Briceland Vineyards

Articles About Briceland Vineyards

Reviewed Wines

2017 Briceland Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Chardonnay

13.6% alc., 173 cases, $26. · Moderately light golden yellow color with a little spritz in the glass. Aromas of lemon-lime, pear, sea breeze and grassiness. A crisp, clean style with redeeming acidity, offering flavors of lemon-lime, green apple, lemon creme and vanilla. A spry wine that aims to please. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Briceland Vineyards Alderpoint Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

12.3% alc., 162 cases, $35. Vineyard planted in 1991 in consultation with Briceland’s founding winemaker Joe Collins. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Earthy aromas of blackest cherry and blackberry fruits. Engaging mid weight flavors of black cherry and purple berry with a touch of baking spice. The soothing texture results from felty tannins. Some of the fruit fragrance returns to haunt the appealing finish. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Sauvignon Blanc

13.5% alc., 135 cases, $21. Sourced from several small family-owned vineyards around Humboldt County. Organically grown grapes. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, no malolactic fermentation. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lime zest, white stone fruit and the varietal characteristic whiff of green pepper. Impressive typicality in a refreshing style with impeccable balance. The core of white peach is complimented by notes of green pepper and herbs. I really enjoyed this wine. Score: 91. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 161 cases, $25. 40% Rhonda’s and 60% Ishi Pishi Ranch vineyards. Organically grown grapes. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks (no oak contact). Full malolactic fermentation. · Light platinum yellow color in the glass. Very slight reduction initially. Aromas of green apple, lemon zest and white floral blossoms. Lean and steely in style, with flavors of lemon, pear and apple and a slight flint and green pepper note. Score: 88. Reviewed November 12, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 163 cases, $32. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of red cherry and berry and earthy flora. Light in weight, offering juicy flavors of red cherry, raspberry and cranberry framed by gentile tannins. Elegant and refined, with some staying power on the finish. A very good table wine. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2014 Briceland Vineyards Spirit Canyon Vineyard Mendocino County Arneis

13.4% alc., 81 cases, $18. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Welcoming aromas of lemon, pineapple and apple lead to a tasty melange of apple, pear and citrus fruit flavors complimented by a note of buttery brioche and backed by bright acidity. Easy to like on its own or will match perfectly with seafood. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 405 cases, $31. A blend of grapes from primarily Elk Prarie Vineyard, with contributions from Phelps, Alderpoint, Ronda’s and another vineyard near Benbow. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of crushed cherries, potpourri, and spice including Mexican oregano. A middleweight style with the flavor of boysenberry dominating on the palate and a mix of blueberry and pomegranate on the finish. Silky in the mouth, with harmonious tannins and an intensely fruited ending. Score: 89. Reviewed February 26, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Briceland Alderpoint Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

12.7% alc, 98 cases, $35. Vineyard planted in 1991 and tended by Rey Sanchez. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. There is noticeable oak overlay in this wine offering aromas of chocolate cherry, pipe smoke and underbrush, and flavors of strawberry, cherry, raspberry and a woody, ash thread. The wine has smooth tannins, bright acidity and a pleasing finish with some length. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the oak was still pushing for dominance over the fruit. Score: 88. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Briceland Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 71 cases, $35. Organically grown grapes. Aged more than one year in French oak barrels. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, sweet oak and terra-cotta lead to a mid weight wine featuring flavors of black cherry, dark berry, spice and disagreeable oily note. Welcome generous fruit on the finish, but also significant fine-grain tannins that stick out. Score: 88. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Briceland Ronda’s Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 97 cases, $35. Vineyard is situated at 1600 feet elevation a few miles from Briceland. Organically grown grapes. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of interest include earthy flora, dark cherry pie filling, warm spices and a hint of oak. Light to mid weight in style, with a crisp, bright core of red cherry fruit accent by savory dried herbs and a hint of toast and vanilla. Modest tannins with good Pinot character, finishing with a slightly tart, cranberry note. Score: 89. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Briceland Vineyards Spirit Canyon Vineyard Mendocino County Arneis

