Russian River Valley DeLoach Pinot Noir

The color of DeLoach Pinot Noir is light red, bordering on shiny and transparent. There’s a touch of sharpness on the nose, but it is not off-putting. The alcohol is a bit higher than average. That sharpness blows off after some swirls of the glass. Aromas of cranberry, bright red fruit, baking spice, and hints of cinnamon. The body is light and lithe with higher acidity showing. Palate carries through with the aromas, adding some juicy strawberry and maraschino cherry. More savory in the mouth than on the nose. It’s not a super fruit forward Pinot that you sometimes see from the Russian River Valley. But it’s lively and the tannins give it a pleasing mouth-watering finish. Great pairing with garlic roasted chicken. 

Three Sons Pinot Noir from Halleck Vineyard

Three Sons Cuvee Tasting Notes

The Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Cuvee Pinot Noir is a shade darker than DeLoach. Garnet core with a sparkling jewel-like rim. Deep aromas. Big note of clove and cinnamon. There’s dark cherry, a touch of pepper, and some earthy forest floor in the background. Broader and fuller mouthfeel compared to DeLoach. Bright fruit and acidity combines with a streak of minerality that’s typical of the Halleck Vineyard style. Finishes with a burst of complexity. Strong enough structure to pair with hanger steak and truffle fries. 

Russian River Pinot Reviews [Video]

Ross Halleck and Harris Miner compare the 2018 DeLoach Pinot Noir to their own 2018 Three Sons Pinot Noir.

Russian River Pinot Noir Wrap Up

If you’re looking for a light, gentle wine with a higher alcohol content, try the DeLoach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Soft and generous with gentle tannins. This can even be slightly chilled to drink on a warm summer evening. And there’s a versatility to this wine that lends itself to a variety of occasions. 

The Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Pinot Noir is vivacious and structured with the capacity to improve with age. It has a strong presence on the table and can stand up to hearty and complex dishes. 

There are common stylistic affinities between the two wines. Yet both show subtle nuances that encapsulate how different Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs can be. 

The historic home for Pinot Noir is in Burgundy. The wines can range from very light in body and color, to highly structured and powerful examples that are capable of aging for decades. There’s always a pronounced level of acidity present, and an obvious through line of minerality. 

In California, the climate is hotter and drier than in France. This generally leads to a bit fuller and jammy style of wine. Bold and rich are the defining characteristics. Wines are higher in alcohol and deeper in color than in Burgundy. In this article we’re comparing Sonoma Coast Pinot from Halleck Vineyards to Carneros Pinot Noir from Acacia Winery. 

Carneros Pinot Noir from Acacia Winery

The Acacia Pinot Noir we tasted is from Carneros. This is an area that is farther inland from the Pacific Ocean. It’s hotter and receives less rainfall than other areas in Sonoma. Yet its shallow clay soil allows enough moisture to be retained, so there’s often no problem with the grapes reaching optimum ripeness. 

A deep ruby color is immediately apparent. Although the alcohol is a touch higher than average, it doesn’t show any obvious heat on the nose. Instead, solid aromas of black raspberry, fruit leather, and lavender herbs dominate. As keeping with Carneros style, this is a rich, mouth filling Pinot with moderate to low acidity. Again, the alcohol doesn’t show strong in the mouth. The baked red fruit and herbs continue to flow through the mid-palate and into the creamy finish. Hints of Asian spice as well. Acacia Pinot Noir is a finely balanced, elegant style of wine that delivers a great value at the price point. Try with roasted duck in plum or cherry sauce.

Buy Acacia Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Hillside Cuvee

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Hillside Cuvee from Halleck Vineyard is a blend of three different Sonoma Coast vineyards. The Sonoma coast AVA is much closer to the ocean than Carneros and benefits from the influence of the Pacific. It’s a more maritime climate with cooler overall temperatures and heavy coastal fog. As a consequence, the grapes tend to retain a bit more vibrant acidity and minerality. This makes the area more reminiscent of Burgundy.

This Halleck Vineyard Hillside Pinot Noir is not as dark as Acacia Pinot Noir, but has a red-purple jewel like transparency. The aroma is brighter and more lifted as well. There’s punchy pomegranate and cranberry notes with a touch of tarragon and white pepper. A general mineral/earth scent wafts in from the background. Big and lively in the mouth. 

