Winemaker's Notes
This site is in the Santa Rosa plain, between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa on a fairly clay-like soil in the Huichica series. It warms more slowly than the Goldridge soils in the Spring and tends toward ripeness in the later part of the season for this variety. The daytime peak temperatures during the summer are a bit higher than those closer to the ocean, but being harvested later, the temperatures around harvest are often cooler which is a very important stage for the personality of the vintage.
I find that this Pommard clone planted using more conventional techniques responds well to its situation, making a distinctly different statement for the variety in our overall region. It tends toward more earthy, lusty Gevrey-like expression. It gains its ‘angles’ side of the balance equation more from tannin and a little less from acidity than the more westerly sites making it a perfect companion for lamb or even beef. The texture is quite full and round yet still finishes with an upward trajectory and very and long echo of the upfront flavors. It is carefully farmed by my friend Lee Martinelli, Jr. and is owned by my good friends Ben and Carla King who are all a joy to work with.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – April 2016
Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, forward, fragrant, spicy, earthy, cherry fruit aroma with hints of clove and forest floor; medium-full body; rich, smooth, ripe cherry fruit flavors with firm acidity and some suppleness in the velvety mouthfeel; medium to medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Deserves a few more year of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. Very highly recommended. 91 points. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Wine Spectator – June 2016
A tender, delicate style, showing some softness and mature plum and rose petal flavors. The anise, dusty earth and sage notes are persistent. Drink now. 90 points. Jim Laube