Dec 30, 2022
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Failla Wines
| Owner(s) | Ann-Maria Failla, Ehren Jordan |
| Web site | www.faillawines.com |
| Link to this site |
Ehren Jordan's biography reads like something out of a Ken Kersey novel. While a young adult studying art history and classic archeology at George Washington University, he took a part time job in a retail wine shop. The experience convinced him to flee to the West, eventually settling in Aspen, Colorado, where he skied, worked busing and waiting tables and eventually becoming a resident sommelier. Armed with the accumulated experience from his retail and restaurant exposure, he set his sites on the coastal region of California.
Arriving in the Napa Valley, he applied for a job as a part time tour guide at Joseph Phelps where he met Bruce Neyers, the Vice President of Phelps. Jordan quickly advanced within the company, and became the head of regional and national marketing, eventually hired to do cellar work and winemaking.
He then moved to Europe to work for Jon Luc Columbo in France's Rhone Valley where he honed his Syrah-Grenache skills. After returning stateside, he renewed his association with Neyers, taking the winemaking job at Neyers in 1994 and then at Turley in 1996.
Failla (pronounced FAY-la) was originally founded as Failla Jordan in 1998, taking its name from the husband-and-wife team of winemaker Ehren Jordan and fellow debtor Anne-Marie Failla. That year the Estate vineyard on the Sonoma Coast was planted and together they began buying fruit for their first releases, the very Rhône-style ‘98 Alban Vineyard Viognier and ‘98 Que Syrah Syrah. Jordan also obtained Pinot Noir from Summa Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast years ago. After three vintages, legal issues over the use of the word Jordan (as in Jordan Winery) in the name forced them to continue the label as simply "Failla".
"Failla" debuted with a new Chuck House-designed label in the fall of 2002. The original label, designed by Anne-Marie's sister Marybeth, has been archived and the first three vintages will join either the pantheon of collectors' items or the fraternity of the oddities bin.
Ehren spent several years looking for unique, cool-climate Pinot Noir sources. After tasting Marcassin's Pinot Noir from the Fort Ross-Seaview region of the Sonoma Coast, he bought 43 acres from a couple of pot farmers on what is known as the Gualala Ranch. The Failla Estate Vineyard consists of 11 acres of organically farmed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.
The portfolio has included Pinots from the Hirsch Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast (added in 2001) as well a Keefer Ranch in Green Valley. The 2005 vintage brought Pinot Noirs from Occidental Ridge on the Sonoma Coast, and Rancho Santa Rosa in the Santa Rita Hills north of Santa Barbara. 2006 included Appian Way Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, as well as Peay Vineyards and Estate Pinot from the Sonoma Coast. In 2011, vineyard sources include Hudson Vineyard (Chardonnay), Haynes Vineyard (Chardonnay), Pearlessence Vineyard (Sonoma Coast), Whistler Vineyard (Sonoma Coast).
Chardonnay is produced with native yeast fermentations, 100% malolactic fermentation with no battonage. The wines are unfined and unfiltered. Pinot Noir is also fermented with native yeasts, pressed gently with a basket press, and are never racked, fined or filtered. Single-vineyard Pinot Noirs include 5%-10% whole cluster and are aged 12 months in 25%-30% new French oak barrels.
The lineup of wines (which includes Chardonnay, Viognier and Syrah) are sold through a mailing list. Pinot Noir represents 70% of production. The winery and tasting room is located at 3530 Silverado Trail in St. Helena. 707-963-0530. Beginning in 2016, a new project was launched at The Carlton Winemakers Studio in Carlton, Oregon.
