Bohème

Owner(s) Kurt Beitler
Web site www.bohemewines.com
 
Link to this site
Bohème

Bohéme Wines is rooted in the town of Occidental in West Sonoma County (the "true" Sonoma Coast). Bohéme leases three vineyards that are located near Taylor Lane and are among the nearest to the Pacific Ocean in all of North America. Unorthodox pruning methods are used to temper shoot growth and berry size.

Kurt Beitler, who grew up in Oregon, directs the farming and winemaking. His grandfather is Charlie Wagner who founded Caymus Vineyards in 1972, and uncle is Chuck Wagner who both encouraged him to work with the family's Caymus Winery in Napa Valley. Beitler's first vineyard management job was the Belle Glos Taylor Lane Vineyard in Occidental where he later found Bohéme.

The Bohéme portfolio includes Pinot Noir (Taylor Ridge Vineyard, Stuller Vineyard), Syrah and Chardonnay. The small-production wines are sold through a mailing list.

The tasting room shares space with the Sonoma Fine Wine shop at 3625 Main St. in Occidental, and is open Friday 3-6, Saturday-Sunday 12-5, or by appointment.

Reviewed Wines

2018 Bohème English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 483 cases, $59. 25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 22 months in French Burgundy barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of plum, black raspberry, dark rose petal and peat. More black cherry and blackberry sap in this harmonious, mid-weight wine exhibiting an intense, ridiculously long finish. Plenty of spice and umami on the palate with reserved tannins. Still profound when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Deserves a standing ovation. Score: 97. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Bohème Occidental Hills Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 291 cases, $59. A premium barrel selection from all of Bohème’s estate grown Pinot Noir vineyards near Occidental. This cuvée includes six Pinot Noir selections grown on three distinct soils. 24% whole cluster fermented. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 17% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Somewhat reserved but pleasant nose with aromas of purple berry compote, allspice, and bark. Mid-weight plus in concentration, featuring bold waves of purple and black berry fruit augmented with a touch of spice and earthiness. A bit rustic, showing the effects of whole cluster, with the faintest oak in the background, slightly more noticeable but not imposing tannin. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was more aromatic exhibiting lovely black cherry and rose petal aromas, more giving fruit flavor and a noticeably long finish. This is the ripest fruited and boldest of the four 2018 Pinots and although it can be enjoyed now, it will undoubtedly benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 95. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Bohème Stuller Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 244 cases, $59. 30% whole cluster, aged 22 months in French Burgundy barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Scintillating nose offering the classic aromas of Pinot Noir including black cherry, baking spices, tilled earth and dark rose petal. Light to mid-weight in style, with ingratiating acidity and very fine-grain tannins. The core of dark red cherry fruit is well-spiced and lingers through cherry-soaked finish. Soothing in texture with a hint of gracious oak. Excellent now but will age. Score: 95. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 206 cases, $59. Yield 1.49 tons per acre. 25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. Appealing aromas of cherry, Mediterranean spice, redwood bark and forest floor. A force of cherry fruit saturates the palate and invigorates the finish. Lively, with upbeat acidity and reserved tannins. The extravagant cherry flavor is complimented with a whiff of oak. Ready to drink upon pulling the cork but exhibiting the harmony to age. A very user-friendly wine that one could sip all night. Score: 96. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »

