95 Points - The New Wine Review
94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
94 Points - International Wine Report
Enjoy now or any time over the next 5-6 years.
Winemaking
The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality. Brief heat waves in August and September ripened the grapes to ideal maturity as the weather stayed dry until major rains arrived October 22. This allowed for long hang times to develop complex flavors and texture. Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration. Pommard clone dominates the final 2021 blend with earthy tones overlaying layers of red fruit flavors. A portion of the grapes were fermented whole cluster, adding aromatic complexity and structural verve.
Vineyard
Riddle Vineyard is located in Green Valley of the West Sonoma Coast near the town of Occidental. Situated high upon a ridge top with a gentle south facing slope, the vineyard overlooks many of the iconic vineyards of the region. Mornings tend to be foggy, yet the fog burns off early, allowing the vines to be drenched in warm sun the rest of the day. Planted in 2008 at a high density with 3.5' x 6' spacing on exceptional Goldridge soils, the vine roots stretch deep in the soils looking for nutrients and water. This provides for deep, complex flavors. Riddle is planted to a mixture of Pinot Noir clones 115, Pommard and a distinctive Mt. Eden clone, which was taken as original bud wood from a prominent vineyard planted along California's Central Coast.
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. Riddle Vineyard's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean allowed for longer hang times through the moderate heat waves. Mt Eden clone provided a robust foundation of red fruit and intensity. Pommard clone is featured more prominently in 2021, offering silky texture and earth notes to balance the rich fruit and structure of the 115 clone.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: Riddle Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.67
TA: 5.9 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2022
Cases Produced: 450
Alcohol: 14.4%
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.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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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