99 Points
Best of Class, Best of Region Red
Double Gold Medal - California State Fair
Planted to grapevines in 1994 (originally Merlot but soon after grafted to Pinot noir), this six acre parcel sits on the cooler north side of the prestigious Sonoma Mountain AVA. Owned by Jim and Sue Kaufman, Willowbrook has been producing single vineyard wines from this renowned site since 2008. It is planted to two clones, of which Willowbrook takes the Dijon 777 clone.
This beautiful hillside vineyard, with impressive views, benefits from consistent daytime sunshine but with heat moderated by the influence of the marine layer coming through the Petaluma Wind Gap, allowing the fruit to develop fully with little risk of sunburn, producing consistently ripe brix, low pH and excellent skin color: Willowbrook’s Kaufman Sunnyslope Pinots have great aging potential and long finishes.
The 2015 Willowbrook Kaufman Vineyard Pinot Noir is deep ruby in color, and loaded with aromas of cassis and sandalwood. On the palate the wine offers abundant and interwoven flavors of dark cherry, tobacco and allspice. The subtly smooth mouthfeel leads to a well-focused finish of complex, nutty tannins and gentle acidity. For those that know how important terroir is to Pinot, this wine beautifully shows off Sonoma Mountain's unique character.
Vintage: 2015
Appellation: Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: French Oak Barrels
Alcohol %: 14.4
You may also like:
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
New Release
A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
PDF