Dec 30, 2022
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Valerie’s Vineyard
| Owner(s) | Vicki Brown, Michael Coats, Valerie Coats, Chuck Hanson, Jerry Hanson |
| Web site | www.valeriesvineyard.com |
| Link to this site |
A single wine lovingly sourced from a 1-acre vineyard from the Carneros region of Sonoma County. Forget small, we are talking tiny here. Only 58 cases were produced from the 1-acre Valerie’s Vineyard in 2010. This vineyard is a group managed affair, the result of a partnership between long time Sonoma County public relations person Michael Coats, his wife Valerie, her parents Chuck and Jerry Hanson, and Valerie's sister, Vicki Brown. Chuck Hanson has been the primary wine buyer for Hi-Time Cellars in Costa Mesa, California, for 53 years. Each of the partners share equally in the work of the vineyard which is organically farmed and overseen by viticulturist Phil Cotourri.
The vineyard, formerly the site of a plum orchard, was originally planted in 2000 by vineyardist Chuy Ordaz on resistant rootstock and a secret Russian River Valley sourced clone. The land sits less than 500 feet from the appellation line dividing Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Carneros. The first release was in 2003. Yields are just under 2 tons per acre with production less than 100 cases.
The Valerie’s Vineyard Pinot Noir was crafted by B.R. Cohn Winery winemaker, Tom Montgomery, at B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen for several years. In 2015, Jeff McBridge made the wine at Benziger Family Winery. The wine is consistently stellar.
Valerie’s Vineyard Pinot Noir may be acquired by e-mailing michael@coatspr.com or visiting the Hi-Time Cellars website at www.hitimewine.net. There is limited Sonoma Valley restaurant and retail distribution. With such limited production, the wine sells out quickly each vintage.
Articles About Valerie’s Vineyard
2017 California Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
A Dozen California Wineries Offer Holiday Cheer (11.14 12/3/2017)
Drinking Small Part 2 (8.27 12/14/2010)
Pinots of Distinction (8.40 6/30/2011)
Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir (10.10 5/11/2015)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.37 1/17/2019)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (11.2 4/18/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers (9.43 7/19/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (9.27 7/22/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Sonoma County Pinot Noir (10.31 6/5/2016)
Tasting Pinot with Plenty of Noir (9.9 7/21/2012)
Three Carneros Pinot Noir Gems (8.11 2/15/2010)
Valerie’s Vineyard (7.17 5/7/2009)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 80 cases, $40.
Fifteenth vintage. Three families hand tend this one-acre vineyard. Aged 12 months in
mixed age French oak barrels. Vinified by winemaker Jeff McBride at Benziger Family
Winery. Limited availability (see website).
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black
cherry, blackberry and rose petal. (There is the slightest hint of sweaty saddle leather
which may be Brett related). Mid weight plus in style with hearty flavors of purple and
black fruits with a floral note and subtle oak in the background. Plenty of vigorous sap to satisfy, yet is
polished with sleek tannins and is light on its feet. Tasted twice.
Score: 90.
Reviewed January 17, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.,100 cases, $40. Three families hand farm this
1-acre vineyard along with vineyard practices guided by
Phil Coturri. Produced and bottled by Benziger Family
Winery, Glen Ellen (winemaker Jeff McBride). 14th vintage.
Aged 12 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Intoxicating
aromas of fresh berries, fertile earth and compost. Gorgeous in every
way, featuring a vivid mid weight core of dark red cherry and berry
flavors framed by engaging tannins and supported by juicy acidity. The
unbelievably intense and persistent finish is a message from heaven. I
have tasted almost every vintage of Valerie’s and the wines are
consistently fine, but this one is the best ever.
Score: 95.
Reviewed December 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.,
60 cases, $40.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Plenty of
aromatic volume, featuring scents of cherry, raspberry, sage and rose
petal. The nose reminds of some intraberry (carbonic) fermentation. Ripe
and discreetly sappy flavors of cherry, cranberry and strawberry offer
good vibrancy. The gossamer tannins make for seductive drinking, the
black cherry infused finish delights, and the overall harmony results in a
charming, even aristocratic impression.
