Dec 30, 2022
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Pfendler Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Kimberly Pfendler |
| Web site | www.pfendlervineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
The Pfendler vineyards consist of 19 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on four estate vineyards. Peter was the first to plant vineyards at the Petaluma Gap’s Crown, a very cool and windy area. The Penngrove Vineyard is a 6-acre parcel in this region planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (clones 114, 115, 777, 828 and Swan). The fruit from this vineyard previously went into the Copeland Creek label. The Pullis Vineyard is the coolest and foggiest vineyard, situated on the base of a mountain just east of Petaluma. It was planted to clone 828 in 2005. Pfendler Vineyard is part way up the mountain and was planted to Bordeaux varieties in 1992. Located at 1,200 feet in the middle of the fog line, it was budded over to Chardonnay (Hyde clone) and Pinot Noir (Pommard clone) in 2008. The Helgren Vineyard sits at 2,000 feet on the mountain top and was budded over in 2008 to Calera and Swan selections of Pinot Noir. This vineyard will make its debut in 2009.
Noted winemaker and viticulturist, Greg Bjornstad, was the initial winemaker and vineyard manager. John Raytek replaced him in August 2010 and oversaw all aspects of production for the 2009 vintage at Copain Custom Crush in Santa Rosa, CA. Raytek has his own label, Ceritas, featuring Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley appellations. His previous winery experience includes six years as assistant winemaker at Copain, and winemaker at Rhys Vineyards from 2002 through 2004 where he helped plant the Alpine and Home vineyards. Raytek left in late 2011 and Bjornstad returned.
The inaugural 2007 vintage for Pfendler Vineyards produced 550 cases of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rosé. Production will double with the 2009 vintage as the family’s newest vines come of age. This has all the makings to be one of California's finest Pinot Noir producers.
Articles About Pfendler Vineyards
2014 California Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
A Dozen California Wineries Offer Holiday Cheer (11.14 12/3/2017)
Adventures on the Pinot Trail: World of Pinot Noir: The Tastings (9.39 3/29/2014)
Along the Pinot Trail in California (8.45 11/1/2011)
California Chardonnay Tasting (7.25 9/5/2009)
Petaluma Gap: Cooling Wind is the Recipe for Fine Wine (10.1 12/11/2014)
Pfendler Vineyards: Exceptional Wines in 2012 Honor Peter Pfendler (9.39 3/29/2014)
Pfendler Vineyards: Hollywood to Vines (7.25 9/5/2009)
Pfendler Vineyards: Savor the Gap (8.15 5/24/2010)
Pinot Briefs (8.27 12/14/2010)
Recent California Pinot Noir Releases (9.5 4/4/2012)
Recently Tasted Glorious Chardonnays (11.14 12/3/2017)
Sips of California Pinot Noir: Recently Sampled Wines (9.23 4/13/2013)
Sips of Chardonnay: Recently Sampled Wines (9.23 4/13/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay (10.29 4/22/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.30 5/11/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.6 3/15/2015)
Various Pinot Noirs Recently Tasted (12.17 4/10/2021)
Reviewed Wines
2019 Pfendler Vineyards Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 200 cases, $55. Produced and
bottled by Pfendler Vineyards, Santa Rosa, CA. 100% Helgren Vineyard, the highest of Pfendler’s
three estate vineyards sitting at 2,200 feet on the mountain top above the fog line. Harvested at 24.7º
Brix. 50% Swan and 50% Calera selections. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in French oak
barrels, 50% new. Winemaker Erica Stancliff.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of
black cherry, sweet pipe smoke and barnyard. Richly appointed flavors of blackberry, cassis and black
tea in a mid-weight plus style. Straightforward and fruit-driven, with modest tannins and a silky
mouthfeel, leaving behind a little bitterness and the slightest sense of alcoholic heat.
Score: 90.
Reviewed April 10, 2021
ARTICLE »
2015 Pfendler Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.3% alc., 250 cases, $38. Estate grown. Clones 4 and Hyde-
Wente. Whole cluster bladder press, inoculated for primary, aggressive lees stirring at the beginning, lightening
up and finishing off in January when native secondary finished. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40%
new.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, cut apple, spice and caramel. Richly fruited,
yet bright in demeanor, with flavors of grilled lemon, grapefruit, baked apple and peach. Sound acidity brings
the finish up to a quenching climax.
