2009, Best Vintage Ever - James Laube, Wine Spectator
Gold Medal - Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Exceptional - Dan Berger
Just when we think we have run out of sources for Pinot from the exceptional 2009 vintage, it seems we always come upon a new winery with just a little bit left. This 2009 Sandole Pinot is made from estate grown fruit on the tiny, 6-acre Oehlman Ranch in the heart of the Russian River Valley. This beautiful wine won a gold medal at the highly competitive Sonoma County Fair, and it is easy to see why, as it shows remarkable elegance and depth. Single-vineyard Russian River Pinot is among the most expensive red wines outside of Napa Cab, yet we are able to offer this one for under $30. With what should be a long life ahead of it, this is one to stock up on now, and enjoy watching it age.
The 2009 Sandole Oehlman Ranch Pinot Noir is light garnet in color, with an intriguing nose of huckleberry, black cherry, and graphite, with floral undertones. The palate shows cherry, violets, black pepper, and red berries. Vibrant and bright, this Pinot has a seductively smooth mouthfeel, but without the accompanying lushness that comes from too little acid. This touch of tartness allows it to pair gracefully with a wide range of food, and should lead to a long life in the cellar. Enjoy this one now, or cellar for 5 years or more.
Vineyards: Oehlman Ranch
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appelation: Russian River Valley
Harvest Date: September 22, 2009
Ph: 3.61
Total Acidity: 0.63
Alcohol: 14.7%
Cooperage: 100% French Oak 35% New
Release Date: May, 15 2011
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet 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. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