Here the higher acidity clearly distinguishes it from Sonoma Coast rather than Carneros. More crushed rocks and damp earth on the palette than the nose. Plenty of black and red berry fruit. Fine tannins give it a graceful structure. The earth/mineral/fruit components never fight for supremacy. Very well-balanced wine. Pair with truffle risotto.

Buy Halleck Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Video Pinot Noir Wine Review

In this video, winemaker Ross Halleck and wine steward Harris Miner compare 2018 Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir to their own Hillside Somona Coast Pinot Noir.

Acacia Pinot Noir vs Halleck Vineyards Wrap Up

If you’re looking for a smoother wine with a bit higher alcohol content, try the Acacia Pinot Noir from Carneros. Soft and generous with gentle tannins. If you’d like to try a more complex, multidimensional wine, try the Halleck Vineyard Hillside Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast. 

The Halleck Pinot is more vivacious and structured with a capacity to improve with age. While there are common stylistic affinities between the two wines, both show subtle differences that encapsulate their respective regions. And that’s what makes Pinot Noir such a unique animal in the wine world. 

On one side of the table, we have the wine that has come to be synonymous with White Zinfandel over the years, Sutter Home White Zinfandel.

On the other, we’ve got a new wine by Halleck Vineyard crafted with old school traditions that we call “Not Your Mother’s White Zinfandel.”

But before we talk about the sweet and dry White Zinfandel wine tasting, some backstory on the evolution of White Zinfandel in New World viticulture. 

History of New World White Zinfandel

Although Sutter Home White Zinfandel is widely credited with being the first New World winery to produce White Zinfandel, the honor actually goes to El Pinal Winery in Lodi, which began producing rosé Zinfandel in 1869.

Rosé Zinfandel evolved as the result of a process known as “bleeding off,” which was used in the production of red Zinfandel wine. Excess grape juice was drained to elevate the concentration of tannins, and the leftover juice was fermented to make a dry rosé.

The result was well-regarded, and other wineries soon followed suit. California vintners continued producing dry rosé Zinfandel for decades. Sutter Home started producing off-dry rosé Zinfandel in 1948 and called it White Zinfandel for marketing purposes. In 1975, an overnight — and accidental — sensation was born. 

Sutter Home White Zinfandel is the result of what’s known in the wine world as stuck fermentation — which simply means that the yeast prematurely stopped converting sugars into alcohol.

Vintner decided to bottle it anyway the sweet stuff anyway, and it became an overnight sensation, and people who’d never drank much wine before were buying it by the case. In 1994, Wine Spectator awarded Sutter Hom with its Distinguished Service Award for introducing more consumers to the pleasure of the grape than any other wine in history. It’s even displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

White Zinfandel’s story is still evolving, however. Russian River Valley Dry White Zinfandel from Halleck Vineyard takes it back to its roots in the New World and gives it a 21st-century twist. 

Sutter Home Sweet White Zinfandel Wine Tasting Notes

We liked the way this wine’s light, almost amber color mimicked the onion-skin hues traditionally associated with French winemaking tradition.

However, that’s where the similarity ended — the nose was pure marshmallow, followed by notes of sugared peaches, strawberry cream, and ripe melon. It’s a happy, sweet, uncomplicated wine.

Although Sutter Home White Zinfandel doesn’t have the structure necessary for successful main course pairings, we can see it with a summer fruit course, light salads, and mild cheese.

We think that where it really shines is as a warm-season cocktail wine served cold with a side of sunlight.

• Brand: Sutter Home
• Country/State: California
• Vintage: Non-vintage
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: White Zinfandel
• Body: Light Bodied
• Style: Sweet
• Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 9.5%
• Retail Price: $5
• Restaurant Price: $15
• Food Pairings: Fruit course, mild cheese, summer salads
• BUY Sutter Home White Zinfandel

Halleck Vineyard Dry White Zinfandel Wine Tasting Notes

A new school wine crafted with old school traditions, this is Not Your Mother’s White Zinfandel. So if you’re wondering “is Rose wine sweet,” the answer in this case is a resounding no.