Articles About Failla Wines
2014 California Chardonnay All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 California Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2019 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
Along The Pinot Trail: 2013 World of Pinot Noir (9.23 4/13/2013)
Are There Any Under $30 2018 Domestic Pinot Noirs Worth Drinking? 30 Prospects Priced Less Than $30 (12.10 11/11/2020)
Blast from 2011 World of Pinot Noir (8.33 3/12/2011)
Celebrated Vineyards Focus Tasting (7.24 8/28/2009)
Chardonnay Smack Down (11.1 3/29/2017)
Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards Part I: North Coast - Sonoma Coast (12.20 8/2/2021)
Embarrassment of Riches: California (9.1 1/11/2012)
Failla Stakes A Claim in Oregon (11.38 2/2/2019)
Failla Wines (9.38 2/22/2014)
Failla’s Ehren Jordan Establishes a Foothold in the Willamette Valley (11.18 2/3/2018)
Green Valley Pinot Noir: The Secret is a Three Letter Word (8.11 2/15/2010)
In Pursuit of Balance: A Discriminating Goal (9.20 2/26/2013)
Marcy Keefer & Craig Strehlow: Keefer Ranch (6.62 7/19/2008)
Mining Oregon’s Willamette Valley for Good Pinot Noir Priced at or Less Than $30 (11.37 1/17/2019)
Oregon Pinot Briefs (11.9 9/5/2017)
Part II: History of Fort Ross-Seaview Area (9.28 8/14/2013)
Part III: Fort Ross-Seaview AVA Today (9.28 8/14/2013)
Part IV: Tasting Pinot Noir from the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA (9.28 8/14/2013)
Pinot Briefs (11.32 10/12/2018)
Pinot Briefs (9.21 3/23/2013)
Pinot Briefs (9.39 3/29/2014)
Sips of California Pinot Noir: Recently Sampled Wines (9.23 4/13/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (& Chardonnay) (10.1 12/11/2014)
Tastes of World of Pinot Noir (10.7 4/6/2015)
The 9th Annual World of Pinot Noir (7.16 4/18/2009)
West Sonoma Coast Vintners (8.32 3/1/2011)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Failla Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $24.95 (K&L Wines, San Francisco, CA). Produced and
bottled by Ehren Jordan Wine Cellars, McMinnville, OR.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely
perfumed with aromas of blackberry, cassis and vanilla. Robust in style with a lavish core of purple and black
berry fruits framed by bold but matched tannins. Oak plies the background and appears in the lengthy, fruitladen
finish. An exuberant California-styled Pinot Noir that flirts with over-ripeness.
Score: 89.
Reviewed November 12, 2020
ARTICLE »
2018 Failla Occidental Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $60. Produced and bottled by
Ehren Jordan Wine Cellars, St. Helena, CA.
·
Reserve, but pleasing aromas of dark red berries and tropical fruit
punch. Mid-weight plus in concentration, delivering an explosion of vivid red and dark purple berry fruit flavors.
Super-succulent, reminding me of my favorite olalliberry pie. Very plush on the palate, with minimal tannins and
a very long, virile finish.
Score: 94.
Reviewed August 1, 2021
ARTICLE »
2018 Failla Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $90.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass.
Pleasing aromas of cherry, purple berry, spice, tilled earth, and a compliment of oak. Mid-weight plus in style,
with flavors of purple and black berries annotated with a herbaceous, cedar thread. The fruit builds in intensity
over time in the glass. There is a good cut of acidity and some tannin-driven astringency on the long finish.
More appealing when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle but the green thread
remained.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 29, 2021
ARTICLE »
2017 Failla Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.59, 2,000 cases, $28.
Native fermentation, 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels,
15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Deep
and intoxicating aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and dark rose petal. Full-bodied
core of black cherry and boysenberry fruits offering an intense attack and expansive mouth
feel. A modest oak accent is evident as is a savory herbal thread. Fruit-forward, with
healthy tannins and a long, sweet, fruit-driven and somewhat astringent finish. The aggressive tannins
need time or decanting to ameliorate.
Score: 89.