Score: 92.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 62 cases, $40. 12th vintage crafted by
winemaker Jeff McBridge. Vineyard farming is guided by Phil Coturri. Produced and bottled at Benziger Family
Winery. Aged 18 months in new and 2-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas
of darker cherry, dried herbs and floral bouquet lead to a middleweight core of confected cherry and raspberry
fruits accented with cola and brioche notes. Sleek, with harmonious tannins and inviting cherry fruit intensity on
the finish.
Score: 88.
Reviewed June 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
93 cases, $40. Winemaker Jeff McBride (Benziger Family Winery). Aged 18 months in French oak barrels.
·
Medium
reddish purple color in the glass. A very savory wine with aromas of herbs, sous-bois and cigar box.
Middleweight flavors of black cherry, blueberry and black raspberry with a riff of grilled mushroom and sweet
oak in the background. Very earthy, with satiny tannins and some finishing length. I liked it more over time in
the glass.
Score: 90.
Reviewed May 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 90 cases,
$40. Ninth vintage. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light
deep red color in the glass. Rather exotically scented, offering aromas of
strawberry, cherry, briar, white pepper, rose hips tea and seasoned oak. Mid
weight core of tasteful strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruits with a bombastic
cherry finish. Seamless, with soft, tame tannins and balancing acidity. Spend
some time with this wine and you will discover plenty of spicy nuances come and
go. Quite elegant and easy to drink now but will age.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 21, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Valerie’s Vineyard “One Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., 58 cases, $40. 8th vintage. Aged 18 months in new and 2-year-old
French oak.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Intriguing nose
offering scents of dark red berries, earth, black pepper and coffee. Hits
the mid palate with a vengeance, empowered with attention grabbing
flavors of blackberries, plum, cola, mushroom, tobacco and spice. Very
well-crafted with a seamless character, plush on the palate, with wellproportioned
tannins, and a long, long finish. A very unique and interesting wine
that you will want to spend considerable time with. Great the following the day
as well from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Reviewed July 23, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 58 cases, $40.
·
Dark garnet color in
the glass. Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, dark chocolate covered raisin, black
raspberry and vanilla are replicated on the palate. The gorgeous fruit really impresses and is supported by
well-integrated tannins. The milky texture appeals as does the fruit-filled finish. There is an underlying
earthiness so prevalent in Carneros Pinot Noir. Drink now to 2025.
Score: 90.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2009 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 75 cases, $40.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. A slight oxidized note is present on the nose that offers fruit aromas of black cherry
and black raspberry. Sleek and seamless on the palate with intense, even teeth-staining, flavors of blackberry,
black plum, raspberry and black tea. There is enough balancing tannin to support the fruit load. A pristine bottle
would undoubtedly score higher. Drink now to 2025.
Score: 88.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2009 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 75 cases, $40. From a small vineyard in
the southern Sonoma Valley farmed by three families. Produced and bottled at B.R. Cohn Winery. Aged 18
months in new and twice-used French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Lovely aromas of
ripe cherries, red plums and Provencal herbs. Moderately light in weight with “crunchy” red cherry and red
raspberry flavors and a sidecar of savory herbs, cola, raisin and vanillin. Picks up character and intensity in the
glass over time but veers a little to the raisiny, porto side. Admirable finesse and a zippy lift of acid on the
refreshing finish. A lighter weighted, redder-fruited vintage for this vineyard. Source: website and Hi-Time
Cellars in Costa Mesa, CA. Good.
Reviewed July 1, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $40.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. Some aromatic breadth with scents of black cherry syrup, toasty oak and earthy flora. Rich and sappy,
with dense flavors of dark cherry and berry accented with a hint of prune and marzipan. Still quite structured
and fresh, with a polished mouthfeel. Drink now to 2025.
Score: 90.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2008 Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $40. Aged
18 months in new and two-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Ornate aromas
and flavors of dark berries, Mu Shu plum sauce, cassis, tea, brown spice,
and loamy earth. Very smoothly textured with finely ground tannins and
amazing persistence of perfectly ripe fruit on the finish. The wine really
grows on you over time. Will benefit from 1 to 2 more years in bottle.