We noticed the difference in color before we even poured the wine — instead of light pink with pale amber tones, this wine was the color of cotton candy. The nose was white flowers followed by honeyed nectarine, strawberries, rose petals, and hints of maraschino cherry. However, this isn’t a sweet wine. It’s elegantly dry with balanced minerality and a crisp, refreshing finish.

Halleck Vineyard Dry White Zinfandel is a seriously structured wine with bright acidity that makes it an excellent pairing partner for a variety of foods. It’s strong enough to stand up to strong flavors such as Mexican tacos and white meat barbecue, and we also think it’s a good choice for the hors d’oeuvres course. It shouldn’t be discounted as a front porch or poolside sipping wine because it’s superb all on its own. 

• Brand: Halleck Vineyard
• Country/State: California
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Style: Crisp
• Body: Light Bodied
• Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 13.7%
• Retail Price: $37
• Restaurant Price: Approximately $56
• Pairings: Chicken, seafood, or pork barbecue, Mexican tacos
• BUY Halleck Vineyard Dry White Zinfandel

Wine Review Video

White Zinfandel Wrap Up

Halleck Vineyard Dry White Zinfandel definitely lives up to its name — it’s far from the Koolaid-like sweet wine that made such a splash in the 1970s. This is a complex, sophisticated wine worthy of a place at the grown-ups’ table. While we understand that sweet White Zinfandel will always have a special place in the hearts of many people, we encourage you to introduce your mother to Dry White Zinfandel — perhaps at a Mother’s Day brunch with a seafood omelet or at an festive dinner in her honor with crab cakes or roast lamb. 

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (2021)

The best California Sauvignon Blanc comes from Sonoma County. The best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc comes from the large and diverse region of Marlborough. It exploded onto the wine scene in the early 1970s with an exuberant personality that hasn’t dimmed to this day. In recent years there’s been a substantial investment in infrastructure and more refined winemaking techniques. This results in wines of greater precision and expression, bringing the most out of its exceptional terroir. 

Very dry and sunny, this area is not the one-trick pony it seems. The terroir shifts from the rugged loamy terraces on the ocean coast, to the historic stony vineyards in Wairau. In the south are clay-dense glacial valleys. Overall, the high summer heat, warm winds, and cool nights give such a powerful specificity to the wines in this corner of the earth. 

Kim Crawford draws from vineyards all over Marlborough to create a classic style that defines the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. 

A typical color of pale straw with streaks of light green. The nose is jumpy and intense, full of green bell pepper, fresh cut grass, and electrified grapefruit. It’s assertive on the palate, proud of its flavors, which mirror the nose with a little bit less intensity. Striking acidity gives the wine a sharp but ultra-fresh feel. Grapefruit shines through most prominently. There’s a snap and pop to the wine, a crunchy-crispness that marks it as more fun than serious. This is the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for a house party, a porch gathering, a day at the beach. 

• Brand: Kim Crawford
• Country/State: New Zealand
• Vintage: 2021
• AVA: Marlborough
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: Crisp
• Alcohol Content: 13%
• Retail Price: $20
• Restaurant Price: $40
• Pairings: ceviche, fresh asparagus salad, goat cheese crackers with pepper jelly
• BUY Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Halleck Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (2021)

The subregions of New Zealand are just beginning to establish an identity. But the vignerons of the Russian River Valley have been doing it for decades. There are so many nuances here that it can be hard to characterize the region as a whole. Halleck Vineyards, located in the southern border of the AVA, lies inland from Sonoma Coast near the Petaluma Gap AVA. It’s exposed to constant evening fog, dropping the temperature about 35-40 degrees from its daytime high. This little miracle, a natural air-conditioner, ensures a longer, cooler growing season. It’s exactly what the best California Sauvignon Blanc needs. 

The challenge is to tame these wild tendencies of the grape and balance the ripe fruit, strong herbal character, and high-toned texture. This is partly what makes it such a special project for any winemaker.