Score: 92.
Reviewed December 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 250 cases, $45. Estate grown. Bottled by
Pfendler Vineyards, Santa Rosa. Winemaker Greg Bjornstad. Clones are Swan, Calera and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.4º. Extremely small yields in this vintage. 7 to 10-day cold soak, inoculated for primary fermentation.
Basket pressed with primary finishing in barrel within two weeks. All native secondary fermentation with some
lees stirring. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black
raspberry, blackberry, turned earth and vanilla creme lead to a mid weight plus styled wine with a core of earthy
dark berry fruits and a bit of savory tobacco/leafy accent in the background. Beautifully balanced with a modest
but pleasing finish. Unchanged when sampled the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 90.
Reviewed December 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.1% alc., 400 cases, $38. Estate grown.
Winemaker Greg Bjornstad.
·
Moderate golden yellow color and clear. The nose unfolds beautifully over time in
the glass, revealing aromas of lemon creme pie, malted milk, spice and the slightest toast. Highly enjoyable,
with a tasty mix of lemon and white peach flavors presented in a soft and creamy texture with a crisp frame.
The wine is nicely balanced with contributory oak, but it is the dreamy mouthfeel that pleases most.
Score: 91.
Reviewed April 22, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Pfendler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 400 cases, $45.
Estate grown from Kimberly Pfendler’s family property in the Petaluma
Gap, crafted by winemaker Greg Bjornstad.
·
Moderate reddish purple
color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of brandy infused black
cherries, baking spices and toast. Enviable attack and mid palate
presence of mid weight black cherry, black raspberry, spice and floral
flavor elements infused with good acidity. Fresh, lively, and satisfying in
every way. Still very appealing the following day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle predicting good age ability.
Score: 92.
Reviewed May 11, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Pfendler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 350 cases, $45. Clones include Swan, Calera and
Pommard. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Winemaker Greg Bjornstad draws from four estate vineyards in the Petaluma
Gap to produce this estate Pinot Noir. Grapes were de-stemmed, 7-day cold soak, 8 months sur lees aging, 11
months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black
cherry puree and cola waft from the glass. Delightful ripe but not over ripe flavors of black cherry, boysenberry,
plum and black raspberry. Highly enjoyable, with sleek oak integration, modest fine grain tannins, and a fat,
intensely fruity finish. Easy to like now.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 16, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc.,
pH 3.58, TA 0.618, 300 cases, $38. Clones 4 and Hyde-Wente. Brix at
harvest 24º 100% barrel fermented and 100% malolactic fermentation.
8 months sur lees aging and 10 months in 40% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderate golden yellow color with a slight haze (unfiltered) in
the glass. An array of appealing aromas emerge over time in the glass
including lemon, grilled grapefruit, fresh brioche, pastry cream and
toffee. Delicious core of discreetly rich lemon, grapefruit and pineapple fruits
accented with a buttery toffee note. Crisp on the palate with a slight creamy
texture and a bright, refreshing finish. The wine became more appealing over
time in the glass to the point that I hated to stop sipping. My wife, who is quite the Chardonnay connoisseur,
loved this wine as well.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH
3.64, TA 0.586, 350 cases, $45. Pommard clone and Swan and Calera
selections. Harvest Brix 23º. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day whole berry
cold soak, 8 months sur lees aging, 11 months in 50% new French oak
barrels. Unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Alluring
aromas of fresh red cherries, with hints of spice, mushroom and cedar.
Very polished and elegant in the mouth, featuring ripe darker red cherry
and berry flavors accented with spice and earthiness. Impeccably balanced with
gossamer tannins and a bright, persistent, lip-smacking finish. This wine
conveys a special sense of richness, roundness and brightness you don’t find
everyday in Pinot Noir.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Pfendler Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
13.8% alc.,150 cases, $38. Partially de-stemmed
and crushed to tank, barrel fermented, 8 months sur lee aging, 10 months in 40% new French oak barrels.
Clone 4 and Hyde-Wente. Winemaker Greg Bjornstad.
