The West Sonoma Coast: the Region and Its Wines
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The Extremists of the Extreme Sonoma Coast
THE EXTREMISTS OF THE EXTREME SONOMA COAST The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA may be only three years old, but its ability to produce distinctive and thrilling wines has been recognized for far longer. Anne Krebiehl MW profiles the early pioneers and more recent producers who are brave enough to farm its inhospitable but rewarding coastal ridges he instructions were clear: Drive on, even when the tarmac ends. The vineyards of the Fort Ross- Seaview AVA are really remote, made so not by geographical distance—Jenner and Healdsburg are just one and a half to two hours away—but Tby terrain. Fort Ross-Seaview clings to the inhospitable, crunched-up, forested coastal ridges of northern California, between Pacific Highway No.1 and Sonoma Valley, right along the San Andreas Fault. The roads winding through these ridges are dark in broad daylight, so shaded by giant redwoods and large madrone that light barely filters through. Where forests were logged, open pasture is dotted by giant valley oaks and craggy rocks. You pass more raccoons than other cars. Everywhere, the proximity of the great, cold, deep, and endless Pacific is palpable. Sea air constantly mixes with the smell of conifer. This is where the Pacific and North American Plates meet. This is where the earth moves. Ocean and shore combine in a way that both unsettles and compels. On foggy days, the forests are almost primeval. In brilliant sunshine, the views are breath-taking: of the Pacific and of small vineyards, laid out like giant picnic blankets down the sides of a slope, surrounded by Douglas fir and ranching pasture. -
Pinotfile Vol 6, Issue 47
If You Drink No Noir You Pinot Noir PinotFile Volume 6, Issue 47 The First Wine Newsletter Exclusively Devoted to Pinotphiles December 3, 2007 Inside this issue: Fort Ross:Growing Pinot On the Edge Clos Saron 7 “It’s a long way from anywhere. It’s markedly cold - 10 degrees cooler Ramey Schulten 12 than Napa Valley on average. It’s extremely foggy. There’s no infrastructure. Pinot Briefs 13 It’s lonely. The locals don’t like outsiders. Strong winds break the vine Where are the Wine 14 shoots. There’s a high risk of devastation by wild pigs. Gophers frequent Scores in PinotFile? the area in droves.” Susan Keevil, The Wine News. June/July 2004 Growing Pinot Noir along the most western reaches of the Sonoma Coast might be regarded as pure folly to many, but the dedicated band of winegrowers who have accepted the challenge know that the fickle grape feels right at home here. This region is quickly becoming one of the epicenters of fine Pinot Noir in California. The Sonoma Coast AVA is the largest of the 13 AVAs in Sonoma County at 750 square miles. This cumbersome AVA was formed in 1987 primarily to allow certain wineries to include all of their scattered major vineyards within one boundary so they could use the “estate bottled” designation on their wine labels. “No two bottles are ever The Sonoma Coast AVA is defined by its truly identical: every coolness, with no more than 2,800 degree bottle is unique in its days of heat during the growing season. -
Roth 18 RRV Barsel Sauvblc-DTC FS
Russian River Valley 2020 ROSÉ OF MALBEC Our inaugural release 2020 rosé of malbec is a vibrant and fresh expression of Russian River Valley fruit. A lovely pale salmon color in the glass, this wine opens with bright aromas of strawberry, citrus and rose petal. The palate is crisp and refreshing with lively acidity and flavors of juicy melon, guava, citrus blossom. The finish is soft and round with a subtle minerality. Enjoy this wine chilled on a warm day with soft cheeses, fresh vegetables or by itself. Vintage The winter of 2019-2020 produced average rainfall in Sonoma County with the bulk of rainfall January through May. Spring temperatures were mild and warm, with bud break two weeks earlier than average. Temperatures during the summer were above average, which led to early grape ripening and an early harvest. Vineyards & Winemaking Our Rosé of Malbec comes from a single vineyard block located just across the street from our estate, on the warmer end of the acclaimed Russian River Valley AVA of Sonoma County. This site features clay, rock and loamy soils that are the ideal growing conditions for Malbec. The grapes were hand harvested on September 24, 2020, then gently crushed and cold soaked on the skins just long enough to create a the lovely pale salmon color. To maintain freshness and create a crisp style, it was cold fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel. Composition & Analysis Appellation: Russian River Valley Composition: 100% Malbec TA: 5.74 g/L | pH: 3.36 | Alc: 14% | Production: 215 cases 10309 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, California 95448 | p 707.836.7030 | rothwinery.com . -
California's Edgiest Wine Region: the Western Sonoma Coast
