94 Points - International Wine Report
93 Points - PinotFile
91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A complete and simply stunning wine by the talented Erich Bradley.
Enjoy now through 2029.
Winemaking
In 2017, they picked the Calera block earlier due to extremely small berries, while the Vosne-Romanée blocks received longer hang time. All three Reuling Pinot noir clones were fermented separately before being blended just prior to bottling to showcase the complexity of the vineyard. The resulting wine is layered and expressive with darker color and increased depth.
Vineyard
Reuling Vineyard is located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, just off Highway 116 between Graton and Forestville. Planted in 2000 under the direction of Mark Aubert and Peter Michael Winery, this vineyard is comprised of 12.2 acres of Pinot noir planted to three unique clones - Calera and two distinct “suitcase” clones from the Vosne-Romanée region of Burgundy. There are also 2.2 acres of Chardonnay on the property. The vineyard is perched on a small hillside with gentle slopes at an elevation of 250 feet. It benefits from the cool marine influences converging from the coast, yet is exposed to the sun and afternoon heat, allowing the grapes to reach optimal maturity. Its Goldridge soils are extremely sandy, which naturally stresses the vines, resulting in low yields and concentrated flavors.
Vintage
The 2017 vintage endured tragic wildfires that were driven by 80 mph winds on October 8-9. The fires devastated Napa and Sonoma counties, destroyed more than 8,000 structures, took 44 lives and disrupted winery operations for several days. Fortunately, all of their Pinot noir grapes were picked prior to the fires and there was no impact to the 2017 Pinot noir wines. Balanced vines and temperature fluctuations resulted in layers of flavors and complexity in the wines. The overall high quality of the vintage is a blessing after such challenging events.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: Reuling Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.68
TA: 5.8 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2018
Cases Produced: 425
Alcohol: 14.4%
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
93 Points
Big, forward bouquet with pear, golden apple, apple blossom, and dried orange peel. Loads of lime and grapefruit on the palate, maintaining balanced acidity and freshness. Subtle notes of honey and white flowers add depth to this lively wine.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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