Reviewed January 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.59, 2,000 cases, $28. This
wine was featured in the previous issue in the article about Oregon Pinot Noir wines priced at $30
or less. Native fermentations, 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels,
15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Deep and
intoxicating aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and dark rose petal. Full-bodied core of black
cherry and boysenberry fruits offering an intense attack and expansive mouth feel. A modest oak
accent is evident as is a savory herbal thread. Fruit-forward, with healthy tannins and a long,
sweet, fruit-driven and somewhat astringent finish. The aggressive tannins need time or decanting to
ameliorate.
Score: 89.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Eola Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.56, TA
0.57, 140 cases, $42. Vineyard originally planted in 1972. Pommard clone. Native fermentations, 30% whole
cluster, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color
in the glass. Beautifully crafted, with aromas and flavors of blackest cherry and toasty oak. Sleek and juicy in
the mouth with comfortable tannins and a somewhat arrested finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Chehalem Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noi
14.1% alc.,
pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 143 cases, $45. Oregon wine industry pioneer, Dick Erath, first planted this vineyard in 1968.
Clone 115. Native fermentations, 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 15% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, purple grape and nutty oak in a
delightfully balanced, mid weight style with a silky mouthfeel and some finish purpose. I was wanting for a little
more flavor impact, but found the wine appealing.
Score: 91.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Bjornson Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.45, TA
0.62, 144 cases, $48. Vineyard planted in 2006 in a mix of
Nekia and Jory soils. Clones are Pommard, 777 and
Wädenswil. Native fermentations, 30% whole cluster, aged
11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 15% new. bottled
unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the
glass. Beguiling scents of black cherry and turned earth. A bold charge
of delicious black fruits fills the mouth with goodness, maintaining
exuberance through a persistent and generous finish. The wellbehaved
tannins make for harmonious drinking. This wine displays all
the charm of Oregon Pinot.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.61, TA
0.58, 189 cases, $60. Vineyard established in 1984 by Al MacDonald and dry farmed biodynamically. Native
fermentations, Wädenswil clone. 50% whole cluster, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled
unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A little heavy handed on the barrel treatment
with aromas of cherry, spice, marzipan and bark. Plenty of red cherry and berry fruit sprinkled with herbs and
framed by redeeming tannins that keep the fruit in line. The finish is particularly notable for its length.
Score: 93.
Reviewed February 2, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Failla Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $59. This wine was produced
and bottled at Ehren Jordan Wine Cellars in St. Helena.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Fresh
aromas of dark red cherry, rose petal, earthbound flora and brioche. Striking vibrancy and length in a mid
weight styled wine with flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle oak. Rather delicate with gentle tannins.
Impressively, the wine builds in intensity over time and was more demonstrative when tasted the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93.
Reviewed February 4, 2018
ARTICLE »
2013 Failla Occidental Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc.,
·
Moderately light reddish purple color
in the glass. The dreamy aromas of cherry pie and brown baking spices are intoxicating. Impressive harmony
and flavor, featuring mid weight black cherry and black raspberry fruits with good tension and slightly steely
acidity. Impressive finishing drive and length. I really liked this wine for its bright demeanor.
Score: 92-94.
Reviewed April 4, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Failla Pearlessence Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 325 cases, $45. A 2-acre
vineyard located near the town of Sebastopol. Aged in about 25% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddishpurple
color in the glass. Fragrant with scents of dark cherries and berries, red plum, nutmeg and cozy oak.