13.6% alc., $21. An unusual California bottling of a white Italian grape known as “white Nebbiolo.” Planted by Glenn McGourty. Less than 100 acres in California. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. Shy aromas of lemon tart and wildflowers. Pleasant and smooth on the palate with flavors of lemon, dried herbs and floral note. With its lip-smacking acidity, this wine is a good foil for shellfish. Not as good as previous vintages of this wine. Score: 88. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Chardonnay

13.5% alc., $26. No oak or malolactic fermentation. · Moderately light golden straw color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, apple tart and mountain air. Driven by crisp and steely acidity, this wine features flavors of lemon and yellow apple. Slightly viscous in the mouth with a juicy finish. Fine, but doesn’t hold my interest over time. Tasted twice. Score: 87. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 212 cases, $31. A blend from four southern Humboldt County vineyards: Lost Coast, Espey, Elk Prarie and Phelps. Aged 1 year in a combination of mostly older Virginia and French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose has a prominent oak overlay with clove and vanilla scents dominating the black cherry fruit. Much better on the palate with a mid weight charge of cherry and raspberry fruit that fills the mouth with plenty of sweet sap. A mellow wine with plenty of Pinot charm sporting modest tannins and crisp acidity. Considerably more appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with plenty of black cherry and spice presence supported by oak. Score: 89. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Briceland Vineyards Alderpoint Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 147 cases, $33. Vineyard is the most easterly of the southern Humboldt vineyards Briceland works with and although slightly warmer, the warmth is moderated by the vineyard’s proximity to the Main Fork of the Eel River. Planted in 1991 in consultation with Briceland’s founding winemaker Joe Collins and currently tended by viticultural expert Rey Sanchez. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of black cherry, sous-bois and a floral note. Delicious mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and red currant. Juicy and luxurious, even chewy, with merged tannins, and perfect phenolic ripeness. Almost better than sex. Score: 94. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Briceland Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 148 cases, $35. Aged 1 year in a combination of Virginia and French oak barrels of which about 20% were new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. A cherry-fueled wine with notes of conifer and oak adding a notable contribution. Discreetly concentrated with juicy acidity and a long, cherry-fueled finish. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with better integration of oak. Score: 90. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Briceland Vineyards Ronda’s Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 98 cases, $35. Vineyard is located at 1,600 feet elevation a few miles west and north of Briceland. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reminds of a walk in the forest with aromas of pine resin, pine needle, and wild blackberries. The mid weight boysenberry fruit core is accented with notes of oak and pine. Welcome presence on the palate, with folded in tannins, admirable finesse, and a good finishing grip of acidity. I like this wine for its forest spirit. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Spirit Canyon Vineyard Mendocino County Arneis

13.1% alc., $17. Arneis is an Italian grape known as the “white Nebbiolo.” Historically it was blended to soften the tannins of Barolo and but has become a new varietal on its own. Less than 100 acres planted in California. Vines planted and organically grown by Glen McCourty, the California Extension Agriculture Agent for Mendocino and Lake Counties. · Very pale yellow color and clear in the glass. Charming aromas of tropical fruits, banana and pear. An interesting array of flavors including Poire William, lemon, wax, and a touch of “minerality” and lime zest. Good creamy texture with vibrant acidity. A distinctive aromatic white wine that is perfect for the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) crowd. Score: 90. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Chardonnay

13.8% alc., $21. From Ronda’s Vineyard in Southern Humboldt County and Ishi Pishi Ranch near Orleans in northeastern Humboldt County. All stainless steel fermented. 100% malolactic fermentation. · Very light yellow color and clear in the glass. Slight spritz upon pouring. Aromas of lemon curd, apple, honey and buttered popcorn. Pleasant but delicate flavors of lemon and green apple with a good cut of acidity and a brisk finish featuring lemon-lime zest. Score: 85. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Lolonis Vineyard Mendocino County Chardonnay