2015 Boèhme English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.7% alc., 85 cases, $49. Released November 1, 2018. Wente selection. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented in seasoned oak barrels, and aged in French oak on the lees for 20 months with complete malolactic fermentation prior to bottling. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of lemon, buttery brioche, juniper and a hint of yeast. Discretely rich in style, offering flavors of lemon, pineapple and dried yellow peach. Bright acidity tempers the richness of fruit and the wine finishes long with abundance of citrus goodness. Score: 93. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Boèhme Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.7% alc., 75 cases, $49. Released November 1, 2018. Wente selection. Yield 0.57 tons/acre. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, and aged on the lees 20 months in French oak barrels with complete malolactic fermentation before bottling. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Delicate aromas of lemon-lime, ripe apple and ocean breeze. Refined and seamless in the mouth, featuring a citrus fruit core accented with oak-driven toast, caramel and vanilla, Good cut with a quenching finish makes this wine an ideal food companion. Score: 93. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Bohème English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 235 cases, $55. Released November 1, 2018. Vineyard is a mosaic of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah surrounded by pasture and rangeland overlooking Tomales and the Marin Coast Range 9.2 miles from the Pacific Ocean. 8.5 acres planted to Pinot Noir clones 115, 667, Calera and a Vosne-Romanée selection in Goldridge sandy loam and Steinbeck sandy loam soils. Average yield of 1.22 tons per acre. This wine is a barrel selection of four vineyard blocks.25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. I love the nose. Aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry liquor, sous-bois and a hint of vanilla. Luscious dark red and black berry and black cherry fruits hug the palate. A husky, but facile mid weight wine with silky tannins and a sensual texture. More cherry shows up on the finish. A bit of oak-driven char and cola chimes in. Score: 93. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Bohème Stuller Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 144 cases, $55. Released November 1, 2018. A 6.0-acre vineyard planted in 1998 5.8 miles west of the Pacific Ocean. Dijon 115 and 667 clones. Diverse clay loam soils. Yield 0.41 tons per acre. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 17% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and marzipan are shy but pleasant. Very ripe flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and cherry nougat. The succulent fruit makes an impression on the mid palate and lip-smacking finish that features an onslaught of fruit. More enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, exhibiting a suave mouthfeel and a very big finish. Score: 92. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 105 cases, $55. Released November 1, 2018. A 4.9-acre vineyard planted in 1999, 5.3 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Swan clone. Goldridge sandy loam soil. Yield 0.65 tons per acre. 18% whole cluster. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry reduction, baking spices, floral bouquet and sweaty shirt combine in the glass. Dense and bold in a mid weight plus style featuring earthy black berry and black cherry fruits. A big boy wine with firm, ruddy tannins and a big, fruit-filled and lasting finish. Much more appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle again showing a glorious finish. Score: 93. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2014 Bohème Tenth Anniversary English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 192 cases, $45. Wente selection. Whole cluster pressed and cold fermented in seasoned French oak barrels, and aged on the lees for 20 months with complete malolactic fermentation. · Moderately dark golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, cut grass, nori and buttery toffee come to the fore upon opening. Robust and ripe, but toned and uplifting, with flavors of pear, yellow apple, pineapple and creme caramel. Slightly creamy in texture with a sublime well-fruited finish. A superbly crafted fruit and oak driven Chardonnay. Score: 93. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Bohème Tenth Anniversary Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 214 cases, $45. Wente selection. Yield 3.1 tons per acre. Whole cluster pressed, cold fermented in seasoned French oak barrels, and aged on the lees for 20 months with complete malolactic fermentation. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Very inviting aromas of Honeycrisp apple, lemon butter and toasted marshmallow. Well appointed flavors of spiced apple, nectarine, vanilla creme and toasty brioche in a richly styled wine with admirable balance and a pleasing lemon drop finish. Score: 92. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Bohème Tenth Anniversary English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 446 cases, $49. Vineyard is located at the southwestern edge of Sebastopol Hills. Clones 115, 667, Vosne-Romanee and Calera each vinified separately. Yields 3.3 tons per acre. Tailored cold soak, 25% whole cluster fermentation, hand punch downs, aged 22 months in seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enchanting aromas of purple grape, pomegranate, black cherry, baking spice, and sweet pipe smoke set the stage. Flat out terrific in the mouth, with alluring mid weight flavors of raspberry and black cherry and a hint of oak and feral gaminess. Smooth and polished in texture, with a quenching cut of acidity on the finish. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Bohème Tenth Anniversary Stuller Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 263 cases $53. This vineyard is located amid the redwoods at 1,200 feet elevation with views of the Pacific Ocean 6.4 miles west. Clones 115 and 667. Yield 1.53 tons per acre. Tailored cold soak, 30% whole cluster fermentation, hand punch downs, aged 22 months in seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of strawberry, raspberry, forest floor, floral bouquet and a subtle soapy note. Mid weight plus in style, with flavors of black raspberry, strawberry, and grape with a floral note in the background. Suede tannins with a silky mouthfeel and a slightly sour cherry note on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Bohème Tenth Anniversary Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 308 cases, $55. Vineyard is located on a bluff 5.3 miles from the Pacific Ocean so it is exposed to cool maritime air and fog. Soils are sandy loam. Swan selection. Yield 1.69 tons per acre. Tailored cold soak, hand punch downs, aged 22 months in seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Revealing scents of coddled black cherry, bark and rose petal. The middleweight core of well-spiced black cherry alerts the taste buds and the uplifting, juicy and prolonged finish bring refreshing closure. A real cherry bomb with a satiny texture and a deft compliment of oak. Score: 93. