Dec 30, 2022
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Flying Goat Cellars
| Owner(s) | Norm Yost |
| Web site | www.flyinggoatcellars.com |
| Link to this site |
Veteran winemaker, Norm Yost, produces small lots of several Pinot Noirs from vineyards in Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. He is a true garagiste with a small winery in the Lompoc “wine ghetto.”
While living in Oregon, Yost was having trouble keeping the wild blackberry vines in his back yard under control before a friend suggested he acquire a pair of goats to fend off the onslaught. Norm bought two pygmy goats, "Never" and "Epernay," and in short order found they not only ate the blackberry vines, they ate everything. They were also a source of comical entertainment. Yost notes, "They always inspire me and make me laugh with their unrestrained spiral loops, flipper turns and straight-legged leaps."
When Yost moved to California's south Central Coast, he launched an unnamed winery. Agonizing over a handle that would reflect the quality of his wines as well as incorporate his irreverent take on the stuffy attitude adopted by many wine producers, he decided to name his new project after his kids. In this case, his "kids" were his two goats which he had brought with him from Oregon and the name Flying Goat Cellars was chosen. The Flying goat label is a whimsical rendering of a horned goat flying over a moonlit mountainside surrounded by a crescent moon with six stars twinkling amidst a red and black checkered border.
His wines have been consistently fine in recent years and the sparkler made from Pinot Noir, "Goat Bubbles," is outstanding. The wines are largely sold through a mailing list.
Articles About Flying Goat Cellars
Along The Pinot Trail: 2013 World of Pinot Noir (9.23 4/13/2013)
More Princely Pinots (8.42 8/11/2011)
On the Pinot Event Trail (9.3 2/22/2012)
Pinot Briefs (9.34 12/17/2013)
Pinot Noir Shootout Prelims (6.48 12/16/2007)
Prince’s Excellent Adventure at WOPN (6.56 3/23/2008)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.39 10/1/2016)
Small Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir and a Few Whites (9.29 9/5/2013)
Sta. Rita Hills 2013 Wine and Fire (9.32 10/26/2013)
Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire (6.33 7/23/2007)
WOPN: 7th Heaven for Pinot Geeks (6.18 3/5/2007)
Reviewed Wines
2013 Flying Goat Cellars Goat Bubbles Santa Barbara County Brut Cuvée Sparkling Wine
12.8% alc.,
pH 3.20, TA 0.82, 207 cases, $42. Released April 4, 2015. In celebration of 10 years of Goat Bubbles, this
inaugural Brut Cuvée was released. A blend of 80% Wädenswil 2A from Rio Vista Vineyard and 20%
Chardonnay clone 15 from Sierra Madre Vineyard. Harvest Brix 20.3º.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the
glass. Enticing aromas of green apple, green herbs, roasted nuts and freshly baked bread with a good bead.
Very dry, with a lemon, green apple and vanilla flavor profile. The tight, palate-cleansing finish is ideal.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Flying Goat Cellars Goat Bubbles Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Rosé Sparkling Wine
12.9% alc., pH 3.03, TA 0.98,
271 cases, $42. Released February 7, 2015. Clone 23. Harvest Brix
19.0º. Whole cluster pressed and vinified as if a Rosé still wine. After 10
months aging in neutral French oak barrels, the wine was decanted into
sparkling wine bottles, a tirage of sugar and yeast added, and a crown
cap applied. After 6 months of aging and riddling, the wine was
disgorged.
·
Moderately light orange color in the glass. Exuberant aromas
of cherry, peach and yeast. Highly pleasing in the mouth, with a
generous offering of blood orange and cranberry flavors. Thoroughly dry,
with the orange thread persisting through the long finish. The most
provocative sparkling wine of the three tasted on this date.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Bassi Ranch Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.67,
TA 0.58, 150 cases, $38. Released February 7, 2015. The Bassi Ranch Vineyard was formerly named
Salisbury Vineyard. It is located two miles from the Pacific Ocean near Avila Beach. Soils are well-drained clay
loam. A very cool site with consistent temperatures throughout the growing period. Clones 667 and 2A. Harvest
Brix 24.7º.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An exotic nose with generous aromas of cherry,
cardamom spice and wood pile. Sleek and suave in the mouth, with fruit flavors of cherry and cranberry robed
in gentle tannins. The wine is a delight to drink, displaying a cherry-fueled, albeit oak-infused finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Goat Bubbles Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine
12.9% alc., pH 3.08, TA 0.95, 143 cases, $42. Released October 3, 2015. Made from
Chardonnay clone 15 from Sierra Madre Vineyard. Harvest Brix 20.4º.