13.9% alc., $21. Produced from certified organic grapes. Stainless steel fermented with no malolactic fermentation. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Lemon-scented nose with hints of grapefruit, apple butter and buttered brioche. Moderately intense flavors of lemongrass, lime and apple with the slightest note of dried herbs. Sound acids and good grip with a crisp finish make for very pleasurable drinking. Score: 90. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 150 cases, $32. Aged 12 months in a combination of French and Virginia American oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Smells of a walk in a redwood forest with scents of timber, balsam, and dark cherries. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry, blackberry and umami pick up intensity over time in the glass. Modest in weight and quite charming, with fine-grain tannins and a lengthy finish. I suspect this wine will benefit from more time in bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed January 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Ronda’s Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 78 cases, $35. Vineyard is situated at 1600 feet elevation above the fog line a few miles west and north of Briceland. · Dark plum color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of purple berries, plum reduction sauce and violets. Packed with boysenberry and black plum fruit and long in the mouth with a huge fruit-driven finish. The tannins overwhelm the fruit at this stage and the wine should achieve more tannin integration with additional time in the cellar. Close to Syrah in intensity, but retains enough pinot charm to be embraceable. Score: 88. Reviewed January 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Reserve Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 25 cases, $45. A blend of grapes from Phelps, Ronda’s and Elk Prarie vineyards, held for more than 30 months in oak and bottled in the fall of 2015. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Considerable nuances in this wine offering aromas of dark stone and berry fruits, woodfern, underbrush and bittersweet chocolate. The full-bodied flavors of blackest cherry and blackberry are augmented by an appealing peppery spice. Substantial tannins attack the finish with a vengeance, but are well matched to the fruit load. Decant if you drink now, but a few years in the cellar would be preferable. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Sauvignon Blanc

Table wine, 128 cases, $18. · Pale straw color in the glass. Typical varietal aromas of grass, herbs and citrus. Crisp and refreshing with flavors of lime zest, hay, grass, grapefruit with a mineral undertone. A grassy style with a pleasing mouthfeel and a dry finish. Good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Chardonnay

Table wine, 135 cases, $21. Raised in stainless steel, no malolactic fermentation. · Light straw hue in the glass. Faint aromas of butter, pink grapefruit, ocean air and yeast. Nutty and citrusy in a reserved style with a smooth, easy drinking manner. Good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Bosco Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

Table wine, 65 cases, $27. This vineyard is about a mile from the winery on the western side of Briceland. Aged 6 months in oak. · Moderately light reddish color in the glass. A chameleon of a nose, changing constantly, but at times offering aromas of red berries, underbrush, bay leaf, and beet root. Delicious core of savory and spicy dark red berries complimented by a hint of oak. A spirited wine with a wellbalanced tannin load that is soft in the mouth and finishes with modest length. Very good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $27. A relatively warm site in a cool year farmed by Pam and Todd Phelps. Small yields due to poor crop set which also led to less firm tannins and concentration. Aged 12 months in oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of dark red berry preserves and forest floor. Real density and intensity of flavor with structured tannins and an amazingly long finish. Dark red cherries and berries are at the core which has a savory undertone. Score: 91. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Ronda’s Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 50 cases, $29. Formerly Le Chien Blanc Vineyard. Located at 1600 feet elevation northwest of Briceland Vineyards. Slowed ripening in this vintage so more acid and less tannin than typical for this site. Aged 18 months in oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is intoxicating with fresh aromas of racy raspberry, red cherry, spice and sandalwood. Refreshingly crisp on the palate with charming flavors of fresh red raspberries and cherries caressed by supple tannins and framed by mouthwatering acidity. Not a fruit bomb by any means, but plenty of flavor without weight and great pinotosity. Score: 92. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Reserve Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 25 cases, $45. Inaugural offering. A blend of 2011 vintages from Bosco, Phelps and Ronda’s vineyards. Aged 18 months in oak barrels. · The nose is rather shy, offering only a hint of dark red fruit and oak aromas. The flavor profile is more developed with delicious notes of perfectly ripened black cherries, black raspberries and plum underlain with hints of graham and cardamom spice. The fruit has real presence on the palate and offers layers of pleasure. Beautifully balanced with well-integrated acidity and tannins. Very impressive length on the peacock tail finish. This wine needs more time in the cellar for the nose to catch up to the palate. Score: 95. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Briceland Vineyards Spirit Canyon Vineyard Mendocino County Arneis