Delicious dark plum and purple berry fruits enhanced by a hint of spice and citrus, wrapped in balanced
tannins, finishing with a very long, acid-driven finish. The darkest fruited of the three Pinots tasted here and
showing the longest finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed February 22, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9%
alc., 900 cases, $48. 100% de-stemmed, aged sur lie in 33% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Vibrant
aromas of fresh cherries, baking spices and sandalwood. Juicy and
crisp, like biting into an iced cherry. Subtle touches of spice, earth and
oak add interest. Very forward and easy to cozy up to with a long, aciddriven,
mineral-laced finish. This wine really shows off the terroir of this
Green Valley vineyard and could be a poster child for that cool-climate
appellation. Will age beautifully.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 22, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Failla Whistler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc. 260 cases, $52, This site lies in the
northern most reaches of Sonoma County and all three acres are exclusively sold to Failla. Aged in 33% new
French oak barrels. Some whole cluster inclusion during fermentation.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Shy aromas of forest floor and black cherry pick up interest over time in the glass. Mid weight flavors of
darker cherries and boysenberries with a subtle undertone of oak and stem. More body than the Keefer with
less acidity. The tannins are well proportioned and the wine drinks seamlessly. Pleasant now, but not exciting
and needs more time in the cellar. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the
stem note had disappeared and the wine offered an appealingly soft mouth feel.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 22, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Failla Occidental Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 575 cases, $55.
·
Medium
reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of mixed berries, sous-bois, and subtle oak and vanilla. A
nuanced wine with considerable charm, offering flavors of boysenberry, black raspberry, black cherry, plum,
spice and a woodsy conifer edge. Impeccable harmony with an impressive finish lifted by refreshing acidity.
Quintessential west Sonoma Coast gem.
Score: 92.
Reviewed December 10, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.45% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.55. Southeast aspect, clones 777, Swan
and Calera, 101.14 rootstock, Franciscan Complex soil. Average Brix 23.5º, 20% whole cluster, aged 12
months in 30% new French oak.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Deep, dark fruit is the theme on the
nose and palate. Juicy, with good acidity, balanced tannins and a generous finish. Picks up a spicy, savory
bent over time.
Reviewed August 14, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Occidental Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $N/A.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with cherries and red rose petals. The flavor doesn’t match
the aroma, offering highly delicate red fruits backed by very lacy tannins. Shallow but pleasant. Decent.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $35.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. Well-perfumed with fresh berry jam and spice. Middleweight flavors of black cherries and
black raspberries which show good ripeness, backed by suave tannins and zingy acidity. The finish
comes up a bit short. Not extraordinary, but a solid wine for the dinner table. Good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.1%
alc., 425 cases, $42. Very cool growing season. 25% of grapes were
fermented in concrete egg vessels and 75% in 33% new French oak
barrels.
·
Pale yellow color and clear in the glass. Appealing aromas of
pear, applesauce, pastry cream, toffee and vanilla wafer. Slightly
creamy and plush on the palate with vivid flavors of poached pear,
baked apple, finishing with a caramel apple note and a charge of bright acidity.
This wine has the apple by the tail.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 22, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $46.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in
the glass. Shy aromas of red cherries and berries, oak, stem and balsam. Mid-weight flavors of red cherries
with a savory herb and smoky oak accent in the background. Soft in the mouth with gentle tannins and bright
acidity. Well-crafted, but doesn’t have the ripeness and stuffing I have come to expect from this stellar
vineyard. I do like it for its femininity. Good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Chuy Vineyard Sonoma Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., 300
cases, $58. Dry-farmed, head-trained site tended by Chuy Ordaz since he planted the vineyard in 1964. Very
tiny yields from Wente clone planting.
·
Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Fresh aromas of
ocean air, apple pie and See’s toffee. Seamless on the palate, with assertive flavors of lemon and apple, and a
silky mouth feel. Well-crafted with impeccable balance. The stony acid structure in this wine will lend itself to
food.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 22, 2014
ARTICLE »
2009 Failla Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc..
Unreleased.
·
Delicious and seductive, this beautifully crafted wine has the whole
package of modest alcohol, bright and fresh berry aromas, discreetly
concentrated dark berry flavors, bright acidity, well-proportioned tannic
backbone, smooth mouth feel and lengthy aromatic intensity. Still very young,
but possesses a very bright future. One of the best Pinot Noirs I tasted over the
three days. Very good (+).
Reviewed March 12, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Failla Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $30.
