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%
All Wines
94 Points
Deep, rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
Big & Jammy!
Picked from old vines in Chiles Valley. Deep Blackberry, plum, smoky blueberry, roasted fig, dried dark flowers, cigar box, spice, black pepper, hints of vanilla, nicely integrated oak. WOW!
93 Points
Aromas of fresh baked bread, shades of kumquat zest and spice come together in the glass. The palate has marvelous texture and mouthfeel, leading to a full-bodied apple pie, brioche, honeysuckle, toasted almond and lemon cream flavor.
93 Points
Tropical/citrus notes, and maintains the PERFECT acidity and freshness. Light straw hues in the glass with aromas of toasted brioche, baking spices, and candied lemon rind.
93 Points
From the heart of the Napa Valley, well known as a premier climate for growing world class Zinfandel. Warm sunny days lead to well ripened grapes and this Zin's jammy side.
Full, Round & Silky...
Aromas of dark cherry, spice, and tobacco. A full mid palate with flavors of black cherry, blueberry-pomegranate, cherry cola, spice, and adorned with toasty French oak in the background. Well rounded, integrated tannins, texturally appealing with a soft sleek mouthfeel.
93 Points
Deep, chewy tannins and savory tertiary notes, with a rich midpalate. Fresh, wild blue and black fruit with ripe Bing cherry, and subtle elderflower. Rustic touches of olive tapenade, with layers of boysenberry...
91 Points
Fresh cherry, white peach and lemon zest notes with a core of racy, vibrant acidity. A touch of pink grapefruit and honeycomb, with a linear core throughout and creamy finish.
92 Points
Aromas of white peach, lemon curd, fresh grapefruit and lime blossoms, with hints of sea spray and toasted almonds. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully crisp and intense, with bags of citrus fruit and a satiny texture to counter all that vivacity.
Harmonious aromas of apple, pear and melon blending perfectly with spicy hints of oak. Rich flavors of lemon crème brulee, crisp apple and white peach round out the backdrop to complete this delicious Russian River Valley Chardonnay.
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