Katie Kelly Bell, Contributor 03/06/2014 @ 12:11PM |178 views California's Edgiest Wine Region: The Western Sonoma Coast The grapes in Nick and Andy Peay’s vineyards are in a precarious state most of the time. Quivering on the edge of the San Andreas Fault, shrouded in hours of chilly fog and subjected to steady Pacific breezes, it’s a wonder these grapes can ripen at all. The Peay’s and their winemaker Vanessa Wong are not alone in the Western Sonoma Coast’s risky winemaking climate. In fact, they enjoy some highly regarded company including wineries such as Hirsch, Joseph Phelps and Littorai. I’m always impressed and slightly agog at winemakers who seek the outermost edge of anything; it takes certain boldness and, some might argue, insanity, to invite extreme challenges into your winemaking. Andy Peay admits there were more than enough naysayers when he and his brother started farming the coast. “Everyone said it was way too cold and that we’d never get grapes to ripen. In truth, we have had problems with ripening; some years are just really tough. Bill Phelps, president of Joseph Phelps wines, agrees with Peay’s assessment, noting that the Western Sonoma Coast wines exemplify a very cool climate style of chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah. “We would say we are truer to a Burgundian style; our wines are higher in minerality and not as plush on fruit. They tend to be more structured, lower in alcohol, and less extracted and fruit-dominated as wines from further inland, such as the Russian River Valley.” Phelps is also one of the founding members of the West Sonoma Coast Vintners Association which includes wineries from Annapolis, Fort Ross/Seaview, Occidental, Freestone, Green Valley and the Sebastopol Hills. -
Wine-Book-210709.Pdf
02 04 08 09 21 52 53 54 02 04 08 09 21 52 53 54 2 SPARKLING Brut, Naveran — Cava (Penedès), 2018 .............................................................................................................. 8 Brut Rosé, Michel Briday – Bourgogne, NV......................................................................................................... 12 Brut, Taittinger — Champagne, NV.................................................................................................................... 18 ROSÉ Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah Peyrassol — Mediterranee 2020 ............................................................................ 10 Touriga Nacional, Maçanita - Douro 2019 ......................................................................................................... 14 WHITE Melon de Bourgogne, Eric Chevalier — Muscadet Côtes de Grand Lieu 2018 ................................................... 10 Sauvignon Blanc, Vincent Delaporte — Sancerre 2019 ..................................................................................... 16 Sauvignon Blanc, Spy Valley — Marlborough 2020............................................................................................ 11 Pinot Grigio, Jermann — Fruili-Venezia Giulia 2019 ........................................................................................... 14 Albariño, Fillaboa — Rias Baixas 2018 ................................................................................................................ 11 Grüner Veltliner, “Crazy Creatures,” Malat — -
SONOMA COUNTY: Primarily from the Las Brisas Vineyard in the Los Carneros AVA
THREE COUNTY PINOT NOIR Reata comes from the Spanish word for lariat, also known as a lasso. The lariat honors our ranching tradition and winemaking philosophy. Just as lariats are woven together, our Reata wines are sourced from exceptional vineyards in California’s most celebrated growing regions and woven together by our winemaker. The ocean winds and fog float above California’s coastal vineyards creating the perfect conditions for growing expressive, fine Pinot Noir. The marine influence, California sunshine and soil types allow Pinot Noir to ripen slowly over a long growing season. The expressions of Pinot Noir produced in the different coastal regions vary greatly. Our Pinot Noir is blended from Three Counties to ensure it is fruit-forward with well-integrated tannins. Every year, our Winemaker Linda Trotta hand-selects vineyards from each county to complete this blend. • SONOMA COUNTY: Primarily from the Las Brisas Vineyard in the Los Carneros AVA. Close to sea-level, the wind and fog from the San Pablo Bay cools this region. This along with the dense, shallow clay soils imparts elegance and a red fruit profile into the wine. • MONTEREY COUNTY: Celebrated for proximity to the ocean, arid climate and gravelly soils, the Arroyo Seco AVA allows for a nice texture on the middle SONOMA palette. SONOMA COAST RUSSIAN RIVER • SAN BENITO COUNTY: CHARDONNAY VALLEY AVA With its well-drained soils and eastern facing slopes cooled by a Among the redwood forests and golden hillsides surrounding vineyards COUNTY nearby river, the Pedregal Vineyard is the warmest vineyard source. It brings north of San Francisco along Sonoma’s coastal range are sites that structure as well as darker fruit and earthy notes to this wine. -
Offering Summary 2345 Olivet Final