·
Dark
reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex nose offering scents of
dark berries, brier, redwood, oak cask, bacon and rose petals. Fairly
intense array of dark red raspberry and red plum flavors with a savory
oak and floral undertone. Straightforward with a pleasingly rich mouth
feel. Good (+).
Reviewed January 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2007 Failla Vivian Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., unreleased. Founded in 1998, Failla is
the project of winemaker Ehren Jordan and his wife Anne-Marie Failla. Jordan has a distinguished history of
winemaking at Neyers Vineyards and Turley Wine Cellars. His Pinot Noirs, which are sourced from prime
California coastal vineyards, have been superb of late.
·
The nose is light, airy and slightly grassy. Tasty and
intense boysenberry core with lively acidity on a lingering finish.
Reviewed April 18, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $47.
·
The nose is dominated by
purple fruits, mushrooms, oak and brioche. On the palate, the flavors echo the aromas with added interest
offered by savory herbs. Smooth and full-bodied, even muscular, with silky tannins, good acidity and some
persistence on the fruity finish. Decent.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45.
·
Confected cherries, exotic
spices, and dried herbs fill the nose. Delicious and juicy black cherry flavor with a sidecar of anise
and savory herbs. Silky smooth and seamless with diaphanous tannins. A little bigger than the Keefer
Ranch label, but hard to choose between them.
Reviewed July 19, 2008
ARTICLE »
2018 Failla Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $24.95 (K&L Wines, San Francisco, CA). Produced and bottled by Ehren Jordan Wine Cellars, McMinnville, OR. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of blackberry, cassis and vanilla. Robust in style with a lavish core of purple and black berry fruits framed by bold but matched tannins. Oak plies the background and appears in the lengthy, fruitladen finish. An exuberant California-styled Pinot Noir that flirts with over-ripeness. Score: 89. Reviewed November 12, 2020 ARTICLE »
2018 Failla Occidental Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $60. Produced and bottled by Ehren Jordan Wine Cellars, St. Helena, CA. · Reserve, but pleasing aromas of dark red berries and tropical fruit punch. Mid-weight plus in concentration, delivering an explosion of vivid red and dark purple berry fruit flavors. Super-succulent, reminding me of my favorite olalliberry pie. Very plush on the palate, with minimal tannins and a very long, virile finish. Score: 94. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »
2018 Failla Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $90. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry, purple berry, spice, tilled earth, and a compliment of oak. Mid-weight plus in style, with flavors of purple and black berries annotated with a herbaceous, cedar thread. The fruit builds in intensity over time in the glass. There is a good cut of acidity and some tannin-driven astringency on the long finish. More appealing when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle but the green thread remained. Score: 90. Reviewed July 29, 2021 ARTICLE »
2017 Failla Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.59, 2,000 cases, $28. Native fermentation, 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Deep and intoxicating aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and dark rose petal. Full-bodied core of black cherry and boysenberry fruits offering an intense attack and expansive mouth feel. A modest oak accent is evident as is a savory herbal thread. Fruit-forward, with healthy tannins and a long, sweet, fruit-driven and somewhat astringent finish. The aggressive tannins need time or decanting to ameliorate. Score: 89. Reviewed January 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.59, 2,000 cases, $28. This wine was featured in the previous issue in the article about Oregon Pinot Noir wines priced at $30 or less. Native fermentations, 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Deep and intoxicating aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and dark rose petal. Full-bodied core of black cherry and boysenberry fruits offering an intense attack and expansive mouth feel. A modest oak accent is evident as is a savory herbal thread. Fruit-forward, with healthy tannins and a long, sweet, fruit-driven and somewhat astringent finish. The aggressive tannins need time or decanting to ameliorate. Score: 89. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Eola Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.57, 140 cases, $42. Vineyard originally planted in 1972. Pommard clone. Native fermentations, 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Beautifully crafted, with aromas and flavors of blackest cherry and toasty oak. Sleek and juicy in the mouth with comfortable tannins and a somewhat arrested finish. Score: 92. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Chehalem Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noi
