lew Platt planted this vineyard overlooking the town of Bodega. A very cool site that escaped the summer wildfire issues. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued aromas of dark red cherries with a hint of tea leaf and oak. The fruit really pops on the palate with vibrant exuberance. Flavors of black cherries, blueberries and black raspberries elevated by a lively cut of acidity. Moderately rich and beautifully balanced. Needs time to open in the glass. Built for the long haul (available in magnums which should easily last 15 years). Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2007 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $32. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely appointed nose with aromas of black cherries, dried rose petals, frambiose and Moroccan spices. The aromas are strikingly fruity and become more spiced over time in the glass. Rich core of black cherries, dark strawberries, black raspberries, with baking spice and herbs in the background, framed by supple tannins. The flamboyant finish clings to the palate. A voluptuous wine from a superb vintage that has staying power in the glass and is hard to resist. Source: website, mailing list, retail. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $36. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Dark cherries are the featured fruit on the nose with hints of balsam, spice and smoky oak. Moderately intense array of black cherry, and black raspberry flavors with supple tannins and some length on the finish which leaves a trace of heat in its wake. This bottle seems a bit tired at this stage. Good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2007 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $40. · Shy nose sporting Bing cherries, spice and smoky oak. Gorgeous core of fruit including cherries, boysenberries and plums with a faint note of citrus peel in the background, wrapped in ripe, dry tannins and kissed by oak. The fruit has plenty of pop and pizzazz and although this wine is very good now, it will be stunning in another five years if you have patience. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Scherrer “Big Brother” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 160 cases, $50. A blend from a vineyard in Annapolis and another in Bodega, the name comes from the generosity of the wine, yet retains a delicacy typical of Pinot Noir. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Multiple aromas pop up over time including black cherry, spiced plum, sassafras, wine cellar and new oak. Packed with fruit but slinky and easy to cozy up to. Flavors of black cherries, boysenberries, sassafras and smoky oak, supported by silky tannins, finishing smooth and clean. Impeccable balance. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2006 Scherrer Winery Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $35. · Lightly colored. Nicely woven aromas of cherries, oak and brown spice. Tasty cherry core with a faint echo of earthiness and oak and a pristine freshness. Not a wimpy entry level Pinot, the wine has a decent mid palate richness. Perfectly fine for what it is and a wine that you can enjoy every night at the dinner table. My wife loved the cherry high notes and bought a case of half-bottles. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $40. · Darker fruits are featured in this wine with scents of blackberry jam, dark chocolate, pears and oak. Ripe black cherry essence with a riff of roasted nuts and a grip of grapefruit peel on the finish. Tannins are fine-grain and restrained. Good. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Scherrers Winery “Big Brother” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 420 cases, $50. Named for its darker fruits and generosity. Blended from a vineyard in Annapolis and one in Bodega Bay. · Exotic and intoxicating aromas of wild berries and spice box. Lovely berry flavors with some earthy notes and a faint note of citrus peel lurking in the background. Plenty of fruit, yet stylish and nimble. Harmonious and flawless with supple tannins and decent persistence. No rush to drink this one. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Winery Vin Gris
350 cases, $14. A blend of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel fermented in neutral barrels. · Still hanging in there. Roseate, persimmon and vibrant acidity. Fairly plush mouth feel. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Winery Old Vine Zinfandel
