The Heintz Ranch has been in their family for nearly 100 years, but despite some early experimentation with Zinfandel (aborted thanks to the beginning of prohibition), it wasn't until 1982 that the property was planted with Chardonnay vines. As the amazing potential of this cool site near the Pacific Ocean became clear, Pinot Noir was added, and this unique site’s destiny as a haven for Burgundian varieties in California was realized.
So yes, our eyes lit up when this sample arrived in the mail, as this one has pretty much everything going for it. Estate grown on one of Sonoma’s great vineyards, Heintz Ranch on the true Sonoma Coast, this Pinot Noir never disappoints. And even better, it hails from the 2009 vintage, perhaps the best Pinot vintage of the last 10+ years. The fruit is meticulously farmed by Charles Heintz, and while he sells most of his fruit to Sonoma’s top producers, he reserves a small block of Swan clone Pinot for his own wine.
Its easy to look at bottle and expect a beautiful wine, but the question is always, how does it taste? The 2009 Heintz Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is light garnet in color, showing just a hint of age. The nose offers intense cherry aromas, joined by cocoa and briar notes. The wine is medium in body, yet remarkably intense in flavor with spicy cherry and cranberry joined by darker black currant and berry compote flavors. These berry flavors linger on the palate with a bit of black pepper and fresh cut violet joining in. This wine is singing now, and showing a touch of age, so those who like their wines young will probably want to enjoy it over the next couple of years, while those who like a more advanced wine can keep it for five years or more.
Appellation: Appellation: Sonoma Coast (100% Heintz Ranch, Swan Clone)
Production: Bottled 3/7/11 - 204 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