Here, the color is slightly darker than the Kim Crawford, a green-gold luminosity with deeper straw tones. There’s much more minerality to the nose owing to the very close ocean influence. There’s a whiff of sea breeze and citrus peel. Even the telltale hint of boxwood that one often finds in refined whites from the Loire and Bordeaux. There’s more salinity on the palate, which produces a succulent, mouth watering elegance that immediately asks for another sip. Bring on more lemon peel, gooseberry, and hints of lime. The finish carries on like a friend who talks and talks, but you don’t mind listening.

• Brand: Halleck Vineyard
• Country/State: California
• Vintage: 2021
• AVA: Russian River Valley
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: Elegant
• Alcohol Content: 14.1%
• Retail Price: $47
• Restaurant Price: $90
• Pairings: raw oysters, seared scallops, whitefish with Parmesan herb crust, roasted chicken
• BUY Halleck Vineyard California Sauvignon Blanc

Video Wine Review

The Last Word

The previous decade has seen Sauvignon Blanc become the white wine of choice for the majority of the casual imbibing public. A double-edged sword. Because it has a tendency to taste as if it all came out of the same stainless steel tank. Yet, the geographical spread and versatility of the grape means you will always find an array of respectable styles. There is sweet and serious Bordeaux, no-cares-in-the-world Kim Crawford, and one of the best California Sauvignon Blanc from Halleck vineyard. All stars in the same sky.

The Gewürztraminer Grape

Gewürztraminer is a cool-season, pink-skinned grape with its ancestral roots in the foothills of the Alps. It was first cultivated in Alsace, France. Alsace sits on the border between France and Germany, which explains the Germanic Gewürztraminer pronunciation. The grape is high in natural sugars that give the wine its trademark lycée bouquet. 

Gewürztraminer is typically described as an off-dry wine with tantalizing shadows of sweet field flowers, lychee fruit, roses, aromatic spices, and honey. Variations exist depending on region — German Gewürztraminer, for instance, is typically more restrained than its counterparts from other regions. 

Traditional Gewürztraminer Pairings

Gewürztraminer’s complex flavor profile lets it pair well with a wide range of foods. 

Gewürztraminer food pairing involves a wide range of foods, but it shines best with rich poultry dishes such as duck a l’orange, butter chicken, traditional Germanic fare such as wiener schnitzel and pork chops, and egg dishes such as Eggs Benedict and simple quiches. It’s also a great vegetarian option for dishes with a ginger or soy base, anything prepared with coconut milk, and oily seafood such as salmon. 

This is also a great pairing wine for those who enjoy culinary exploration, so don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten track and uncork Gewürztraminer with something not so obvious. It’s okay to break a few rules along the way — thanks to its nuanced flavor profile and rich notes of honey, roses, and spices, Gewürztraminer is suitable for pairing with marbled red meats. 

Château St. Michelle Gewürztraminer Wine Tasting Notes

Château Ste. Michelle’s Gewürztraminer is an inexpensive option ideal for casual al fresco dining.

Our first impression was of an exuberant orange bouquet nicely tempered with bits of clove We especially liked the tease of orange creamsicle just below the surface and the wine’s pale yellow hue. This is a lively Gewürztraminer with a solid mouthfeel and just enough sweetness for balance. However, it didn’t have the definition usually associated with Old World Gewürztraminer. 

Overall, we felt this was a pleasant wine perfectly suited for use as a cocktail wine, during the fruit course, or as a light dessert wine with fresh fruit and ice cream. It’s also good with uncomplicated spring pasta dishes such as pasta primavera.

• Brand: Château Ste. Michelle
• Country/State: Washington
• AVA: Columbia Valley
• Wine Type: White Wine
• Varietal: Gewürztraminer
• Vintage: 2019
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Retail Price: $15
• Restaurant Price: Approximately $25
• Pairings: Fruit salad, fresh fruit bowls, and most types of picnic food

Halleck Vineyard Dry Gewürztraminer Wine Tasting Notes

The Halleck Vineyard Dry Gewürztraminer brings black tie elegance to the table. 

We recognized Halleck Vineyard Dry Gewürztraminer’s Alsatian heritage right away in its white-gold color and elegant notes of rose petals and lychee in the nose. A light breeze containing faint notes of honeysuckle follows along with traces of candied ginger. Make no mistake, though — this isn’t a sweet wine despite the floral accents. As its name implies, it’s dry as a bone. 

