Spell Estate

Articles About Spell Estate

Reviewed Wines

2019 SPELL Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and earthy flora lead to a mid-weight plus styled wine featuring plenty of tasteful black cherry, boysenberry and Dr. Pepper flavors. Some young tannins prowl the background but are not intrusive. Overall, quite enjoyable. Score: 93. Reviewed July 26, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 SPELL Terra de Promissio Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $60 · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Boysenberry aroma is framed by smoky oak. Mid-weight plus in style, with smoke-infused fruit flavors of purple berry and black cherry. The tannins are modestly proportioned and the finish long and fruity. When tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, the smoky ash note persisted but the fruit core was exuberant and the wine was livelier. Score: 90. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2016 Spell Estate Sonoma County Vin Gris of Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 348 cases, $23. A saignée of Pinot Noir (juice removed from each lot of Pinot Noir as it is being de-stemmed into the fermenter. Aged in neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel. · Light pink color in the glass. Reserved, but pleasant scent of cherry juice and yellow peach. Bone dry, with flavors of melon, peach, orange zest and a hint of dried herbs. Score: 88. Reviewed June 4, 2017

2015 Spell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.63, $38. Sourced from the Dutton- Sullivan Vineyard located near Graton and planted in the 1980s to a heritage selection of Wente Chardonnay on its own rootstock. Aged in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Very shy aromas of buttery citrus. More expressive on the palate, with flavors of yellow apple, nectarine and lemon. Nicely balanced, with good acid integration and brightness, but lacks enthusiastic flavor. Score: 88. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Spell NIchole’s Blend Sonoma County Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, 445 cases, $41. Sourced from Morris Vineyard and declassified barrels of Terra de Promissio, Umino and Alder Springs vineyards. Aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, black current, prune and spice lead off. A charge of sappy black fruits saturates the palate and finish. The dry fruit tannins are well-proportioned. Easy to drink and like able, but lacks nuance and uplifting acidity. Score: 88. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Spell Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 102 cases, $50. Grapes sourced from the 3Tiers Block located at an elevation of 1,700 feet on a southeastern facing slope. Dijon clone 459 and DRC and Calera selections. Low-vigor, sandstone-based soils. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Wellappointed aromas of dark red berries and underbrush lead off. The fruit is vivid and juicy in the mouth, displaying a full-bodied load of fresh, wellripened black cherry and blackberry fruits. Although quite sappy, the firm tannic backbone keeps the fruit in line. There is an appealing Old World rusticity to this wine. The prominent fruit tannins combined with balanced acidity predict age ability. Score: 92. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.58, 150 cases, $50. Clones are Rochioli Pommard selection, DRC selection and Wädenswil 2A. Aged in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose entices with vibrant aromas of strawberry, black cherry and sweet grape. The glorious dark red cherry and berry fruits demand attention as do the muscular tannins. A supportive oak thread plies the background. The wine finishes with some astringency. Further time in bottle should mellow the tannins. Score: 90. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Spell Nicole’s Blend Sonoma County Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, 882 cases $39. A blend from DeVoto, Terre de Promissio, Umino and Alder Springs vineyards. Aged in 40% new, 30% once-used and 30% older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A perfume of Bing cherry, strawberry and baking spices draw the nose to the glass. This wine aims to please with a mid weight core of juicy black cherry fruit balanced with the faintest oak and spice. Nicely weighted with integrated tannins and acidity, and some finishing intensity. Score: 90. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Spell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.63, 234 cases $39. Sourced from Sullivan Vineyard - Dutton Ranch. Vineyard planted in the 1980s to Wente clone on its own rootstock. Aged in French oak barrels, 39% new, 50% twice used and 20% older. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A nicely composed wine with engaging aromas of toasted apple, lemon, grapefruit and caramel. Slightly viscous on the mid palate, with inviting flavors of yellow apple, nectarine, pear and pineapple. Sleek, soothing and cozy, with a complimentary touch of toasty oak and commendable balance. Score: 91. Reviewed June 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Spell Umino Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.59, 128 cases, $48. This vineyard is owned and farmed by Dave Umino and is located in the Sebastopol Hills. Planted to Dijon clones 777, 667, 115 and 459 on a former apple orchard in 1995. Clones 459, 115 and 777. Aged in 50% new, 25% once-used and 25% older French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. On the nose, dark cherry fruit is embellished with scents of violets, oak spice and vanilla creme. Mid weight plus in style, with an array of earthy and mineral-toned darker fruits. The most concentrated of the 2014 Spell Pinot Noirs, yet refined and easy to like with structured tannins, a velvety texture, and a charge of sweet blackberry fruit on the big ending. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, 125 cases, $48. Rochioli selection Pommard, 2A and a DRC selection. Aged in 33% new, 33% once-used and 33% older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with scents of cherry, exotic spices and potpourri. Plenty of flavor is packed into the mid palate and finish of this mid weight, captivating wine that features black cherry and black raspberry fruits embellished with a deft touch of oak and a bit of umami. Structured tannins are slightly astringent at this early stage. The finish is one to celebrate, with extraordinary black cherry aromatic persistence. This zesty wine is cause for celebration. Score: 94. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 SPELL Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 125 cases, $48. Rochioli selection, Pommard, Wädenswil 2A and a DRC selection. Aged in 33% new, 33% once-used, and 33% older French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with scents of cherry, exotic spices and potpourri. Plenty of flavor packed into a mid-weight style. A captivating wine that features black cherry and black raspberry fruits embellished with a deft touch of oak and a bit of umami. The structured tannins are slightly astringent. The finish is one to celebrate, with an extraordinary black cherry aromatic persistence. This special wine is a cause for celebration. Reviewed June, 2016. Score: 94. Reviewed July 26, 2021 ARTICLE »