Table wine, $17. Arneis is often called the “white Nebbiolo.” This Italian grape was discovered sparsely interplanted with Nebbiolo grapes in the Italian Piedmont region. Some say because the grape ripens earlier than black Nebbiolo, it was offered to marauding bees plaguing the vineyards. Recently the grape has found its way to California where it is planted along the Russian River south of Ukiah by Glenn McGourty at his Spirit Canyon Vineyard. · Pale straw color with a hint of peach shade in the glass. Aromas of green apple, baked pear and marzipan. Light to medium-weighted and creamy on the palate with flavors of green apple, pear, apricot and a slightly grassy, nutty note. An easy drinking wine that would be an ideal aperitif or the perfect accompaniment to shellfish. Surprise your friends! Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2010 Briceland Vineyards Lolonis Vineyard Mendocino County Chardonnay

Table wine, $21. Crafted from certified organically grown grapes. · Pale straw color in the glass. Fresh aromas of rocky stream, lemon curd and buttered brioche. Slightly creamy on the palate with restrained but satisfying flavors of pears, white peach and citrus complimented by subtle oak. Flows off the back of the palate like a silk sheet in retreat. Beautifully crafted. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2010 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Pinot Noir

Table wine, 165 cases, $23. 25th vintage. Season cut short by rain so each of the three vineyards from which fruit was sourced were blended (Phelps, Ronda’s and Elk Prarie vineyards). · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromatics pick up interest and power over time in the glass offering scents of dark red berries and plums. Discreetly concentrated,sporting ever expanding flavors of dark red berries backed by muscular tannins which need more time to integrate. Finishes with a very pleasing persistence of perfectly ripe fruit. Very enjoyable and equally fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Briceland Vineyards Lake County Syrah

14.5% alc., 180 cases, $21. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, black currants and white pepper. Soft in the mouth and modest in intensity with a core of sweet blackberry and black grape fruit. Hints of tobacco, pepper and dark chocolate add interest. Noticeable length on the finish that offers a bevy of black fruit and a hint of heat. Good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Briceland Vineyards Elk Prarie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 125 cases, $27. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of black cherries, blueberries, sandalwood, forest floor and vanillin increasing in appeal over time in the glass. Complex and nuanced, with flavors of raspberries, ripe strawberries, cherries, baking spice, cinnamon, and sassafras. Strikes a chord on the mid palate, elegantly soft in texture, finishing with modest but pleasing intensity. There is plenty going on in this chameleon of a wine which changes constantly in the glass. Outstanding. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Bricelands Vineyards Elk Prarie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

Table wine, 125 cases, $27. 23rd vintage. The vineyard is situated on a ridge that separates the Main Fork and South fork of the Eel River which provides a cooling influence. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is highly perfumed, bright and fruity, featuring well-spiced cherry aromas. Silky and seamless on the palate, with juicy flavors of cherries, raspberries, cranberries and a touch of loamy earth, finishing with aromatic purity and soft, sandy tannins. A wine that aims to please with its teasing pinotosity. Very good (+). Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Bricelands Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 50 cases, $27. Phelps Vineyard is located on Elk Ridge and is farmed by Pam and Todd Phelps. Aged 1 year in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Aromatically a bit shy initially, but builds in intensity over time in the glass becoming rather flamboyant and displaying scents of ripe, savory dark red fruits. Delicious, even striking, display of dark red stone fruits that fan out on the palate with subtle notes of Asian spice and plum sauce. Elegant and silky textured with remarkable persistence on the pleasing finish. A steamy seductress. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »

2002 Briceland Vineyards Elk Prairie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.7% alc.. Briceland Vineyards is located at 5959 Briceland Rd, Redway, CA 95560. 707-923-2429. Tasting by appointment. Several white varietals and sparkling wine are also produced. · The nose is oak-driven with flashes of heat. A decent core of fruit features dark cherries and plums with a kiss of earth and shrooms. The finish is clean and bright. Reviewed May 7, 2007 ARTICLE »