Michael Crain Properties Vineyard Advisors and Brokers 2345 Olivet Road Santa Rosa, CA Priced at: $1,675,000 Offered by: Michael Crain 707-815-6290 www.vineyardadvisors.com Property Information General Description: The subject property is a 23 acre parcel with a 15 +/- acre vineyard, modular home , 2 wells and a barn with frontage on sought-after Olivet Road. It is located in the Russian River Valley Appellation (AVA). Soils are Huichica Loam and the property is level to very gently sloped with open views to surrounding properties and distant mountains. The immediate area is home to numerous well regarded vineyards and wineries producing top quality Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as other varieties. Site Description & Zoning The site is a predominantly cleared and level site. It is rectangular in shape. Zoning is LIA 40 (Land Intensive Agriculture with 40 parcel density). Water is via private wells (2); electricity from P,G&E; gas is propane. Possible uses are describe in county land use descriptions; though, include wine grape processing (winery). Site Improvements The property is improved with extensive sub-surface drainage which was installed in preparation for vineyard development. In 1999, the 15 acre vineyard was developed and planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (approx. ½ the Chardonnay was replanted in 2002) There are two wells and s 7 bedroom septic system. There is a 40’ x 60’ steel frame barn of 14’ height and two 12’ doors on a 6’ concrete (w/steel) slab foundation. There is a 1,770 sq. ft. modular home (no foundation). -
Sonoma County Pinot Noir
2019 sonoma county pinot noir We’ve been making wine in Sonoma County for over ten years now and along the way, established a dynamic network of friends and colleagues that include vineyard owners, growers and winemakers. While we successfully navigated and maneuvered our way through the négoce market in the past, Valravn represents the next evolutionary step for us. Because of those forged relationships and friendships, we have exclusive access to grapes from fantastic vineyards and the team to oversee hands-on production from vineyard to bottle. We are proud of our past achievements and excited to realize the culmination of a decade of learning and focus, bringing authentic wines to the table that we have found, seen, and touched at every step. Valravn wines are out of the gate approachable, delicious, and table ready. VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING Valravn Pinot Noir is an exploration of Sonoma County, anchored in the Russian River Valley. Vineyards span at far NORTH as Annapolis, EAST as Sonoma Mountain, WEST as Freestone, SOUTH as Petaluma Gap. Noteable vineyards include Sunnyslope (Bennett Valley AVA), Gap’s Crown (Petaluma Gap - Sonoma Coast AVA), Grand Vent (Petaluma Gap - Sonoma Coast AVA), Gravenstein (Russian River), and Walala (Annapolis - Sonoma Coast AVA). In the cellar, hand-sorted grapes undergo cold soak followed by primary fermentation in small open- top stainless steel tanks for 12-14 days. Following primary, the wine was transferred to a blend of 25% new Cavin, François Freres, Remond, and Tremeaux barrels for 11 months malolactic and aging. PRESS - 90 points Wine & Spirits “Focused on vineyards in the Russian River Valley, this has simple red cherry flavors, light tannins and gentle elegance. -
July 28 - JULY 31 2019 Table of Contents
JULY 28 - JULY 31 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Schedule of Events.................................................................................4-6 West Sonoma Coast History and Information..........................................8 Map of West Sonoma Coast Vintners.........................................................9 Formal Seminar Details......................................................................10-17 The Economics of Yield of the West Sonoma Coast..................................19 Guest Speaker Information.......................................................................20 Typical Soils of the West Sonoma Coast...............................................21-22 Participant Member Wineries..................................................................23 Winery Contact Information..............................................................24-32 Sponsors.............................................................................................33-35 Notes....................................................................................................36-37 Farm Camp Contact..................................................................................39 2 #FARMCAMP19 #WESTSONOMACOAST Notes: SCHEDULE of EVENTS SCHEDULE of EVENTS Notes: SUNDAY, JULY 28 2:30PM Depart for Timber Cove 21780 North Coast Highway 1, Jenner 5:30PM Small Vines Wines Presentation by Paul Sloan Green Valley Sub-Region Presentation 4:15PM Arrive at Timber Cove. Express Check In Welcome Dinner at Small Vines Winery 2160 Green Hill Rd, -
Offering Memorandum