Year in and year out, one of the best Pinot Noirs to come out of Carneros.
Reviewed December 14, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 88 cases, $40.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Considerable tertiary character in this wine with bouquet of dried black cherry,
strawberry, red and black current, turned earth and earthy flora. Very ripe fruited and mid weight in style, with
flavors of black cherry and prune framed by silky tannins, admirable oak assimilation, and a juicy, cherry-fueled
finish of some length. Drink now to 2020.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 19, 2017
ARTICLE »
2007 Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 88 cases, $40. Aged
in a mix of new and two-year-old French oak barrels for 17 months.
·
Nuanced nose
offering pleasing aromas of dark berries, black plums, pine, dark caramel and soy
sauce. Deep in color but moderately light in weight with plenty of dark fruit powered
pleasure. Bright and focused with gossamer tannins offering alluring
Pinot delicacy. A beautifully crafted wine that makes a statement and is well worth
a search. A gem.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 132 cases,
$40, very heavy bottle. Aged in a mix of new and two-year-old French oak
barrels for 17 months.
·
The nose offers the aromas of a fresh berry tart
with a dusting of oak. Plenty of body and weight to the cherry and berries
flavors which are framed by healthy tannins. The most striking feature of
this wine is the velvety texture. Over time in the glass, the wine really
grows on you as it reveals many nuances of flavor including cola and tea but it is
the sensual mouthfeel that lures you back for another sip.
Reviewed May 7, 2009
ARTICLE »
2017 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 80 cases, $40. Fifteenth vintage. Three families hand tend this one-acre vineyard. Aged 12 months in mixed age French oak barrels. Vinified by winemaker Jeff McBride at Benziger Family Winery. Limited availability (see website). · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry and rose petal. (There is the slightest hint of sweaty saddle leather which may be Brett related). Mid weight plus in style with hearty flavors of purple and black fruits with a floral note and subtle oak in the background. Plenty of vigorous sap to satisfy, yet is polished with sleek tannins and is light on its feet. Tasted twice. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.,100 cases, $40. Three families hand farm this 1-acre vineyard along with vineyard practices guided by Phil Coturri. Produced and bottled by Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen (winemaker Jeff McBride). 14th vintage. Aged 12 months in 100% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of fresh berries, fertile earth and compost. Gorgeous in every way, featuring a vivid mid weight core of dark red cherry and berry flavors framed by engaging tannins and supported by juicy acidity. The unbelievably intense and persistent finish is a message from heaven. I have tasted almost every vintage of Valerie’s and the wines are consistently fine, but this one is the best ever. Score: 95. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 60 cases, $40. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Plenty of aromatic volume, featuring scents of cherry, raspberry, sage and rose petal. The nose reminds of some intraberry (carbonic) fermentation. Ripe and discreetly sappy flavors of cherry, cranberry and strawberry offer good vibrancy. The gossamer tannins make for seductive drinking, the black cherry infused finish delights, and the overall harmony results in a charming, even aristocratic impression. Score: 92. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 62 cases, $40. 12th vintage crafted by winemaker Jeff McBridge. Vineyard farming is guided by Phil Coturri. Produced and bottled at Benziger Family Winery. Aged 18 months in new and 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of darker cherry, dried herbs and floral bouquet lead to a middleweight core of confected cherry and raspberry fruits accented with cola and brioche notes. Sleek, with harmonious tannins and inviting cherry fruit intensity on the finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
93 cases, $40. Winemaker Jeff McBride (Benziger Family Winery). Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. A very savory wine with aromas of herbs, sous-bois and cigar box. Middleweight flavors of black cherry, blueberry and black raspberry with a riff of grilled mushroom and sweet oak in the background. Very earthy, with satiny tannins and some finishing length. I liked it more over time in the glass. Score: 90. Reviewed May 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 90 cases, $40. Ninth vintage. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light deep red color in the glass. Rather exotically scented, offering aromas of strawberry, cherry, briar, white pepper, rose hips tea and seasoned oak. Mid weight core of tasteful strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruits with a bombastic cherry finish. Seamless, with soft, tame tannins and balancing acidity. Spend some time with this wine and you will discover plenty of spicy nuances come and go. Quite elegant and easy to drink now but will age. Score: 92. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Valerie’s Vineyard “One Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 58 cases, $40. 8th vintage. Aged 18 months in new and 2-year-old French oak. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Intriguing nose offering scents of dark red berries, earth, black pepper and coffee. Hits the mid palate with a vengeance, empowered with attention grabbing flavors of blackberries, plum, cola, mushroom, tobacco and spice. Very well-crafted with a seamless character, plush on the palate, with wellproportioned tannins, and a long, long finish. A very unique and interesting wine that you will want to spend considerable time with. Great the following the day as well from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed July 23, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 58 cases, $40. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, dark chocolate covered raisin, black raspberry and vanilla are replicated on the palate. The gorgeous fruit really impresses and is supported by well-integrated tannins. The milky texture appeals as does the fruit-filled finish. There is an underlying earthiness so prevalent in Carneros Pinot Noir. Drink now to 2025. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2009 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 75 cases, $40. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A slight oxidized note is present on the nose that offers fruit aromas of black cherry and black raspberry. Sleek and seamless on the palate with intense, even teeth-staining, flavors of blackberry, black plum, raspberry and black tea. There is enough balancing tannin to support the fruit load. A pristine bottle would undoubtedly score higher. Drink now to 2025. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2009 Valerie’s Vineyard One Acre Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 75 cases, $40. From a small vineyard in the southern Sonoma Valley farmed by three families. Produced and bottled at B.R. Cohn Winery. Aged 18 months in new and twice-used French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Lovely aromas of ripe cherries, red plums and Provencal herbs. Moderately light in weight with “crunchy” red cherry and red raspberry flavors and a sidecar of savory herbs, cola, raisin and vanillin. Picks up character and intensity in the glass over time but veers a little to the raisiny, porto side. Admirable finesse and a zippy lift of acid on the refreshing finish. A lighter weighted, redder-fruited vintage for this vineyard. Source: website and Hi-Time Cellars in Costa Mesa, CA. Good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $40. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Some aromatic breadth with scents of black cherry syrup, toasty oak and earthy flora. Rich and sappy, with dense flavors of dark cherry and berry accented with a hint of prune and marzipan. Still quite structured and fresh, with a polished mouthfeel. Drink now to 2025. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2008 Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $40. Aged 18 months in new and two-year-old French oak barrels. · Ornate aromas and flavors of dark berries, Mu Shu plum sauce, cassis, tea, brown spice, and loamy earth. Very smoothly textured with finely ground tannins and amazing persistence of perfectly ripe fruit on the finish. The wine really grows on you over time. Will benefit from 1 to 2 more years in bottle. Year in and year out, one of the best Pinot Noirs to come out of Carneros. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Valerie’s Vineyard “One-Acre” Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 88 cases, $40. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Considerable tertiary character in this wine with bouquet of dried black cherry, strawberry, red and black current, turned earth and earthy flora. Very ripe fruited and mid weight in style, with flavors of black cherry and prune framed by silky tannins, admirable oak assimilation, and a juicy, cherry-fueled finish of some length. Drink now to 2020. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »
2007 Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 88 cases, $40. Aged in a mix of new and two-year-old French oak barrels for 17 months. · Nuanced nose offering pleasing aromas of dark berries, black plums, pine, dark caramel and soy sauce. Deep in color but moderately light in weight with plenty of dark fruit powered pleasure. Bright and focused with gossamer tannins offering alluring Pinot delicacy. A beautifully crafted wine that makes a statement and is well worth a search. A gem. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Valerie’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 132 cases, $40, very heavy bottle. Aged in a mix of new and two-year-old French oak barrels for 17 months. · The nose offers the aromas of a fresh berry tart with a dusting of oak. Plenty of body and weight to the cherry and berries flavors which are framed by healthy tannins. The most striking feature of this wine is the velvety texture. Over time in the glass, the wine really grows on you as it reveals many nuances of flavor including cola and tea but it is the sensual mouthfeel that lures you back for another sip. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »