Dec 30, 2022
Search This Site:
Breggo Cellars
| Web site | www.breggo.com |
| Link to this site |
Breggo is a new winery in the Anderson Valley. The word Breggo means ‘sheep’ in Boontling, the private language Anderson Valley locals used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Boontling uses the syntax of English, but replaces parts for wholes and refers to things by their uses. For example, Boonville was referred to as “Boont,” people living around Boonville were “Boonters,” Philo was “Pleeko,” good food was “bahl gorms,” and “seeps’n’chiggle,” was good wine. The Breggo estate is a 203-acre farm located just north of Boonville. It was a former sheep ranch and the sheep, like Pinot Noir vines, found the inhospitable cool climate to their liking.
The co-proprietors and husband and wife are originally city folk. Douglas Ian Stewart is a native of Sonoma who found early success producing Brazilian sorbet. Ana Lucia Benitez-Stewart hails from Ecuador where her family had a dairy farm that she visited in the summertime from her home in Quito, but she had little interest in farming as a career. She found an exciting string of jobs that included being a park ranger at the Galapagos Islands and tour guide in the Amazon. Douglas proposed on a hillside in the Anderson Valley and now they too have come back full circle to a setting in the countryside of Mendocino County. "Breggo" is boontling for sheep.
The property is located on Highway 128 and was a former sheep ranch.
A winery has been built and wines are being produced from purchased grapes. An estate vineyard is planned for 2008. Pinot Noir is sourced from three well-known Anderson Valley vineyards: Ferrington, Savoy, and Donnelly Creek. The consulting winemaker is Ryan Hodgins, a U.C. Davis trained vintner who also makes wines at Hanzell Vineyards in Sonoma.
Update: Breggo was sold in 2011 to Cliff Lede who also acquired Savoy Vineyard.
Articles About Breggo Cellars
Anderson Noir Valley Pinot (Pt I) (7.18 5/26/2009)
Anderson Noir Valley Pinot Festival: After the Smoke Clears (8.16 6/8/2010)
Anderson Noir Valley: Trade Tasting (9.8 6/24/2012)
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival (9.26 6/23/2013)
Andersonoir Valley Pinot Noir Festival (8.40 6/30/2011)
Breggo Cellars: Join the Flock (6.17 2/26/2007)
Pinot Briefs (9.1 1/11/2012)
Savoy Vineyard: Innovation Leads to Excellence (8.9 1/22/2010)
Tasting of Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs (6.28 6/3/2007)
Wineries in Anderson Valley and Mendocino Ridge* (6.60 6/9/2008)
Reviewed Wines
2010 Breggo Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.59, 2,021 cases, $38, released
April 1, 2012. A blend of numerous clones from Donnelly Creek, Savoy and Wiley vineyards. Aged 13 months
in 48% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Aromas of black cherry, cranberry, brier and oak. Light and gentle on the palate, with flavors of black cherries
encased in supple tannins with complimentary oak in the background. An easy drinker. Good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.55, 2,183 cases, $38. Released April 1,
2011. A blend of numerous clones from Donnelly Creek, Savoy and Wiley vineyards. Aged 10 months in 44%
new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red cherries and
berries, tea leaf, wet leaf and brier. Middleweight flavors of dark red fruits with an undertone of dried herbs,
stem and earth. Decent (+).
Reviewed February 22, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Breggo Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.55, 2,183 cases, $38. Released
April 1, 2011. A blend of numerous clones from Donnelly Creek, Savoy and Wiley vineyards. 5-7 day cold
soak, 9-day native primary fermentation, 3-7 day extended maceration. Aged 10 months in 44% new French
oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color with a slight haze in the glass. Enticing aromas of ripe black
raspberries, cherry preserves, spice and brioche which are echoed on the palate in a discreetly concentrated
fashion, finishing with mild dry tannins, a hint of oak and brier and a good lift of acidity. Good (+).
Reviewed July 1, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Breggo Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.64, 476 cases, $55. A blend of
Martini 15, Dijon 115 and 667, Pommard and Calera selection. Aged 15 months in 65% new French oak.
Winemaker Ryan Hodgins.
·
Smoky aromas initially which tend to dissipate revealing scents of cherry cola, dark
berries and rose petals. Medium-bodied core of earth-kissed black cherry fruit which lacks the layered
nuances so typical of this vineyard. One of the better smoke-tainted 2008s from Breggo, but I preferred the
Donnelly Creek Vineyard bottling which was tasted casually at the event. Good.
Reviewed June 8, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Breggo Cellars Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
14.8%
alc., $35.