ULTRA PREMIUM VINEYARD ESTATE IN HIGHLY SOUGHT RUSSIAN RIVER OFFERING MEMORANDUM PRICE: $2,275,000 OFFERED BY: TOM LARSON & TONY FORD “Specializing in Sales and Acquisitions of Vineyards, Wineries and Fine Estates.” www.norcalvineyards.com ULTRA PREMIUM VINEYARD ESTATE IN HIGHLY SOUGHT RUSSIAN RIVER TABLE OF CONTENTS Salient Facts .............................................................................................3 Property Overview ...................................................................................4 Photo Gallery ............................................................................................ 5-6 Aerial Map ................................................................................................. 8 Appellation Overview ............................................................................ 9 County Overview .................................................................................... 10 www.norcalvineyards.com Page 2 The reason Portalupi wine is made began many years ago in Arcata, a small northern California coastal town where Tim and Jane first met as children. Portalupi Wine Company was founded in 2002 by Tim and Jane Borges, a husband and wife team with generations of history and experience in the making and marketing of premium Salient Factswines in Italy and Northern California. Portalupi Wine is a celebration of their reunion and a tribute to their rich Italian and Portuguese ancestry. Having traversed the gamut of the premium wine business for some nearly thirty years, Tim -
Amateur Wine Results
2019 Harvest Fair Amateur Wine Medal Exhibitor Name Class Description Description Vintage Gold Mark Murray Finest Red Amateur Wine 100% Barbera - Shenandoah Valley 2016 Double Gold Ken Weise Finest White Amateur Wine Chardonnay/Albarino blend 2018 First Peter Goyton Humorous Label Paget's Blend 2016 Second Paul Cowley Humorous Label Cowley Cellars Syrah 2017 Third Mark Murray Humorous Label 100% Barbera - Shenandoah Valley 2016 First Frank Barbieri Traditional Label Zin made from one acre parcel on Lovall Valley road. 2017 Second Paul Cowley Traditional Label Advoco Bin One-French Oak 2018 Third Dan Schafer Traditional Label AmaZin Prime 2017 Medal Exhibitor Name Class Description Description Vintage Gold Chris Maxwell All Sparkling Wines Sonoma Sparkler 2018 Bronze Kevin Holloway All Sparkling Wines Blanc de Noir (Pinot Noir) 2015 Bronze Kevin Holloway All Sparkling Wines Blanc de Blanc (Chardonnay) 2018 RRV AVA. 13.8% ABV. Smooth minerality with floral aromas of white ginger, honeysuckle & Gold Steve Clifton Sauvignon Blanc BOC 2018 jasmine. Gold Bob Bennett Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Estate 2018 Gold Vance & Kathy Harris Sauvignon Blanc SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 Silver Ginger Glockner Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Silver Chris Maxwell Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc "On the Lees" 2018 Silver Kip Miller Sauvignon Blanc 2017 - Mark Terrien Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Double Gold Vance & Kathy Harris Chardonnay BOC CHARDONNAY 2018 Double Gold Jim & Jocelyn Gromo Chardonnay 2017 Gold Ginger Glockner Chardonnay 2018 1 2019 Harvest Fair Amateur Wine Gold Joseph Hansen Chardonnay 2016 Gold Gregg Mangan Chardonnay Oaked Chardonnay from the benchlands of the Ukiah Valley 2018 Silver Bob Bennett Chardonnay Russian River Valley - Indindoli Ranch 2018 Silver Nicholas Burgess Chardonnay Riverledge Chardonnay 2017 Silver Mark Catelani Chardonnay 2017 Chardonnay 2018 Chalk Hill AVA. -
Wine List Table of Contents
Wine List Table of Contents Wines, by the Glass 2 Rare & Premium Glass Pours by Coravin® 3 Specialty Cocktails 4 Beer 5 What We’re Drinking (Favorite Picks of NINE-TEN Staff) 6 Sommelier Suggestions 7 Half Bottles (375mls) 8 Sparkling Wines 9 Sauvignon Blanc / Chenin Blanc / Pinot Grigio 10 Riesling / Gruner Veltliner / Intriguing Whites 11 “Rhone” Whites / “Italian” Whites 12 “Spanish” Whites / Rosé 13 Chardonnay - USA 14 Chardonnay - International 15 Pinot Noir - USA 16 Pinot Noir - International 17 Syrah & Shiraz / Zinfandel 18 Grenache & Grenache Blends / Spanish Reds 19 “Italian” Reds 20 Intriguing Reds 21 “Bordeaux Styled” Blends 22 Bordeaux 23 Merlot / Malbec / Cabernet Franc 24 Cabernet Sauvignon 25 Glossary of Wine Terms 26 & 27 Wines by the Glass Sparkling Prosecco, Tasi, Extra Dry Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy NV 14 Rosé of Cabernet Franc, Bouvet, “Rosé Excellence,” Brut Loire Valley, France NV 15 Champagne, Taittinger, “La Française,” Brut Champagne AOP, France NV 21 White Lighter Bodied Sauvignon Blanc, Lucien Crochet Sancerre AOP, Loire Valley, France 2019 16 Sauvignon Blanc, Noria, Bevill Family Vnyd Russian River AVA, Sonoma County, CA 2018 15 Gruner Veltliner, Weingut Frank Wienvertal DAC, Neiderosterreich, Austria 2018 14 Riesling, Schloss Lieser, Kabinett {off-dry} Mosel, Germany 2015 15 Medium Bodied Pinot Grigio, Ronco delle Betulle Friuli Colli’ Orientali DOC, Italy 2018 14 Viognier, Christophe Pichon Colline Rhodaniennes IGP, Rhone Vly, FR 2018 15 Albariño, Hill Family Estate, Stewart Ranch Vynd Carneros AVA, Napa