·
Moderate cantaloupe color in the glass.
Aromas of cherry, peach, pear and yeast are echoed on the dry palate. The wine offers a soothing texture, and
a dry finish with citrus highlights and good length.
Score: 90.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard 2A Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.59,
180 cases, $42. Released April 4, 2015. This vineyard is located at the eastern gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills
AVA and is slightly warmer during the growing season than vineyards further west. Wädenswil 2A clone.
Harvest Brix 26.7º. 100% de-stemmed, aged in French oak barrels, 30% new and 70% neutral.
·
Moderate
reddish purple color in the glass. Deeply perfumed with aromas of cherry and rose petal. Very tasty essence of
ripe strawberry and cherry with an enhancing spice note. A very comfortable wine with tannins folded in and
impressive length of finish featuring generous cherry goodness.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA
0.66, 201 cases, $42. Released February 7, 2015. Solomon Hills Vineyard was planted in 1999 and is under
the stewardship of the Miller Family who also farm Bien Nacido Vineyard. This wine is 100% Dijon clone 113.
Harvest Brix 24.2º.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. I wish this wine had less oak influence because
otherwise it is perfectly fine. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, sandalwood and toast lead to a middleweight styled
wine with flavors of black cherry and dark red berry framed by gentle tannins. Silky in the mouth with some
finishing intensity marred by a trail of conspicuous oak.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.59,
304 cases, $46. Released October 4, 2014. This 161-acre vineyard was planted in 1997 in mostly sandy loam
soils. Clone 115. Harvest Brix 24.7º.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Intense perfume of oakkissed
berries, cherries and raisin. The mid weight core of dark red and black berries are framed by a nutty oak
overlay that is not oppressive. The tannins are gentle, and there is some length on the finish. A bit too ripe for
my taste, but well crafted in this style.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.42, TA
0.67, 151 cases, $48. Released April 4, 2015. Sourced from a vineyard owned by Foley Family Wines located
on Highway 246 between Buellton and Lompoc. Flying Goat has sourced grapes from this vast 225-acre
vineyard since 2002. Clone 667. Harvest Brix 24.0º.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Quite
ripe and dark fruited, with aromas and flavors of blackberry jam and cassis. Full-bodied, with a luscious core of
black fruits accented with exotic spices. Captivating fruit presented in a beautifully balanced wine with good
verve and length.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA
0.53, 158 cases, $60. Released October 4, 2014. Martini clone from original 1973 own-rooted plantings.
Harvest Brix 23.8º.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass with very slight bricking of the rim. Ultra ripe,
even roasted fruit aromas and flavors. The wine seems older than its years, with the black cherry and black
berry fruits a bit tired and flat. Some tertiary characters are beginning to emerge.
Score: 87.
Reviewed October 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., $N/A.
·
Medium
reddish-purple color in the glass. I was really drawn to the nose on this wine which offered scintillating aromas
of spicy cherries. The cherry flavors don’t quite have the impact of the aromas but the wine is nicely balanced
and very smooth in the mouth. Good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $N/A.
·
Moderately dark
reddish-purple color in the glass. Black cherries are the theme in this middleweight wine with good fruit
concentration. Well-managed tannins and a refreshing kiss of cherry on the finish. Good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $N/A.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromatic with appealing scents of dark red fruits, rose petals
and herbs. A delicate, refined wine offering savory red fruits and a crisp cut of underlying acidity. On the lean
side and composed of barely ripe fruit, but a reflection of the vintage and an easy drinker that is food friendly.
Good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Goat Bubbles Blanc de Blanc
12.8% alc., 239 cases, pH 3.02, TA
0.82, $38. Released April 28, 2012. Chardonnay clone 15. Whole
cluster pressed, cold fermentation, moved to neutral French oak barrels
remaining on lees through summer with lees stirring every two weeks
to encourage malolactic fermentation. In August, the wine was filtered
and decanted into sparkling wine bottles, a tirage of sugar and yeast
added and a crown cap applied. Secondary fermentation occurred in
bottle. After 9 months of aging, the wine was riddled and then disgorged by
hand, a small amount of dosage added, and the wine sealed with the Goat
Bubbles signature was cap.