·
Pale yellow color the glass. Expressive scents of pears, lemon curd
and butter leading to flavors of white stone fruits, citrus and roasted nuts. The hioctane
creates a plushness on the palate and the lively acidity leads to an
appealing citric lift on the crisp finish. Barrel-fermented Chardonnay lovers will
find this wine very appealing especially considering the price. This wine delivers
a $60 experience. The 2006 vintage, which is still available in some retail
markets, is equally good or better as it offers a little more richness. Very good.
Reviewed January 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Breggo Cellars Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,
$49.
·
Restrained aromas of black cherries, dark red berries and blueberries. The
cherry and berry core is withdrawn and inexpressive. Mild tannins create a soft
drinking experience and the tangy finish offers a hit of citrus peel. Just not
exciting now and seems to be going through a dumb phase. Decent (+).
Reviewed January 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Breggo Cellars Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 390 cases, $55.
Released March, 2009. A blend of 777 and Wädenswil clones. 7 day cold soak, 9 day uninoculated primary
fermentation, 7 day extended maceration, aged 14 months in 44% new French oak barrels, bottled unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color. Somewhat restrained aromas of brambly cherries and berries
with balsam. Lightly weighted core of earth-kissed raspberry fruit with zippy acidity, well-collared tannins and
deft use of oak. Needs more time in the bottle to reach full expression but holds great promise.
Reviewed May 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $37.
·
Deep ruby color.
Appealing and assertive scents of dark stone fruits, raisin, cedar and grass. Ripe fruit
profile on the palate featuring moderately concentrated plum and black cherry flavors.
Soft and smooth with mild dry tannins. Admirable harmony and pleasant to drink.
Reviewed May 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $40.
·
Complex
aromatic profile featuring cranberry, rhubarb, sage and alcohol. Some pleasing
elegance to the texture and structure, but the heavy-handed oak overwhelms the
darkly fruited core and spoils the experience
Reviewed June 9, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Cellars Donnelly Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55.
·
Reticent, but pleasant nose of spiced black cherries.
Plush and creamy on the palate, tasting of plum reduction sauce. Fine tannins,
clean finish. I like this one a lot.
Reviewed June 9, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Cellars Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55.
·
A decent
earth-driven Pinot that features dark Pinot fruits that are light on the palate. Alcohol peaks out on the nose
and finish.
Reviewed June 9, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Cellars Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $55.
·
.Muted aromas of
dark fruits, oak and a whiff of alcohol. Beautiful core of plump dark cherries and blackberries. Dry finish,
but not dried out. Clean and pure and immensely satisfying. The pedigree of this vineyard shows
through..
Reviewed June 9, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $35.
·
A lovely floral- and cherry-driven
nose with a rich, long and pure spicy palate. The tannins are dusty on the finish
that ends with vitamin and herbal overtones. The balance is right on.
Reviewed June 3, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Breggo Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 679 cases, $35. Sourced from Donnelly
Creek vineyards near Boonville. Pommard, Stang and Dijon 113 clones.
·
The nose is subdued but offers
black cherries and cinnamon. The mouth feel is rich with copious dark Pinot fruits, tobacco and anise.
The lengthy and smooth finish echoes oak.
Reviewed February 26, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Breggo Cellars Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 193 cases, $50.
Both Wadenswil and Dijon 777 clones.
·
The aromas of ripe cherries and toasty oak are shy and alcohol
peeks out. The texture is fat and opulent with plum and black raspberry flavors and sweet oak. There are
prominent oak tannins on the backend which smooth out some with air time.
Reviewed February 26, 2007
ARTICLE »
2005 Breggo Cellars Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 165 cases, $50.
Martini 15, Pommard 4, Dijon 115 and 667 clones.
·
This is a full-throttle Pinot for those who like their
wines fat in the mouth. There is high alcohol but it is never apparent as there is sufficient acid and fruit to
bring everything into balance. This one fills the mouth with Pinot pleasure and finishes beautifully.