14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 143 cases, $45. Oregon wine industry pioneer, Dick Erath, first planted this vineyard in 1968. Clone 115. Native fermentations, 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, purple grape and nutty oak in a delightfully balanced, mid weight style with a silky mouthfeel and some finish purpose. I was wanting for a little more flavor impact, but found the wine appealing. Score: 91. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Bjornson Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.62, 144 cases, $48. Vineyard planted in 2006 in a mix of Nekia and Jory soils. Clones are Pommard, 777 and Wädenswil. Native fermentations, 30% whole cluster, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 15% new. bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Beguiling scents of black cherry and turned earth. A bold charge of delicious black fruits fills the mouth with goodness, maintaining exuberance through a persistent and generous finish. The wellbehaved tannins make for harmonious drinking. This wine displays all the charm of Oregon Pinot. Score: 94. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Failla Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.58, 189 cases, $60. Vineyard established in 1984 by Al MacDonald and dry farmed biodynamically. Native fermentations, Wädenswil clone. 50% whole cluster, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A little heavy handed on the barrel treatment with aromas of cherry, spice, marzipan and bark. Plenty of red cherry and berry fruit sprinkled with herbs and framed by redeeming tannins that keep the fruit in line. The finish is particularly notable for its length. Score: 93. Reviewed February 2, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Failla Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $59. This wine was produced and bottled at Ehren Jordan Wine Cellars in St. Helena. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Fresh aromas of dark red cherry, rose petal, earthbound flora and brioche. Striking vibrancy and length in a mid weight styled wine with flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle oak. Rather delicate with gentle tannins. Impressively, the wine builds in intensity over time and was more demonstrative when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed February 4, 2018 ARTICLE »
2013 Failla Occidental Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The dreamy aromas of cherry pie and brown baking spices are intoxicating. Impressive harmony and flavor, featuring mid weight black cherry and black raspberry fruits with good tension and slightly steely acidity. Impressive finishing drive and length. I really liked this wine for its bright demeanor. Score: 92-94. Reviewed April 4, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Failla Pearlessence Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 325 cases, $45. A 2-acre vineyard located near the town of Sebastopol. Aged in about 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddishpurple color in the glass. Fragrant with scents of dark cherries and berries, red plum, nutmeg and cozy oak. Delicious dark plum and purple berry fruits enhanced by a hint of spice and citrus, wrapped in balanced tannins, finishing with a very long, acid-driven finish. The darkest fruited of the three Pinots tasted here and showing the longest finish. Score: 91. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 900 cases, $48. 100% de-stemmed, aged sur lie in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Vibrant aromas of fresh cherries, baking spices and sandalwood. Juicy and crisp, like biting into an iced cherry. Subtle touches of spice, earth and oak add interest. Very forward and easy to cozy up to with a long, aciddriven, mineral-laced finish. This wine really shows off the terroir of this Green Valley vineyard and could be a poster child for that cool-climate appellation. Will age beautifully. Score: 94. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Failla Whistler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc. 260 cases, $52, This site lies in the northern most reaches of Sonoma County and all three acres are exclusively sold to Failla. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. Some whole cluster inclusion during fermentation. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of forest floor and black cherry pick up interest over time in the glass. Mid weight flavors of darker cherries and boysenberries with a subtle undertone of oak and stem. More body than the Keefer with less acidity. The tannins are well proportioned and the wine drinks seamlessly. Pleasant now, but not exciting and needs more time in the cellar. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the stem note had disappeared and the wine offered an appealingly soft mouth feel. Score: 90. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Failla Occidental Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 575 cases, $55. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of mixed berries, sous-bois, and subtle oak and vanilla. A nuanced wine with considerable charm, offering flavors of boysenberry, black raspberry, black cherry, plum, spice and a woodsy conifer edge. Impeccable harmony with an impressive finish lifted by refreshing acidity. Quintessential west Sonoma Coast gem. Score: 92. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.45% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.55. Southeast aspect, clones 777, Swan and Calera, 101.14 rootstock, Franciscan Complex soil. Average Brix 23.5º, 20% whole cluster, aged 12 months in 30% new French oak. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Deep, dark fruit is the theme on the nose and palate. Juicy, with good acidity, balanced tannins and a generous finish. Picks up a spicy, savory bent over time. Reviewed August 14, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Occidental Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $N/A. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with cherries and red rose petals. The flavor doesn’t match the aroma, offering highly delicate red fruits backed by very lacy tannins. Shallow but pleasant. Decent. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $35. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Well-perfumed with fresh berry jam and spice. Middleweight flavors of black cherries and black raspberries which show good ripeness, backed by suave tannins and zingy acidity. The finish comes up a bit short. Not extraordinary, but a solid wine for the dinner table. Good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., 425 cases, $42. Very cool growing season. 25% of grapes were fermented in concrete egg vessels and 75% in 33% new French oak barrels. · Pale yellow color and clear in the glass. Appealing aromas of pear, applesauce, pastry cream, toffee and vanilla wafer. Slightly creamy and plush on the palate with vivid flavors of poached pear, baked apple, finishing with a caramel apple note and a charge of bright acidity. This wine has the apple by the tail. Score: 94. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $46. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of red cherries and berries, oak, stem and balsam. Mid-weight flavors of red cherries with a savory herb and smoky oak accent in the background. Soft in the mouth with gentle tannins and bright acidity. Well-crafted, but doesn’t have the ripeness and stuffing I have come to expect from this stellar vineyard. I do like it for its femininity. Good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Failla Chuy Vineyard Sonoma Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., 300 cases, $58. Dry-farmed, head-trained site tended by Chuy Ordaz since he planted the vineyard in 1964. Very tiny yields from Wente clone planting. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Fresh aromas of ocean air, apple pie and See’s toffee. Seamless on the palate, with assertive flavors of lemon and apple, and a silky mouth feel. Well-crafted with impeccable balance. The stony acid structure in this wine will lend itself to food. Score: 92. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »
2009 Failla Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc.. Unreleased. · Delicious and seductive, this beautifully crafted wine has the whole package of modest alcohol, bright and fresh berry aromas, discreetly concentrated dark berry flavors, bright acidity, well-proportioned tannic backbone, smooth mouth feel and lengthy aromatic intensity. Still very young, but possesses a very bright future. One of the best Pinot Noirs I tasted over the three days. Very good (+). Reviewed March 12, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Failla Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $30. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex nose offering scents of dark berries, brier, redwood, oak cask, bacon and rose petals. Fairly intense array of dark red raspberry and red plum flavors with a savory oak and floral undertone. Straightforward with a pleasingly rich mouth feel. Good (+). Reviewed January 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2007 Failla Vivian Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., unreleased. Founded in 1998, Failla is the project of winemaker Ehren Jordan and his wife Anne-Marie Failla. Jordan has a distinguished history of winemaking at Neyers Vineyards and Turley Wine Cellars. His Pinot Noirs, which are sourced from prime California coastal vineyards, have been superb of late. · The nose is light, airy and slightly grassy. Tasty and intense boysenberry core with lively acidity on a lingering finish. Reviewed April 18, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $47. · The nose is dominated by purple fruits, mushrooms, oak and brioche. On the palate, the flavors echo the aromas with added interest offered by savory herbs. Smooth and full-bodied, even muscular, with silky tannins, good acidity and some persistence on the fruity finish. Decent. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Failla Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45. · Confected cherries, exotic spices, and dried herbs fill the nose. Delicious and juicy black cherry flavor with a sidecar of anise and savory herbs. Silky smooth and seamless with diaphanous tannins. A little bigger than the Keefer Ranch label, but hard to choose between them. Reviewed July 19, 2008 ARTICLE »