·
Very cool package and label. Pale golden yellow color with a good bead in the
glass. Aromas of lemon and green apple with nutty and yeasty accents. A sublime mix of an array of flavors
including lemon, lime, pineapple, vanilla, and almond with a leesey underpinning. Entirely satisfying, with
bright, cleansing acidity directing a dry, lemony finish that urges you to take another sip. An extraordinary
California sparkling wine at a ridiculously modest price considering the quality and work that goes into
producing a wine of this pedigree.
Score: 95.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.65, TA
0.67, 170 cases, $48. Released April 13, 2011. A 225-acre vineyard owned by Foley Family Wines and
located on Highway 246 between Buellton and Lompoc. Clone 667.
·
Dark reddish-purple color in the glass.
Highly nuanced nose with aromas of ripe Bing cherry, boysenberry jam, black grape, spice and toasty oak.
Full-flavored, featuring dark stone and berry fruit, threatening, but never crossing the over ripe fence. Silky and
agile, with balanced tannins and plenty of black cherry and blackberry singing on the finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.53, TA
0.59, 148 cases, $50. Released September 29, 2012. Inaugural vintage from this vineyard. Old vines in Block
N, Martini clone.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is lacking in fruit, offering
aromas of spicy oak and conifer. Mid weight dark red berry fruit has an herbal undertone. Juicy and pleasant
with good balance, but not exciting. Just not enough going on in the glass to bring you back. Unchanged the
following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Flying Goat Goat Bubbles Santa Maria Valley Sparkling Brut Rosé
12.7% alc., pH 3.09, no RS, 240
cases, $32. Released December 2010. Whole cluster pressed, and vinified as if to be a still rosé. After 8
months of aging in neutral French Oak barrels, the wine was decanted into sparkling wine bottles, a tirage of
sugar and yeast added and a crown cap applied. Secondary fermentation continued in the bottle. The wine
was disgorged after 5 months of aging and riddling.
·
Attractive pink coral color in the glass. Aromatically
pleasing scents of strawberries, roses and a hint of yeast. Crisp, bright and dry, with flavors of red berries
(cranberries, strawberries), melon and a hint of vanilla. A thoroughly enjoyable sparkling wine and unique in its
origins. Very Good.
Reviewed August 13, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard Dijon Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.519,
240 cases, $46. Released April 28, 2012. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Grapes were de-stemmed, inoculated
fermentation, hand punch downs, aged 18 months in 35% new French oak barrels. Light filtration followed by
additional bottle aging.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is closed for business
initially, slowly giving up aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and smoky oak. Extremely pleasurable on the
palate due to seamless winemaking and pleasing acid tension. Good depth and richness of dark berry and
black plum flavor with a hint of cola, finishing with a slick burst of fruit with noticeable persistence. Even better
the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 91.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2008 Flying Goat Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.68, 216
cases, $44. Released September 2010. The 161-acre Dierberg Vineyard was planted in 1997 at the southern
end of the Santa Maria Valley. A blend of clone 115 and 31 (Martini). Last vintage of this wine for Flying Goat.
Aged 14 months in 30% new French oak barrels and bottle aged an additional 9 months.
·
Moderately deep
reddish-purple color in the glass. On the nose there are loamy dark fruits with hints of sawdust and mocha.
Medium weighted and slightly sweet dark stone fruits make up the theme. The wine is earthy and modestly
tannic with a silky presence. The impression is fruit rather than nuance. Unchanged the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good.
Reviewed August 13, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Flying Goat Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.65, 103 cases, $46. This vineyard is owned by Bill
Foley of Foley Family Wines and is actually more like a quilt of many small
vineyards, as each block has been planted to match the right variety, rootstock
and clone for each particular slope and soil type. This wine is from the heart of
the vineyard and is Dijon clone 667.
·
Moderately deep color in the glass. Very
aromatic with showy aromas of black cherries, black plums and a hint of spice
and oak. The flavors echo the nose. Modestly endowed and smoothly textured
with hints of cardamon spice, raisins and oak in the background on the long
finish. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked
bottle. Good (+).
Reviewed August 13, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Flying Goat Rio Vista Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Clone 115 Pinot Noir
(barrel sample)
·
Sappy young fruit on the nose, probably not finished MLF. LEGS in the glass. Rich, round, laser
pure, dark fruits. Fine length and integrated acid and tannin. Very promising.