890 cases, $30. Vinified more like Pinot Noir, essentially receiving the same winemaking treatment. The result is Zin for Pinot lovers. Plenty of acidity and not flabby or alcoholic. · Smooth and velvety, brimming with red and black fruits and a touch of pepper. The tannins are not in sight and you can almost drink this like beer. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $32. This wine comes from vineyards located in both Goldridge Series soils producing red fruit and orange peel components and clay soils offering deep black cherry flavors. Unfined and unfiltered. · Potent aromas of ripe cherries, cola, caramel and baking spices that are intoxicating and never fade or tire in the glass. Tasty black cherry flavor with soft tannins, well-integrated oak, and a tangerine peel tang on the refreshing finish. A wine with seamless texture that is immensely satisfying. Like a bimbo that draws you in with perfume and seduces you with silk. Fred Scherrer knows Pinot and his wines are always sensibly priced. The best Russian River Valley bottling ever for Scherrer. Reviewed November 2, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Winery Helfer Vineyard Chardonnay
140 cases, $36. · Plenty of acid grip now with notes of citrus, minerals and pears. Not even close to its best drinkability window. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $39. Primarily from fruit grown in Goldridge soils. New label. · Lovely scents of red fruits, vanilla, root beer and a subtle touch of alcohol. Wood-kissed, the wine offers racy red stone fruits, a little earthiness, a solid acid core, and fine-grain tannins which hold everything together. Fred Scherrer knows Pinot and his wines are as reliable as you can find. Reviewed May 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Scherrer Winery Bliss Vineyard Syrah
90 cases, $40. Last bottling as the vineyard was sold to Lynmar Winery. · An elegant Syrah brimming with dark red and blue fruit, grilled meat and a typical silky Pinot Noir mouth feel. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2004 Scherrer Winery Sonoma County Pinot Noir
730 cases, $24. · Rhubarb, red cherry and toast in the nose, red fruits, cola and root beer on the palate. Nice little kick of spice on the back end. Reviewed July 30, 2007 ARTICLE »
2004 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
800 cases, $26. · Woodsy aromatics featuring mushrooms and wet earth, and flavors of black berries and spice. Reviewed July 30, 2007 ARTICLE »
2003 Scherrer Winery Helfer Vineyard Chardonnay
45 cases, $35. The Helfer Vineyard is located in the Vine Hill area of the Russian River Valley. Originally a Pinot Noir vineyard, it has been grafted over to a selection of Chardonnay budwood that came from Kistler, the vineyard’s neighbor just across Vine Hill Road. The vineyard has densely planted vines that require hand cultivation and yield more concentrated fruit than by traditional California vine spacing. The wines from this vineyard need several years to reach their potential. Unfined an unfiltered. · This wine has really come together and is drinking beautifully. Tasty citrus, a little butter, a hint of oak, and a smooth and silky texture. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2003 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $47. · Opens beautifully in the glass over time revealing aromas of Bing cherries, baking spices and toast. Delicate core of dark red cherry and berry fruit with a toasty oak overlay. A demure wine with supple tannins and an appealing velvety texture. Good. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »
2002 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 860 cases, $35. · Secondary bouquet of cigar box and good funk joined by dark cherries, red berries and spice. Mildly oaked black cherry and cola flavors with a healthy bolt of oak on the slightly astringent and dry finish. The wine has a nicely aged patina with gossamer tannins. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2002 Scherrer Winery Ft. Ross Vineyard ‘High Slopes’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 210 cases, $38. From some of the highest elevations in this coastal vineyard where the vines struggle. The wine tends to be tightly structured demanding the use of a high percentage of new barrels. An assemblage of the most harmonious barrels. Unfined, unfiltered. · Fabulous nose of black cherries and black currants with a touch of allspice. Still a big wine with earth-kissed berry and cassis flavors and noticeable dry tannins. I would recommend drinking this with hearty food. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2001 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $47. · Bouquet of forest floor, pepper and seasoned oak. Tasty essence of cherries and berries with a hint of juicy fruit and citric peel. Soft in the mouth with welcoming fruit intensity, bright acidity and very soft tannins. Very good. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »
2000 Scherrer Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $47. · Retains a moderately dark color. Bright aromas of black cherries, pepper, cigar box, marzipan and oak. Juicy flavors of cherries, plums, tea and a subtle note of citrus peel. Beautiful aged patina with a very smooth texture. If you like aged Pinot Noir, this is your cup of tea. Very good. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »