92 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide
Best Vintage Yet - James Laube, Wine Spectator
"Very Good" - PinotFile
The Sonoma Mountain AVA is a small wine-growing region just south of Bennett Valley and just west of Sonoma Valley, but its topography is quite different, resulting in a very different growing season. Where Bennett Valley funnels in fog from the coast, keeping it quite cold, and Sonoma Valley offers Western exposed hills and flat vineyards, making it quite warm, Sonoma Mountain offers a variety of exposures and elevations, making it harder to generalize about the climate. While Cabernet does well at the warmer sites, Sonoma Mountain Pinot can be extremely exciting when planted in a cooler site. Today’s wine from Willowbrook Cellars is just such a wine, sourced from the Kaufman Vineyard, which is planted exclusively to Pinot Noir.
The 2009 Willowbrook Kaufman-Sunnyslope Vineyard Pinot Noir is medium ruby to garnet in color, with a nose marrying classic Pinot aromas of cherry and blackberry with floral and baking spice undertones that are a hallmark of this vineyard. The palate is smooth and layered with cherry and berry flavors held together by an underlying minerality, hinting at iron. Spicy and juicy, this wine is incredibly well balanced, with wonderful persistence on the palate. For those that think terroir is the key to Pinot Noir, this one is sure to delight, as it beautifully shows off the unique characteristics of this Sonoma Mountain Vineyard.
Vintage: 2009
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Kaufman Sunnyslope Vineyard
Appellation: Sonoma Mountain
Fermentation: French Oak
Alcohol: 14.4%
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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