Our eyes lit up when this sample arrived, as this one has pretty much everything going for it. Estate grown, Heintz Ranch is one of Sonoma’s great vineyards. The fruit is meticulously farmed by Charles Heintz, as he sells most of his fruit to Sonoma’s top producers, including Littorai, Freeman, and Williams-Selyem.
The Heintz vineyard is one of the most well known in the Russian River Valley, yielding fruit that is regularly vineyard designated by some of the top labels in Sonoma County, fetching prices that start at $50 and go up from there. Heintz bottles their own wine from this vineyard as well, but they also have a second label, called Dutch Bill Creek that is much more affordably priced.
The 2010 Dutch Bill Creek Russian Rive Valley Pinot Noir is very pale ruby in color, with just a hint of garnet. The nose is incredibly perfumed, with aromas of red cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and potpourri. The palate is light bodied with wonderful acidity, showing more red fruit, barely ripe raspberry, as well as floral and saline flavors. This is an elegant, light bodied wine, yet it still has great intensity. For fans of pinot noir made in a graceful style, this is a bargain not to be missed.
We consider this wine one of the best values in California Pinot, and a stunning wine in its own right.
Appellation: Appellation: Sonoma Coast (100% Heintz Ranch)
Production: 149 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
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.