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Bohème English Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 72 cases, $45. Yield 2.7 tons per acre. Whole cluster pressed into neutral French oak barrels where it underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. · Moderately deep golden straw color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, apple and spice set the stage for satiating flavors of citrus, yellow apple, honey, caramel and toffee, finishing with a tight grip of acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.7% alc., 120 cases, $45. Petite Wente clusters whole cluster pressed, fermented in a mix of neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation. · Moderately deep golden straw color in the glass. Complex aromatic profile, featuring scents of yellow apple, spice cabinet, pastry creme, warm croissant and vanilla. Discreetly concentrated flavors of lemon, baked apple, and pineapple are supported by a bright acid backbone. The slightly creamy texture hits the spot, and the cleansing finish rewards with uplifting acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Bohème English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 384 cases, $49. Composed of five clones yielding 2.79 tons per acre. 20% whole cluster inclusion. Aged 25 months in seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Vigorous aromas of Bing cherry, baking spice and cigar box. Very sleek and polished in the mouth, with a slinky core of delicious black cherry fruit, underlain with oak driven accents of smoke and caramel. Great verve, with a bombastic finish that satisfies. Score: 93. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Bohème Stuller Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 264 cases, $53. Clones 115 and 667. Yield 0.95 tons per acre. 30% whole cluster inclusion. Aged 25 months in seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of oak-kissed black cherry lead the way for engaging layers of black cherry, pomegranate and blueberry fruit flavors. A hint of chile spice is among the swirl of spice accents. Tannic support is perfectly matched, acidity is nicely integrated, and a very long, seductively slick finish raises the spirits. An entirely charming and classy wine. Score: 94. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 192 cases, $55. Swan selection. Yields 2.0 tons per acre. 10% whole cluster inclusion. Aged 25 months in seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromatically pleasing with scents of crushed black cherries and sous-bois. A well-composed wine with vigorous fruit flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and plum accented with notes of smoke and spice. The wine’s admirable attack, follow through and finish are endearing and the silky mouthfeel is quite seductive. Score: 92. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Bohème English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 766 cases, $49. This 8.5-acre vineyard is located at the southwestern edge of the Sebastopol Hills overlooking the Russian River Valley and Marin Coast. Yields 2.81 tons per acre. A barrel selection from clones 115, 667, Vosne-Romanee, BRC and Calera harvested and fermented separately. Aged 21 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherry, raspberry, woodland and cherry leather. The wine’s flavors echo the nose with a perfectly ripened fruit profile. There is a slight smoky note in the background conferred on the wine by oak. The wine offers boundless elegance and a gratifying finish. Score: 91. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Bohème Stuller Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 472 cases, $53. This 6-acre vineyard dates to 1998 and is located amidst the redwoods at 1,200 feet elevation with views of the Pacific Ocean 6.4 miles away. Clone 115 is planted in clay loam and 667 in gravelly hilltop soils. Yield 1.8 tons per acre. Aged 20 months in once to four times used French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nuanced aromatic profile satisfies, with scents of black cherry, sarsaparilla, pine needle and sandy loam. Pleasingly silky and slightly viscous on the palate which features mid weight dark red and black cherry, black raspberry and cola flavors with an earthy undertone. Opens nicely in the glass over time, displaying commendable harmony and some finishing length marked by uplifting acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 305 cases, $55. This vineyard is located on a bluff 4.8 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean at 915 feet elevation. Swan selection is planted in sandy loam Goldridge soils. Yields 2.15 tons per acre. Aged 20 months in once to three times used French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. The highly expressive nose offers a perfume of red cherry, cake spice, rose petal and sandalwood. Plenty of luscious cherry goodness engages the mid palate in a polished, elegantly style wine with refined tannins and integrated acidity. A compliment of baking spices is enmeshed. This is a very classy wine with pinpoint balance and a vivacious charge of cherry hanging on at the finish. Score: 93. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2010 Bohème English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 221 cases, $49. This vineyard is located on the southwestern edge of the Russian River Valley. Clones are 115, 667, Vosne-Romanee, and Calera selections. Yield .89 tons per acre. Aged 2 years in neutral French oak barrels. · Plenty to like on the nose with uplifting aromas of black cherry, spice and earthy flora. Elegant and suave, with darker stone and berry fruits augmented with cinnamon spice. There is a good cut of acidity and some finishing persistence. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Bohème Stuller Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 285 cases, $49. Vineyard is located at 1,209 feet elevation on a coastal ridge, 6.4 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Clones 115 and 667. Yield .99 tons per acre. Aged 2 years in neutral French oak barrels. From owner-vintner Kurt Beitler. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Cherry is the dominant scent on the nose with added compliments of forest floor and leaf. Earth-kissed cherry flavor with hints of raspberry and dark chocolate. Very mild tannins and easy to drink, but a little delicate for my taste on the attack and finish. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 189 cases, $55. Vineyard is at 915 feet elevation, 5.3 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Swan selection, yields 1.09 tons per acre. Aged 2 years in neutral French oak barrels. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of red cherry, Christmas spice and sandalwood. Soft and elegant in the mouth with supple tannins backing the delicious core of red cherry and cranberry fruits. A delicate wine, but flavorful and very enjoyable. The cherrythemed finish is noteworthy. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2006 Bohème Stuller Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.5% alc., 120 cases, $53. This vineyard is located on a ridge top 6.4 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Aged 17 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Raspberry, blackberry and current aromas with slightly roasted flavors. Not as over ripe as the Taylor Ridge bottling but still a little raisiny. Huge, succulent core of dark fruits with plenty of tannins. Not a wine for sissies. Tried it with dinner and it was too hot (alcoholic) to compliment the fare. This is a sipping wine, not a table wine. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 190 cases, $53. This vineyard is located on a bluff 5.3 miles from the Pacific Ocean at 715 feet above sea level. There is notable fog influence in late summer. This wine is sourced from a 2.7-acre plot planted to the Swan selection. Yields were 1.35 tons per acre. Kurt Beitler is the grower and winemaker. · Fragrant super ripe fruit smelling of raisins, soy and roasted nuts. The fruit was picked at an advanced stage of phenolic ripeness and the plush dark fruit tastes of raisins. Good mix of t n’ a. Well-crafted, but disappoints. Only in California! Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »

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