This wine features a bright acidity, balanced minerality, and a nuanced flavor profile ideal for pairing with a variety of foods. It’s particularly suited to spicy cuisines, seafood with bold flavors such as grilled black cod served with a drizzle of wild berry and honey sauce, and with stinky cheese during the cheese course. It also makes a great holiday wine and pairs especially well with pumpkin pie and roast goose or duck.

• Brand: Halleck Vineyard
• Country/State: California
• AVA: Russian River Valley
• Wine Type: White Wine
• Varietal: Gewürztraminer
• Vintage: 2021
• AVA: Russian River Valley
• Alcohol: 14.3%
• Retail Price: $65
• Restaurant Price: Approximately $95
• Pairings: Indian curry with fruit chutney, full-flavored seafood, and Korean fried chicken 

Wine Review (Video)

Gewürztraminer Wrap Up

Both wines were instantly recognizable as Gewürztraminer, which doesn’t always happen with other white varietals. We also felt they did a great job of representing the wide variation characteristic of this wine, with Halleck Vineyard’s Dry Gewürztraminer being the little black dress to Château Ste. Michelle’s sweet floral sundress. One of them goes to festivities after sunset, while the other attends sunlit picnics among fields of blooming flowers.

However, we feel that Halleck’s Dry Gewürztraminer’s nod to Old World traditions brings its New World wine up several notches and appreciated how it offers the best of both worlds. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or add a festive accent to an ordinary occasion, Halleck’s is the one to uncork.

La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Tasting Notes

La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir is one of the most popular wines in the world. It’s been instrumental in creating a market for this grape that eventually overtook Cabernet in the marketplace. Such a monumental shift took place, in part, through crafting single-vineyard wines with impeccable fruit. Although a Russian River Valley winery, La Crema has a major presence in vineyards up and down the Sonoma Coast. And there’s enough soil variety here to rival all of France. 

Monterey is Pinot Noir’s dreamland, planted on south facing slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The grapes here, on average, enjoy an extra forty-five to sixty days of development on the vine compared to other northern viticultural areas. Its distinctive physical geography, which includes cooling fog and natural wind tunnels, gives it one of the longest growing seasons in the world. 

The color of La Crema is bright red and dark orange, garnet-like. There’s some toasted oak and butterscotch at the top of the nose. Then cherry and plum in one nostril, mushroom and beef jerky in the other. As a contrast, it’s rich and coating on the palate, round easy tannins. The wine wavers between spice and fruit, dried cherry and beef jerky. Then it drops off at the end like somebody not wanting to be seen sneaking out of a party. 

• Brand: La Crema
• Country/State: California
• Vintage: 2019
• AVA: Monterey
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Style: Elegant
• Body: Medium Bodied
• Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 13.5%
• Retail Price: $26
• Restaurant Price: $50
• Pairings: beef jerky, margarita pizza, mushroom jerky 

Halleck Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Tasting Notes

In our Kosta Browne Pinot Noir review, we mentioned that winemaking styles are as diverse as weather patterns and soil structure. Along with terroir, these techniques of oenology create the wine experience. And this is the source of wine’s enduring and endless appeal: there’s always something new to experience. Infinite possibilities. 

These possibilities are reflected in the broad range of microclimates along the Sonoma Coast AVA. It’s a vast area of half a million acres, with only a small fraction planted to vine. A pure maritime climate, characterized by cooler temps and higher rainfall. Many of the most celebrated Pinot Noirs are grown in this region, which Halleck Vineyard is proud to call home. The vineyards for our Sonoma Coast Hillside Cuvee Pinot are located at the southern tail of the appellation, just North of Petaluma Gap AVA. They rest in a sheltered, pastoral valley and bask in the sun that breaks through the afternoon fog. Coastal fog and ocean breezes give Pinot Noir an almost spa-like growing season.

Though La Crema and Halleck are quite different in style and substance, they share a love for the expressive side of Pinot. The color here is more purplish, a lovely ruby glint. The fruit pops. Raspberry, cranberry, and a whiff of white pepper. Some chalkiness in the background, but this is more fruit than earth or mineral. Very bright mouthfeel, acidity that makes you stand up straight. It’s not as lush as La Crema or Kosta Browne, but there is a tremendous layering of flavor. Bright red fruits, a musky, woodsy note, zipping along with a high energy fruit finish. A smooth, well-built rollercoaster.

