Red - Pinot Noir

Probably better known for their wildly popular Meiomi Pinot Noir, Belle Glos makes a wonderful single vineyard Pinot from the Los Alturas Vineyard in the Santa Lucia appellation. Located in one of the highest-plantable sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, this pristine bench offers the Las Alturas Vineyard cool, coastal days with consistent sunshine and a foundation of Gloria sandy loam soil. When planting this 15-acre vineyard, they matched various Pinot Noir clones to individual slopes and soil attributes of the land. Yields are deliberately kept low in order to preserve the fruit intensity these clonal choices provide. The Belle Glos Pinot Noir 2016, Los Alturas Vineyard starts off with a deep ruby red color and intriguing aromas of sun-warmed blackberries, ripe plums, with hints of black licorice. A complexity of dark berry fruits unfold on the palate; blackberries and bing cherries along with dark chocolate flavors. Vanilla and cedar oak undertones on the mid-palate further enhance the wine. The overall impression is rich with refined tannins, firm acidity and explosive layers of ripe fruit.

Cherry Pie is another innovative offering from visionary winemaker Jayson Woodbridge, creator of Hundred Acre and Layer Cake Wines. Jayson sought out the owners of Stanly Ranch, on the Napa side of the Los Carneros appellation – their grapes were some of the most sought after Pinot Noir grapes in California. Then, in early 2008 while perusing New York’s Soho District, Jayson happened upon the Campton Gallery during its exhibition of paintings by artist TR Colletta. Like TR Colletta’s art, Jayson’s art is evocative, complex, textural and fundamentally American. His Cherry Pie Pinot Noirs are dazzling in their rich, layered, sensory excellence and are redolent of the flavors and aromas of something delicious baking in a warm kitchen – comforting, inviting, and with their rich, dense, dark fruit flavors. 

The 2013 Stanly Ranch is blockbuster Los Carneros Pinot Noir. Saturated ruby hue, concentrated black cherry and red fruit aromas introduce a full creamy palate. Layers upon layers of fresh red fruit, strawberry jam, cocoa and toast. Mouthwatering, ripe red fruit and buttery vanilla linger on the palate. Beautifully textured and ready to enjoy.

Rich nose; smooth and silky juicy bing cherries and raspberry; mellow, lush and ripe with tangy acidity and lovely structure; elegant, long and racy with a long, pure finish. An incredible, profound Pinot Noir, Foxen's 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 was completely destemmed and aged 17 months in 50% new French oak. Its deep ruby color is followed by sensational notes of sweet cherries, black raspberries, crushed flowers and a touch of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional, with seamless texture, this is California Pinot Noir at its finest. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years. “A powerful, structured wine, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is literally bursting at the seams with explosive energy. A host of savory herbs, smoke, licorice and tobacco open up in the glass, but this is a wine to put a way for a few years, as the elements still need time to come together. The firm, grippy finish and the wine's overall delineation are both striking.” — Antonio Galloni – 95 points

Land's Edge Pinot Noir is a classic “True”  Sonoma Coast multi-vineyard Pinot Noir blend from stunningly beautiful, mostly estate vineyards that overlook the cool Pacific Ocean coastline.  This wine has a floral, raspberry and black cherry scented bouquet complemented by balanced oak and broad, deep and rich cola, earth and spice notes in the finish.  “The 2014 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Land's Edge Vineyards is soft, open and expressive, all of which suggest it is best enjoyed over the next few years. Dark red cherry, plum, spice and a hint of new oak meld together on the supple finish. The Land's Edge is a blend of fruit from Far Coast and Seascape, and is a great introduction to the house style.” Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate.  92 Points.

Malm Cellars has become one of Sonoma County's best kept secrets!  Nearly every activity here including vineyard management, crafting, production, and product distribution, revolves around one man, ex-Sonoma State soccer star turned winemaker, Brendan Malm. Malm's wines quickly exploded onto the oenophile stage, when a bottle drawn from his first barrel captured gold medal honors at the prestigious Orange County Fair.  Fifteen years later, Malm Cellars wines are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.  The 2014 Sonoma County Pinot Noir is primarily from a vineyard high up on Sonoma Mountain. A mix of clones 115, 667 and 777 only add layers to this bottling making it one of my best values to date. Hand sorted in the vineyard at the winery allowed them to bring in only the best fruit.   The wine was aged on the lees for 6 months. During barrel aging, the lees were stirred every two weeks to enhance the rich, round character of the wine. After 2 1/2 years on French Oak this wine was gently bottled. Inky and intense, positively bursting with the flavor of blueberries and blackberries in a tightly knit package. Enjoy the exotic spices in the aroma that carry through on the palate. Ripe, but not overripe, this is a luscious Pinot for anyone who appreciates something with more acidity and grace than the typical fruit bomb.  Only 625 cases made.