·
Light straw color and clear in the glass. Nicely
perfumed with aromas of apple crisp, lemon, brioche, pastry cream and chalk dust. Soft and pleasing on the
palate with flavors of grilled peach, baked apple, toasted nuts and caramel with a slight riff of citrus. Nicely
balanced with good integration of acidity and a clean finish. Good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Pfendler Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 275 cases, $45. From four estate
vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap. Swan, Calera and Pommard selections. 100% de-stemmed, aged 8
months sure lie and 22 months total in 50% new French oak barrels. This wine celebrates the memory of Peter
Pfendler who planted the first vineyards on the family ranch in 1992.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in
the glass. Attractive aromas of fresh cherries and berries with a hint of tobacco oak and dried rose petal. Mid
weight flavors of dark red cherries and berries with hints of cola, rhubarb and herbal oak, with a reasonably
good black cherry presence on the finish. Light, elegant and very approachable, but just seems a tad flat and
uninspired. Two bottles sampled. Good.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $42.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with an array of
spiced, dark red fruits. Opens nicely over time in the glass, revealing a medium
weight core of red and dark red Pinot fruits with a notable hint of pomegranate,
spice and oak char. Mild tannins, bright acidity and some length on the finish.
A charming wine that aims to please. Very good.
Reviewed April 4, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 400 cases, $45. This wine incorporates
fruit from each one of Kimberly Pfendler’s four vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap (Penngrove, Pullis,
Helgren, and Pfendler). Clones are Swan, Calera, Pommard and Dijon 828.Crafted by noted winemaker Greg
Bjornstad. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day whole berry cold soak, 8 months sur lees aging and 11 months total aging
in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of darker fruits
with hints of pepper and oak vanillin. Moderately rich and intense blackberry, cassis and sweet black plum
flavors persisting through the lengthy, fruit-driven finish. A bit clunky and out of sorts now, needing another 6 to
12 months in bottle to fully come together. Good (+).
Reviewed November 2, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Pfendler Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 200 cases, $38. Wente
(4) clone.
·
Pale straw color in the glass. Shy upon opening revealing subtle aromas of fresh brioche, butter
creme, poached pear and crushed rock with smoky oak showing up over time in the glass. Understated and
seductive in style with appealing flavors of vanilla creme and lemon zest and the faintest cinnamon spice and
minerality. Bright acidity lifts the pleasing finish. Still young and I am sure will match the 2007 version tit for tat
with another year in the cellar. Very good.
Reviewed May 24, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Pfendler Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., 400 cases, $45.
·
Swan selection and Dijon 114, 115, 777 and 828 clones.
Very lovely, even captivating, perfume of ripe strawberries, raspberries, herbs,
red licorice and graham. Tasty black raspberry and strawberry attack with a
touch of earthiness. Beautifully composed with striking mid-palate intensity and
a velvety mouth feel. Even at this young age, this is a charming wine that is
drinking nicely and well worth your interest. Very good (+).
Reviewed May 24, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Pfendler Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc., $38.
·
A marvelous wine styled perfectly to my preferences.
Complex nose of buttered popcorn, honey, lemon zest, honeydew and
spiced apple. Delicious flavors of pear tart and baking spices. A demure
wine that is beautifully proportioned with a lasting and aromatic finish.
Reviewed May 24, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc., 150 cases, $38. Clone 4. Aged 11
months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
A “tweener” Chardonnay with a moderately rich mid-palate and oak
spice influence, but crisp and clean. Flavors of green apples, pear and citrus are supported by a spark of
acidity.
Reviewed September 5, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Pfendler Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 350 cases, $45.
·
Delicate
aromas of well-oaked cherries and berries. Medium-weighted core of dark red stone fruits and blueberries with
underlying oak toast. A gentle wine with admirable finesse, soft tannins and a silky mouthfeel, but with more
intrusion of oak than I prefer. Decent.
Reviewed May 24, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 350 cases, $45. Clones 114,
115, 777, 828, and Swan. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day whole berry cold soak, 8
months sur lees aging. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak.
·
A medium bodied
Pinot Noir with charm and balance. Still young, needing 45 minutes to fully
open in the glass. Sweet, scented nose of plums and blueberries with gentle oak
which are echoed in the flavors. The most striking feature is the wine’s silky
texture. Tres Pinot.