Reviewed February 26, 2007
ARTICLE »
2010 Breggo Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.59, 2,021 cases, $38, released April 1, 2012. A blend of numerous clones from Donnelly Creek, Savoy and Wiley vineyards. Aged 13 months in 48% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, cranberry, brier and oak. Light and gentle on the palate, with flavors of black cherries encased in supple tannins with complimentary oak in the background. An easy drinker. Good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.55, 2,183 cases, $38. Released April 1, 2011. A blend of numerous clones from Donnelly Creek, Savoy and Wiley vineyards. Aged 10 months in 44% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red cherries and berries, tea leaf, wet leaf and brier. Middleweight flavors of dark red fruits with an undertone of dried herbs, stem and earth. Decent (+). Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Breggo Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.55, 2,183 cases, $38. Released April 1, 2011. A blend of numerous clones from Donnelly Creek, Savoy and Wiley vineyards. 5-7 day cold soak, 9-day native primary fermentation, 3-7 day extended maceration. Aged 10 months in 44% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color with a slight haze in the glass. Enticing aromas of ripe black raspberries, cherry preserves, spice and brioche which are echoed on the palate in a discreetly concentrated fashion, finishing with mild dry tannins, a hint of oak and brier and a good lift of acidity. Good (+). Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Breggo Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.64, 476 cases, $55. A blend of Martini 15, Dijon 115 and 667, Pommard and Calera selection. Aged 15 months in 65% new French oak. Winemaker Ryan Hodgins. · Smoky aromas initially which tend to dissipate revealing scents of cherry cola, dark berries and rose petals. Medium-bodied core of earth-kissed black cherry fruit which lacks the layered nuances so typical of this vineyard. One of the better smoke-tainted 2008s from Breggo, but I preferred the Donnelly Creek Vineyard bottling which was tasted casually at the event. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Breggo Cellars Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
14.8% alc., $35. · Pale yellow color the glass. Expressive scents of pears, lemon curd and butter leading to flavors of white stone fruits, citrus and roasted nuts. The hioctane creates a plushness on the palate and the lively acidity leads to an appealing citric lift on the crisp finish. Barrel-fermented Chardonnay lovers will find this wine very appealing especially considering the price. This wine delivers a $60 experience. The 2006 vintage, which is still available in some retail markets, is equally good or better as it offers a little more richness. Very good. Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Breggo Cellars Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $49. · Restrained aromas of black cherries, dark red berries and blueberries. The cherry and berry core is withdrawn and inexpressive. Mild tannins create a soft drinking experience and the tangy finish offers a hit of citrus peel. Just not exciting now and seems to be going through a dumb phase. Decent (+). Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Breggo Cellars Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 390 cases, $55. Released March, 2009. A blend of 777 and Wädenswil clones. 7 day cold soak, 9 day uninoculated primary fermentation, 7 day extended maceration, aged 14 months in 44% new French oak barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color. Somewhat restrained aromas of brambly cherries and berries with balsam. Lightly weighted core of earth-kissed raspberry fruit with zippy acidity, well-collared tannins and deft use of oak. Needs more time in the bottle to reach full expression but holds great promise. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $37. · Deep ruby color. Appealing and assertive scents of dark stone fruits, raisin, cedar and grass. Ripe fruit profile on the palate featuring moderately concentrated plum and black cherry flavors. Soft and smooth with mild dry tannins. Admirable harmony and pleasant to drink. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $40. · Complex aromatic profile featuring cranberry, rhubarb, sage and alcohol. Some pleasing elegance to the texture and structure, but the heavy-handed oak overwhelms the darkly fruited core and spoils the experience Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Cellars Donnelly Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55. · Reticent, but pleasant nose of spiced black cherries. Plush and creamy on the palate, tasting of plum reduction sauce. Fine tannins, clean finish. I like this one a lot. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Cellars Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55. · A decent earth-driven Pinot that features dark Pinot fruits that are light on the palate. Alcohol peaks out on the nose and finish. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Breggo Cellars Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $55. · .Muted aromas of dark fruits, oak and a whiff of alcohol. Beautiful core of plump dark cherries and blackberries. Dry finish, but not dried out. Clean and pure and immensely satisfying. The pedigree of this vineyard shows through.. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $35. · A lovely floral- and cherry-driven nose with a rich, long and pure spicy palate. The tannins are dusty on the finish that ends with vitamin and herbal overtones. The balance is right on. Reviewed June 3, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Breggo Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 679 cases, $35. Sourced from Donnelly Creek vineyards near Boonville. Pommard, Stang and Dijon 113 clones. · The nose is subdued but offers black cherries and cinnamon. The mouth feel is rich with copious dark Pinot fruits, tobacco and anise. The lengthy and smooth finish echoes oak. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Breggo Cellars Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 193 cases, $50. Both Wadenswil and Dijon 777 clones. · The aromas of ripe cherries and toasty oak are shy and alcohol peeks out. The texture is fat and opulent with plum and black raspberry flavors and sweet oak. There are prominent oak tannins on the backend which smooth out some with air time. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »
2005 Breggo Cellars Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 165 cases, $50. Martini 15, Pommard 4, Dijon 115 and 667 clones. · This is a full-throttle Pinot for those who like their wines fat in the mouth. There is high alcohol but it is never apparent as there is sufficient acid and fruit to bring everything into balance. This one fills the mouth with Pinot pleasure and finishes beautifully. Reviewed February 26, 2007 ARTICLE »