Icons vs. Values
For our first offer in July, we looked at Cabernet Sauvignon. Our second offer focuses on Pinot Noir. Our Members take their Pinot Noir very seriously and pricing is always a subject for discussion. We carry Pinot Noir in all price categories, $24 to $7500. This offer allows Members to purchase great, every day drinking Pinot as well as offering special Pinots from some of our Icon Wineries at higher prices.
I am often asked what factors go into wine pricing. Let me first state that the cost of producing wine is the key factor. Some of our Vintner Members have owned their vineyards for many years and purchased those vineyards a great prices. Thirty years ago, you could purchase land at $15,000 per acre or even less. Now, a great vineyard can run upwards of $90,000 per acre before the cost of developing those sites. Location is also critical. Is the wine Estate produced or custom crushed? The cost of the Artisan winemaker is another key factor. The barrel program, aging, distribution, etc…all go into the production costs.
For aficionados, drinking a great Pinot is a must. For the everyday consumer and for those family dinners or BBQs, a great value Pinot may be the call.
Choose whichever part of the offer spikes your interest. Mix and match to accommodate any occasion. A 10% discount will be offered for a 12 pack or more for all of these wines.
Enjoy!
The Icons:
2014 Cobb, Rice Spivak, Sonoma Coast $86
First impression is of cherry and red, fuji apple. Once you have arrived, you’ll find more savory hints of shiitake mushroom, Asian five spice, and forest floor. This is one of those lovely Pinot Noirs that you can experience through its aromas. On the palate, fine, delicate tannins meld with a crisp cranberry and grapefruit tartness, and subtle elements of lavender, pine, and truffle. Low alcohol…very Burgundian.
2014 DuMOL, Aiden, Russian River Valley $90
Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Aidan was made with 40% whole cluster, which contributes a savory/earthy/herbal character over notes of red currants and black raspberries plus a hint of tar. Medium-bodied with a very lively acid backbone and solid frame of chewy tannins, it delivers plenty of juicy fruit and good persistence.
2014 Dutcher Crossing, Maboroshi Vineyard, Russian River Valley $76
Cherries, currants, briary and earthy spice all fill the nose while hints of sandalwood and oak emerge from the background. This wine showcases a youthful deep ruby color elevated by purple hues. Red fruit flavors dominate the pallet which is balanced by a bright but not overbearing acidity and lovely tannins that lend structure and depth to this wine. This is a Pinot Noir that will be loved by the Cabernet drinker. Serve as a wonderful accompaniment to crusted pork loin with cherry chutney.
2013 Reuling Vineyards, Sonoma Coast $78
On the nose, the 2014 Reuling Vineyard Pinot Noir has subtle aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, rose petal, rhubarb, herbs de provence, hoisin plum sauce, hibiscus, cardamom, sweet smoke and toffee. On the palate, the wine is texturally very plush and rounded. You’ll taste fine resolved tannins that finish, lingering with a slight salinity. Structurally the wine was able to fill itself out from the incredible skin maturity of the vintage. A silky wine from a warmer vintage. Wines were produced by Matt Taylor, former Araujo winemaker and rising Pinot Noir star, also with 32 Winds.
2014 Wren Hop Vineyards, Killing Moon, Russian River Valley $82
One September moonlit evening, that will live in infamy, it was discovered that nocturnal marauders chomped a quarter of their estate Dijon Clone Pinot Noir. By the time these robber-masked raccoon bandits were discovered, 253 vines and their clusters had "bought the farm". They quickly introduced our friend "the electric fence" and zap...happy hour was over. We understand the attraction. The vineyard produced beautiful clusters with jammy, red cherry stone fruit character and haunting aromatics. A five day cold soak pushed deep color and flavor extraction. Intense Bing cherry and floral oil are followed by roasted rhubarb and baking spice. Rose petal, licorice, blackcurrant and graphite all play supporting roles. This deep layer intensity is slaying it young while flexing its muscle for the future. Yes, the herd was thinned. But hey, this is one killer wine.
The Values:
Careful blending of cuvées from multiple vineyards brings together the unique nuances created by clonal and geographic diversity and ultimately creates levels of intrigue and complexity not typically found in single vineyard wines. The 2013 Alysian Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir shows aromas of pomegranate, red cherry, and a funky forest floor. Flavors of raspberry, bright plum and mint carry on a lingering finish. Pleasant brightness makes this a wonderful food friendly wine. Although entirely approachable now we encourage you to experience its evolution through 2025.
2014 Benovia, Russian River Vineyard $38
This almost textbook vintage provided the raw materials to produce a truly outstanding Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Aromas are clearly dominated by bright red fruit tones of Bing cherry and red raspberry, while black fruits dominate on the palette. The bright aromas expand and give way to black plum and toasted baking spices. On the palate the wine has bright acidity and firm but fine tannins that should allow for short term cellaring. As always, the wine was bottled without refining or filtration.
2014 Champ de Reves, Anderson Valley $38
This spectacular vineyard is perched high above Boonville in the hills of Anderson Valley, just 18 miles from the Pacific coastline. A wide array of aspects in the vineyard creates multiple mesoclimates, each displaying unique characteristics as these relatively young vines continue to age. Vibrant blueberry-strawberry fruit intertwines with aromas of dark-red rose, maple, licorice, and toasted hazelnut. On the palate, juicy raspberry, dark cocoa, and penny royal flavors emerge. Delicately-balanced acidity and crystalline minerality lead into a firmly structured finish.
2014 DuMOL, Sonoma Coast $48
Bright, vibrant and high-toned aromas with great energy and purity. Wild cherry, fresh raspberry, pine needle, fragrant roses, potpourri and spice cake. Classic coastal palate with fine interplay between red and black fruits: raspberry coulis, blackberry, bing cherry and apple skin tartness. Broad silky texture develops with air but always juicy and supple. Lovely freshness to the extended fruit-packed finish.
2014 Walter Hansel, the Estate, Russian River Valley $36
The 2013 Pinot Noir Estate, made mostly from Rochioli clonal material and a small portion of the so-called Swan clone, is a beautiful Pinot Noir, very Burgundian, with notes of forest floor, loamy soil undertones, sweet black cherries and Asian plum sauce. It is dark ruby, lush, medium to full-bodied and ideal for drinking over the next decade. The Estate Pinot Noir, which Stephen Hansel described as European and restrained, was bottled unfined and unfiltered and is just now beginning to strut its stuff. All represent excellent value in Pinot Noir.
The Offer:
A mix and match, icons, values or both. A 10% discount will be offered for each 12 bottles purchased.
Ordering:
For all questions and orders, contact Wine Director, Jeff McCarthy. Let us know if you would like your wine shipped or placed in your wine locker. Sales tax and appropriate shipping will be added to all orders. Allow 2-3 weeks for account processing and shipping. During extreme weather, wine orders may be held until it is safe to ship.
Jeff McCarthy, Wine Director
[email protected]
707.569.2906 |