Reviewed September 5, 2009
ARTICLE »
2019 Pfendler Vineyards Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 200 cases, $55. Produced and bottled by Pfendler Vineyards, Santa Rosa, CA. 100% Helgren Vineyard, the highest of Pfendler’s three estate vineyards sitting at 2,200 feet on the mountain top above the fog line. Harvested at 24.7º Brix. 50% Swan and 50% Calera selections. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Winemaker Erica Stancliff. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of black cherry, sweet pipe smoke and barnyard. Richly appointed flavors of blackberry, cassis and black tea in a mid-weight plus style. Straightforward and fruit-driven, with modest tannins and a silky mouthfeel, leaving behind a little bitterness and the slightest sense of alcoholic heat. Score: 90. Reviewed April 10, 2021 ARTICLE »
2015 Pfendler Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.3% alc., 250 cases, $38. Estate grown. Clones 4 and Hyde- Wente. Whole cluster bladder press, inoculated for primary, aggressive lees stirring at the beginning, lightening up and finishing off in January when native secondary finished. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, cut apple, spice and caramel. Richly fruited, yet bright in demeanor, with flavors of grilled lemon, grapefruit, baked apple and peach. Sound acidity brings the finish up to a quenching climax. Score: 92. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 250 cases, $45. Estate grown. Bottled by Pfendler Vineyards, Santa Rosa. Winemaker Greg Bjornstad. Clones are Swan, Calera and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.4º. Extremely small yields in this vintage. 7 to 10-day cold soak, inoculated for primary fermentation. Basket pressed with primary finishing in barrel within two weeks. All native secondary fermentation with some lees stirring. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, turned earth and vanilla creme lead to a mid weight plus styled wine with a core of earthy dark berry fruits and a bit of savory tobacco/leafy accent in the background. Beautifully balanced with a modest but pleasing finish. Unchanged when sampled the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.1% alc., 400 cases, $38. Estate grown. Winemaker Greg Bjornstad. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear. The nose unfolds beautifully over time in the glass, revealing aromas of lemon creme pie, malted milk, spice and the slightest toast. Highly enjoyable, with a tasty mix of lemon and white peach flavors presented in a soft and creamy texture with a crisp frame. The wine is nicely balanced with contributory oak, but it is the dreamy mouthfeel that pleases most. Score: 91. Reviewed April 22, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Pfendler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 400 cases, $45. Estate grown from Kimberly Pfendler’s family property in the Petaluma Gap, crafted by winemaker Greg Bjornstad. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of brandy infused black cherries, baking spices and toast. Enviable attack and mid palate presence of mid weight black cherry, black raspberry, spice and floral flavor elements infused with good acidity. Fresh, lively, and satisfying in every way. Still very appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle predicting good age ability. Score: 92. Reviewed May 11, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Pfendler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 350 cases, $45. Clones include Swan, Calera and Pommard. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Winemaker Greg Bjornstad draws from four estate vineyards in the Petaluma Gap to produce this estate Pinot Noir. Grapes were de-stemmed, 7-day cold soak, 8 months sur lees aging, 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry puree and cola waft from the glass. Delightful ripe but not over ripe flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, plum and black raspberry. Highly enjoyable, with sleek oak integration, modest fine grain tannins, and a fat, intensely fruity finish. Easy to like now. Score: 92. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.618, 300 cases, $38. Clones 4 and Hyde-Wente. Brix at harvest 24º 100% barrel fermented and 100% malolactic fermentation. 8 months sur lees aging and 10 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color with a slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass. An array of appealing aromas emerge over time in the glass including lemon, grilled grapefruit, fresh brioche, pastry cream and toffee. Delicious core of discreetly rich lemon, grapefruit and pineapple fruits accented with a buttery toffee note. Crisp on the palate with a slight creamy texture and a bright, refreshing finish. The wine became more appealing over time in the glass to the point that I hated to stop sipping. My wife, who is quite the Chardonnay connoisseur, loved this wine as well. Score: 94. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.586, 350 cases, $45. Pommard clone and Swan and Calera selections. Harvest Brix 23º. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day whole berry cold soak, 8 months sur lees aging, 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Alluring aromas of fresh red cherries, with hints of spice, mushroom and cedar. Very polished and elegant in the mouth, featuring ripe darker red cherry and berry flavors accented with spice and earthiness. Impeccably balanced with gossamer tannins and a bright, persistent, lip-smacking finish. This wine conveys a special sense of richness, roundness and brightness you don’t find everyday in Pinot Noir. Score: 94. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Pfendler Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