2014 Spell Terra De Promissio Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.58, 79 cases, $58. Clone 115. Aged in 50% new, 25% once-used and 25% older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of black cherry, forest floor and subtle oak. Fairly concentrated and ripe fruited, with succulent flavors of black cherry, blackberry, spice and Hoison sauce, backed by balanced tannins that make for easy approachability. The fruit really grabs hold to the long finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Spell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

15.0% alc., 98 cases, $38. Sourced from Dutton-Sullivan Vineyard planted in 1982 to a Wente selection of Chardonnay on its own rootstock. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new, 50% twice-used and 25% older. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Delicate aromas of peach, pineapple and grilled lemon. Rich and luscious on the palate, with appealing flavors of peach, citrus, poached apple and caramel. The alcohol is well integrated, the texture is slightly creamy, and there is some finishing fruit persistence. Score: 89. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Spell Nicole’s Blend Sonoma County Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 575 cases, $39. Sourced from DeVoto, Terra de Promissio, Umino and Alder Springs vineyards. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new, 30% once-used, and 40% older. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very fragrant aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, Asian 5-spice and a hint of peppercorn which build in intensity over time in the glass. Smooth and harmonious in the mouth, with flavors of dark red cherry and berry fruits. Very forward drinking, with minimal dry tannins and good intensity on the finish. This is the most approachable and easy drinking wine in the 2013 SPELL lineup. Score: 90. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Spell Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 126 cases, $48. Dijon 459, 115, 667 and 777, and heritage clones of DRC and Calera. Low-vigor volcanic soils located 12 miles west of the Pacific Ocean. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 43% new, 14% once-used, and 43% older. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose, even when checked two days after opening. Fresh cherry and cranberry fruit flavors with a hint of citrus, good cut and balanced tannins, but lacks mid palate intensity and finish. Didn't really become exuberant when tasted two days after opening. Enjoyable, but not enthralling. Score: 88. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Spell Umino Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 121 cases, $48. Wine club exclusive. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose, even when checked two days after opening, revealing delicate aromas of black cherry, spice and toasty oak. A luscious wine, sporting earth-kissed black cherry fruit accented with oak. Fat and full but no excess sweetness. The captivating texture is very silky, plush and tres Pinot. A bit reserved and tight, the wine was better two days after opening when tasted from an re-corked bottle. Give this wine another year or two in the cellar. Score: 90. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 164 cases, $48. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 43% new, 28.5% once-used and 28.5% older. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry, wood fern, and pennyroyal. Juicy, with vibrant red fruits framed by muscular tannins. Much better two days after opening when tasted from an re-corked bottle, showing more harmony and less astringency on the finish. Decant or hold for two years. Score: 90-91. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Spell Terra de Promissio Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 100 cases, $58. Vineyard is planted to clones 115 and 777 and is located in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Primarily 115 with a tiny amount of 777. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new, 25% once-used and 25% older. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. Fresh aromas of earthy black fruits. Aggressive attack of dark red and black stone and berry fruits accented with a hint of white pepper and spice. Very suave and definitely earthy, with a pleasing blackberry-infused finish which leaves a hint of heat in its wake. Score: 92. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Spell Nichole’s Blend Sonoma County Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.59, 902 cases, $39. A blend of grapes from Lorenzo, Hurst, DeVoto, Marimar, Terre de Promissio and Alder Springs vineyards. Aged in 25% new, 25% once used, and 50% older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry cobbler, raspberry coulis and baking spices. Elegant in the mouth with tangy acidity, featuring black cherry and raspberry flavors. Pleasant, with modest tannins and easy approachability. Slow to open and may benefit from another 6 to 12 months in bottle. Score: 87. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Spell Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.58, 149 cases, $50. Dijon 459, 115, 667 and 777, Calera and “DRC” selections. Aged in 40% new, 25% once used and 35% older French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Pleasant array of aromas including cherry, berry, forest floor and oak spice. Discreetly concentrated but intensely flavored darker red berries and black plums with an earthy bent. The wine offers a generous acid backbone and balanced firm, dry tannins with a smooth texture. Very typical of this vineyard in my experience. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.60, 194 cases, $50. Rochioli and “DRC” selection, Pommard and 2A clones. Aged in 40% new, 25% once used and 35% older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is initially closed for business, emerging very reluctantly over time in the glass to reveal aromas of Hoison sauce, soy and wet leaves. Mid weight core of luscious black raspberry and plum fruit, supported by balanced tannins, finishing with a thrust of fresh berry joy. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, the wine had opened up considerably, offering copious fruit and spice aromas and flavors. This wine will require patience and understanding. Score: 91. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Spell Marimar Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.61, 148 cases, $72. Sourced from the Dona Margarita Vineyard located in Freestone. Pommard 4 and Dijon 115 clones. Aged in 40% new, 25% once used and 35% older French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Fresh aromas of raspberry tart, cherry glaze and spice. A polished wine with broad flavors of black cherry and red raspberry with an earthy underpinning. The oak is nicely integrated and the tannins are modest and focused. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Seems to need more patience. Score: 90. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Spell Terra de Promissio Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.60, 148 cases, $72. Clone 115. Aged in 40% new, 25% once used and 35% older French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Very appealing nose with highly aromatic raspberry coulis scent. Beguiling middleweight flavors of fresh, dark cherries and raspberries, enveloped in submerged tannins, finishing long and generous with zippy acidity. Highly satisfying and easy to drink now. Score: 90. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Spell Nichole’s Blend Sonoma County Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 245 cases, $39. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very shy, but pleasant nose offering primarily black cherry fruit. A cherry lovers delight with complimentary hints of cola and spice. Smooth and balanced with soft tannins and some cherry driven length on the finish. Good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Spell Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 100 cases, $50. · Medium reddishpurple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, dark berry liquor, spice and an earthy-clay note typical of this vineyard. Mid weight cherry, berry and plum flavors with firm, balanced tannins, and a mineral-driven note of iron. Finishes with a zing of citrusy acidity. Very good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 90 cases, $50. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Highly fragrant in the glass with aromas of darker berries and cherries, rose petals, and the inside of a well-perfumed woman's leather glove. Ambrosial on the palate with layers of flavor including cherry, raspberry and pomegranate. This wine has the most tannin in the 2011 lineup, but enough fruit to take it on. The good acidity gives the wine vigor and the finish is ridiculously long. This is one of those wines that makes you sit back in your chair, smile and exclaim, “Wow!” I have had several great wines from this vineyard and this one joins the crew. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