Reviewed March 23, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Rio Vista Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Dijon Clones Pinot Noir
Dark color,
dark fruits and herbs, prominent oak. Huge and glycerol-sweet. Finish more open with time in
glass.
Reviewed March 23, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Cellars Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 425
cases, $42. Norm Yost produces small lots of several Pinot Noirs from vineyards
in Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. He is a true
garagiste with a small winery in the Lompoc “wine ghetto.” He has been at
it for many years, knows what he is doing, and his wines have been consistently
fine in recent years.
·
Nice clean mineral infused cherry fruit on the entry
which follows through to the finish. Not particularly complex but well-crafted,
harmonious and easy to drink.
Reviewed December 16, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Cellars Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
($42)
·
Every bit as good as the Rancho Santa Rosa bottling
and still available. The Dierberg is aromatically stylish with a palate which is soft, plush, long and tasty.
Flat out beautiful. Oh, the Dierberg also won a Gold Medal in the same competition.
Reviewed March 5, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Cellars Rancho Santa Rosa Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
$44. This wine won the Red Wine
Sweepstakes Award at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
(now sold out not surprisingly).
·
Reviewed March 5, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
$45.
·
Reviewed July 23, 2007
ARTICLE »
2004 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
$45.
·
Both 2004 and 2005 wines exhibit beautifully balance with scrumptious cherry
fruit and deft touch of oak. They both have lovely depth and richness of flavor that
carries over to a finish of great persistence. Highly recommended.
Reviewed July 23, 2007
ARTICLE »
2013 Flying Goat Cellars Goat Bubbles Santa Barbara County Brut Cuvée Sparkling Wine
12.8% alc., pH 3.20, TA 0.82, 207 cases, $42. Released April 4, 2015. In celebration of 10 years of Goat Bubbles, this inaugural Brut Cuvée was released. A blend of 80% Wädenswil 2A from Rio Vista Vineyard and 20% Chardonnay clone 15 from Sierra Madre Vineyard. Harvest Brix 20.3º. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Enticing aromas of green apple, green herbs, roasted nuts and freshly baked bread with a good bead. Very dry, with a lemon, green apple and vanilla flavor profile. The tight, palate-cleansing finish is ideal. Score: 91. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Flying Goat Cellars Goat Bubbles Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Rosé Sparkling Wine
12.9% alc., pH 3.03, TA 0.98, 271 cases, $42. Released February 7, 2015. Clone 23. Harvest Brix 19.0º. Whole cluster pressed and vinified as if a Rosé still wine. After 10 months aging in neutral French oak barrels, the wine was decanted into sparkling wine bottles, a tirage of sugar and yeast added, and a crown cap applied. After 6 months of aging and riddling, the wine was disgorged. · Moderately light orange color in the glass. Exuberant aromas of cherry, peach and yeast. Highly pleasing in the mouth, with a generous offering of blood orange and cranberry flavors. Thoroughly dry, with the orange thread persisting through the long finish. The most provocative sparkling wine of the three tasted on this date. Score: 92. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Bassi Ranch Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.58, 150 cases, $38. Released February 7, 2015. The Bassi Ranch Vineyard was formerly named Salisbury Vineyard. It is located two miles from the Pacific Ocean near Avila Beach. Soils are well-drained clay loam. A very cool site with consistent temperatures throughout the growing period. Clones 667 and 2A. Harvest Brix 24.7º. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An exotic nose with generous aromas of cherry, cardamom spice and wood pile. Sleek and suave in the mouth, with fruit flavors of cherry and cranberry robed in gentle tannins. The wine is a delight to drink, displaying a cherry-fueled, albeit oak-infused finish. Score: 90. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Goat Bubbles Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine
12.9% alc., pH 3.08, TA 0.95, 143 cases, $42. Released October 3, 2015. Made from Chardonnay clone 15 from Sierra Madre Vineyard. Harvest Brix 20.4º. · Moderate cantaloupe color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, peach, pear and yeast are echoed on the dry palate. The wine offers a soothing texture, and a dry finish with citrus highlights and good length. Score: 90. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard 2A Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.59, 180 cases, $42. Released April 4, 2015. This vineyard is located at the eastern gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and is slightly warmer during the growing season than vineyards further west. Wädenswil 2A clone. Harvest Brix 26.7º. 100% de-stemmed, aged in French oak barrels, 30% new and 70% neutral. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deeply perfumed with aromas of cherry and rose petal. Very tasty essence of ripe strawberry and cherry with an enhancing spice note. A very comfortable wine with tannins folded in and impressive length of finish featuring generous cherry goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.66, 201 cases, $42. Released February 7, 2015. Solomon Hills Vineyard was planted in 1999 and is under the stewardship of the Miller Family who also farm Bien Nacido Vineyard. This wine is 100% Dijon clone 113. Harvest Brix 24.2º. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. I wish this wine had less oak influence because otherwise it is perfectly fine. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, sandalwood and toast lead to a middleweight styled wine with flavors of black cherry and dark red berry framed by gentle tannins. Silky in the mouth with some finishing intensity marred by a trail of conspicuous oak. Score: 89. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.59, 304 cases, $46. Released October 4, 2014. This 161-acre vineyard was planted in 1997 in mostly sandy loam soils. Clone 115. Harvest Brix 24.7º. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Intense perfume of oakkissed berries, cherries and raisin. The mid weight core of dark red and black berries are framed by a nutty oak overlay that is not oppressive. The tannins are gentle, and there is some length on the finish. A bit too ripe for my taste, but well crafted in this style. Score: 89. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.67, 151 cases, $48. Released April 4, 2015. Sourced from a vineyard owned by Foley Family Wines located on Highway 246 between Buellton and Lompoc. Flying Goat has sourced grapes from this vast 225-acre vineyard since 2002. Clone 667. Harvest Brix 24.0º. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Quite ripe and dark fruited, with aromas and flavors of blackberry jam and cassis. Full-bodied, with a luscious core of black fruits accented with exotic spices. Captivating fruit presented in a beautifully balanced wine with good verve and length. Score: 92. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Flying Goat Cellars Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.53, 158 cases, $60. Released October 4, 2014. Martini clone from original 1973 own-rooted plantings. Harvest Brix 23.8º. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass with very slight bricking of the rim. Ultra ripe, even roasted fruit aromas and flavors. The wine seems older than its years, with the black cherry and black berry fruits a bit tired and flat. Some tertiary characters are beginning to emerge. Score: 87. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., $N/A. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. I was really drawn to the nose on this wine which offered scintillating aromas of spicy cherries. The cherry flavors don’t quite have the impact of the aromas but the wine is nicely balanced and very smooth in the mouth. Good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $N/A. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Black cherries are the theme in this middleweight wine with good fruit concentration. Well-managed tannins and a refreshing kiss of cherry on the finish. Good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Solomon Hills Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., $N/A. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromatic with appealing scents of dark red fruits, rose petals and herbs. A delicate, refined wine offering savory red fruits and a crisp cut of underlying acidity. On the lean side and composed of barely ripe fruit, but a reflection of the vintage and an easy drinker that is food friendly. Good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Goat Bubbles Blanc de Blanc
12.8% alc., 239 cases, pH 3.02, TA 0.82, $38. Released April 28, 2012. Chardonnay clone 15. Whole cluster pressed, cold fermentation, moved to neutral French oak barrels remaining on lees through summer with lees stirring every two weeks to encourage malolactic fermentation. In August, the wine was filtered and decanted into sparkling wine bottles, a tirage of sugar and yeast added and a crown cap applied. Secondary fermentation occurred in bottle. After 9 months of aging, the wine was riddled and then disgorged by hand, a small amount of dosage added, and the wine sealed with the Goat Bubbles signature was cap. · Very cool package and label. Pale golden yellow color with a good bead in the glass. Aromas of lemon and green apple with nutty and yeasty accents. A sublime mix of an array of flavors including lemon, lime, pineapple, vanilla, and almond with a leesey underpinning. Entirely satisfying, with bright, cleansing acidity directing a dry, lemony finish that urges you to take another sip. An extraordinary California sparkling wine at a ridiculously modest price considering the quality and work that goes into producing a wine of this pedigree. Score: 95. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.67, 170 cases, $48. Released April 13, 2011. A 225-acre vineyard owned by Foley Family Wines and located on Highway 246 between Buellton and Lompoc. Clone 667. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Highly nuanced nose with aromas of ripe Bing cherry, boysenberry jam, black grape, spice and toasty oak. Full-flavored, featuring dark stone and berry fruit, threatening, but never crossing the over ripe fence. Silky and agile, with balanced tannins and plenty of black cherry and blackberry singing on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Flying Goat Cellars Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.59, 148 cases, $50. Released September 29, 2012. Inaugural vintage from this vineyard. Old vines in Block N, Martini clone. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is lacking in fruit, offering aromas of spicy oak and conifer. Mid weight dark red berry fruit has an herbal undertone. Juicy and pleasant with good balance, but not exciting. Just not enough going on in the glass to bring you back. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Flying Goat Goat Bubbles Santa Maria Valley Sparkling Brut Rosé
12.7% alc., pH 3.09, no RS, 240 cases, $32. Released December 2010. Whole cluster pressed, and vinified as if to be a still rosé. After 8 months of aging in neutral French Oak barrels, the wine was decanted into sparkling wine bottles, a tirage of sugar and yeast added and a crown cap applied. Secondary fermentation continued in the bottle. The wine was disgorged after 5 months of aging and riddling. · Attractive pink coral color in the glass. Aromatically pleasing scents of strawberries, roses and a hint of yeast. Crisp, bright and dry, with flavors of red berries (cranberries, strawberries), melon and a hint of vanilla. A thoroughly enjoyable sparkling wine and unique in its origins. Very Good. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard Dijon Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.519, 240 cases, $46. Released April 28, 2012. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Grapes were de-stemmed, inoculated fermentation, hand punch downs, aged 18 months in 35% new French oak barrels. Light filtration followed by additional bottle aging. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is closed for business initially, slowly giving up aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and smoky oak. Extremely pleasurable on the palate due to seamless winemaking and pleasing acid tension. Good depth and richness of dark berry and black plum flavor with a hint of cola, finishing with a slick burst of fruit with noticeable persistence. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2008 Flying Goat Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.68, 216 cases, $44. Released September 2010. The 161-acre Dierberg Vineyard was planted in 1997 at the southern end of the Santa Maria Valley. A blend of clone 115 and 31 (Martini). Last vintage of this wine for Flying Goat. Aged 14 months in 30% new French oak barrels and bottle aged an additional 9 months. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. On the nose there are loamy dark fruits with hints of sawdust and mocha. Medium weighted and slightly sweet dark stone fruits make up the theme. The wine is earthy and modestly tannic with a silky presence. The impression is fruit rather than nuance. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Flying Goat Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.65, 103 cases, $46. This vineyard is owned by Bill Foley of Foley Family Wines and is actually more like a quilt of many small vineyards, as each block has been planted to match the right variety, rootstock and clone for each particular slope and soil type. This wine is from the heart of the vineyard and is Dijon clone 667. · Moderately deep color in the glass. Very aromatic with showy aromas of black cherries, black plums and a hint of spice and oak. The flavors echo the nose. Modestly endowed and smoothly textured with hints of cardamon spice, raisins and oak in the background on the long finish. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good (+). Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Flying Goat Rio Vista Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Clone 115 Pinot Noir
(barrel sample) · Sappy young fruit on the nose, probably not finished MLF. LEGS in the glass. Rich, round, laser pure, dark fruits. Fine length and integrated acid and tannin. Very promising. Reviewed March 23, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Rio Vista Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Dijon Clones Pinot Noir
Dark color, dark fruits and herbs, prominent oak. Huge and glycerol-sweet. Finish more open with time in glass. Reviewed March 23, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Cellars Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 425 cases, $42. Norm Yost produces small lots of several Pinot Noirs from vineyards in Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. He is a true garagiste with a small winery in the Lompoc “wine ghetto.” He has been at it for many years, knows what he is doing, and his wines have been consistently fine in recent years. · Nice clean mineral infused cherry fruit on the entry which follows through to the finish. Not particularly complex but well-crafted, harmonious and easy to drink. Reviewed December 16, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Cellars Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
($42) · Every bit as good as the Rancho Santa Rosa bottling and still available. The Dierberg is aromatically stylish with a palate which is soft, plush, long and tasty. Flat out beautiful. Oh, the Dierberg also won a Gold Medal in the same competition. Reviewed March 5, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Cellars Rancho Santa Rosa Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
$44. This wine won the Red Wine Sweepstakes Award at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (now sold out not surprisingly). · Reviewed March 5, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
$45. · Reviewed July 23, 2007 ARTICLE »
2004 Flying Goat Cellars Rio Vista Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
$45. · Both 2004 and 2005 wines exhibit beautifully balance with scrumptious cherry fruit and deft touch of oak. They both have lovely depth and richness of flavor that carries over to a finish of great persistence. Highly recommended. Reviewed July 23, 2007 ARTICLE »