13.8% alc.,150 cases, $38. Partially de-stemmed and crushed to tank, barrel fermented, 8 months sur lee aging, 10 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Clone 4 and Hyde-Wente. Winemaker Greg Bjornstad. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of apple crisp, lemon, brioche, pastry cream and chalk dust. Soft and pleasing on the palate with flavors of grilled peach, baked apple, toasted nuts and caramel with a slight riff of citrus. Nicely balanced with good integration of acidity and a clean finish. Good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Pfendler Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 275 cases, $45. From four estate vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap. Swan, Calera and Pommard selections. 100% de-stemmed, aged 8 months sure lie and 22 months total in 50% new French oak barrels. This wine celebrates the memory of Peter Pfendler who planted the first vineyards on the family ranch in 1992. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Attractive aromas of fresh cherries and berries with a hint of tobacco oak and dried rose petal. Mid weight flavors of dark red cherries and berries with hints of cola, rhubarb and herbal oak, with a reasonably good black cherry presence on the finish. Light, elegant and very approachable, but just seems a tad flat and uninspired. Two bottles sampled. Good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $42. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with an array of spiced, dark red fruits. Opens nicely over time in the glass, revealing a medium weight core of red and dark red Pinot fruits with a notable hint of pomegranate, spice and oak char. Mild tannins, bright acidity and some length on the finish. A charming wine that aims to please. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 400 cases, $45. This wine incorporates fruit from each one of Kimberly Pfendler’s four vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap (Penngrove, Pullis, Helgren, and Pfendler). Clones are Swan, Calera, Pommard and Dijon 828.Crafted by noted winemaker Greg Bjornstad. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day whole berry cold soak, 8 months sur lees aging and 11 months total aging in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of darker fruits with hints of pepper and oak vanillin. Moderately rich and intense blackberry, cassis and sweet black plum flavors persisting through the lengthy, fruit-driven finish. A bit clunky and out of sorts now, needing another 6 to 12 months in bottle to fully come together. Good (+). Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Pfendler Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 200 cases, $38. Wente (4) clone. · Pale straw color in the glass. Shy upon opening revealing subtle aromas of fresh brioche, butter creme, poached pear and crushed rock with smoky oak showing up over time in the glass. Understated and seductive in style with appealing flavors of vanilla creme and lemon zest and the faintest cinnamon spice and minerality. Bright acidity lifts the pleasing finish. Still young and I am sure will match the 2007 version tit for tat with another year in the cellar. Very good. Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Pfendler Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 400 cases, $45. · Swan selection and Dijon 114, 115, 777 and 828 clones. Very lovely, even captivating, perfume of ripe strawberries, raspberries, herbs, red licorice and graham. Tasty black raspberry and strawberry attack with a touch of earthiness. Beautifully composed with striking mid-palate intensity and a velvety mouth feel. Even at this young age, this is a charming wine that is drinking nicely and well worth your interest. Very good (+). Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Pfendler Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc., $38. · A marvelous wine styled perfectly to my preferences. Complex nose of buttered popcorn, honey, lemon zest, honeydew and spiced apple. Delicious flavors of pear tart and baking spices. A demure wine that is beautifully proportioned with a lasting and aromatic finish. Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.2% alc., 150 cases, $38. Clone 4. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · A “tweener” Chardonnay with a moderately rich mid-palate and oak spice influence, but crisp and clean. Flavors of green apples, pear and citrus are supported by a spark of acidity. Reviewed September 5, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Pfendler Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 350 cases, $45. · Delicate aromas of well-oaked cherries and berries. Medium-weighted core of dark red stone fruits and blueberries with underlying oak toast. A gentle wine with admirable finesse, soft tannins and a silky mouthfeel, but with more intrusion of oak than I prefer. Decent. Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 350 cases, $45. Clones 114, 115, 777, 828, and Swan. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day whole berry cold soak, 8 months sur lees aging. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak. · A medium bodied Pinot Noir with charm and balance. Still young, needing 45 minutes to fully open in the glass. Sweet, scented nose of plums and blueberries with gentle oak which are echoed in the flavors. The most striking feature is the wine’s silky texture. Tres Pinot. Reviewed September 5, 2009 ARTICLE »