13.4% alc.., 90 cases, $50. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Incredibly fragrant, alive with aromas of black cherries, dark berries, dark red rose petals, mocha, and baking spice. Intense, delicious mid palate flavors of cherry pie glaze, black raspberry, purple plum, spice, and dark chocolate with a touch of oak in the background. Plenty of acid-driven vigor and balanced tannins. Soft in the mouth and easy to drink. The finish is outrageously long, juicy and intense. Score: 95. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Spell Marimar Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 90 cases, $72. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Wild and exotic on the nose with aromas of fresh-picked berries, grapes, spice and cut flowers. A delightful wine that aims to please with appealing black raspberry and black cherry flavors and a touch of spice. Seamless and polished with gentle tannins and a cherry cola finish. Very good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Spell Nicole’s Blend Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 252 cases, $37. Winemaker Andrew Berge. Sourced from Terra de Promissio Vineyard east of the town of Petaluma and Miron Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of red pie cherries, baking spices and sandalwood. Middleweight flavors of cherries with a hint of tobacco and herbs, displaying admirable finesse and some finishing strength. Russian River Valley in character. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Spell Guidici Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 150 cases, $39. Winemaker Shane Finley. The vineyard is located just outside the small town of Occidental amidst towering redwoods. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of fresh deep red cherries and strawberries with a hint of spice. Rich and bold in character, with plentiful and attention-grabbing deep red and black fruits backed by muscular tannins and bright acidity. Addictive flavor in this wine. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 175 cases, $39. Crafted by Shane Finley. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Intensely aromatic featuring a perfume of dark raspberries and blackberries with a lovely accent of spice. Infused with vivid flavors of black raspberry jam and tea leaf, currently dominated by firm, dry tannins. Impressive length on the well-endowed finish. This is a remarkable vineyard. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 SPELL Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $39. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, BBQ rub, and Prada leather coat. Richly appointed with layers of black cherry, purple and black berry and brown sugar flavors framed by energetic tannins. This wine has yet shed its tannins and probably never will leading to more imbalance in this wine as the fruit fades in the future. Score: 89. Reviewed July 26, 2021 ARTICLE »

2007 Spell Barton Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 45 cases, $47. The Barton Vineyard is located just outside the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley on Vine Hill Road. Clones 115 and Pommard. 25% whole cluster fermentation, aged 20 months in 50% new French oak, unfined and unfiltered. · Enticing and penetrating aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cola, baking spices and sandalwood. Very “Russian Riveresque” and I loved it. Red fruit driven flavors which are leaner than the Weir bottling but enough richness to satisfy. Very smoothly textured and nicely balanced. Will get even better in another one to two years. Reviewed April 18, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 120 cases, $47. The Weir vineyard is owned and farmed by Bill and Suki Weir and is located at elevations of 850 to 1000 feet on south and southwest facing gentle slopes. Clones 2A, Rochioli and DRC suitcase. 20% whole cluster fermentation, aged 10 months in 40% new French oak, unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish-violet color. Needs time to open. Brooding dark cherry and berry fruit aromas and flavors with a touch of citric peel on the back end. Flamboyant tannins coat the mouth and need time to be shed. The succulent fruit became more accessible in the opened bottle as I sampled it later in the day. If you open it now, drink it with a big ribeye steak. Reviewed April 18, 2009 ARTICLE »