95 Points - The New Wine Review
93 Points - International Wine Report
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
A pleasure to drink now. Will further reward with a few years in your cellar.
You'll want to grab as much of this gem as you possibly can!
Winemaking
All three Reuling Pinot noir clones were fermented separately before being blended just prior to bottling to showcase the complexity of the vineyard. The Reuling clusters were minuscule in 2021, resulting in more depth and intensity. The resulting wine is layered and expressive, offering a mix of red and dark fruit, floral and savory tones.
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 extremely sandy Goldridge soils naturally stress the vines, resulting in low yields and concentrated flavors.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality. The air remained clear with no fires in Sonoma and pandemic lock downs ended. Our spirits were lifted and the grape harvest and wine quality benefited. Brief heat waves in August and September ripened the grapes to ideal maturity as the weather stayed dry until major rains arrived October 22, after our grapes were harvested. Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: Reuling Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.64
TA: 5.9 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2022
Cases Produced: 325
Alcohol: 14.4%
90 Points
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. It's supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, dried prune, with anise and light spice flavors on the finish.
92 Points
A Nils' Venge Cabernet Sauvignon never disappoints! This powerhouse opens with pleasant aromas of evergreen, dark cocoa and coriander that delightfully entice your senses. Its enveloping and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around on the palate, finishing with flavors of baked rhubarb, ground peppercorn and all-spice.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers Chardonnay.
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