• Brand: Halleck Vineyard
• Country/State: California
• Vintage: 2018
• AVA: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Style: Elegant
• Body: Full Bodied
• Alcohol Content: 14%
• Retail Price: $57
• Restaurant Price: $100
• Pairings: cedar plank salmon, melt-in-the-mouth pork belly, wild mushroom risotto

Wine Review (Video)

The Last Word

This area in California is profoundly effected by the San Andreas Fault. Constant tectonic movement has churned up a wild mix of rock sediment in the area. This was blended with glacial activity from the mountains nearby and led to the development of a nutrient dense clay-based soil. This cycle of soil uplift, erosion, and deposits created a potent patchwork of vineyards capable of producing world-class wine in either Monterey or Sonoma. Mother Nature at her best.

 

 

Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Notes

Because Kendall-Jackson is a major player on the world stage and a defining fixture of the California AVA with vineyards spread over more than 5000 yards along the Sonoma Coast, we actually didn’t want to like this red wine. We typically cheer for the underdog instead. Nonetheless, the deep-but-clear garnet coloring is the hallmark of a brilliantly crafted Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir, which is the most famous of all their variants.

After the first glance, we were prepared to be captivated. Kendall Jackson didn’t disappoint. Midsummer red raspberry and bright cherry fruit notes dance with sultry earthy notes infused with cola and mild spice accents in true Pinot fashion. We loved how this red wine’s taste was true to the promise delivered in its nose. We felt transported to the middle of a field filled with ripe raspberries on a warm summer day. The whispers of vanilla in its subtly soft finish brought an elegantly grand finale to this vintner’s reserve varietal. 

• Vintage: 2019
• AVA: California, California
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Retail Price: $14 
• Restaurant Price: Approximately $35
• Pairings: Perfect with a quality burger or lamb dish

MacMurray Estate Wine Tasting Notes

This opulent Pinot from Central Coast AVA offers a nearly translucent, dark jewel tone with just a hint of haze. Its fruity bouquet is laced with lavender fields, dark cherries, blackberries, and pomegranate, ending with the trademark hints of vanilla, signifying a traditionally crafted Pinot Noir that deviates sharply from the Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir’s berry pie notes.

MacMurray is an excellent choice for those who like their red a little on the sweet side. We even detected notes of hard candy swimming under its surface along with a contrasting small dash of freshly cracked black pepper. 

Overall, this fruity wine is an average, perfectly pleasant option that is well-suited as a picnic or cocktail wine. We also think it’s great on its own as a pre-dinner wine. Or sip it on the porch on a hot afternoon with a bowl of fresh fruit. 

• Vintage: 2019
• AVA: Central Coast, CA
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Retail price: $26
• Restaurant Price: $65
• Pairing: Pair it with pork or casual al fresco fare

Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Wine Tasting Notes

The most expensive of our three options, we consequently expected more from this varietal — and it delivered. The crystal clear clarity was the first clue that we were in for a classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir experience. This wine also delivered that elusive spark of artistry rarely captured by large commercial wineries. 

The nose was bright with light red cherries mingling seamlessly with notes of earth and forest floor. There’s also a gentle touch of warm cloves and cinnamon. We were particularly impressed with how this extremely well-balanced red delivered that extra pop of acidity that’s essential for superb pairings.

• Vintage: 2018
• AVA: Russian River Valley, California 
• Retail Price: $55
• Restaurant Price: Approximately $137
• Pairing: Pair it with Filet Mignon prepared with Porcini mushrooms and served with tarragon butter

Wine Tasting Video

Pinot Wrap Up

Each of these wines has a place on the dinner table, in the picnic basket, or at a cocktail party. We recommend:

1. MacMurray Estate Pinot Noir 2019 under the sun
2. Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Pinot Noir 2018 by candlelight
3. Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 for dressing up a burger or a casual pasta night. 

In closing, we feel like the Halleck Vineyard’s Pinot Noir option brings boutique winery artistry to the table in a tangible way. There are a large number of lovely New World Pinot Noirs on today’s market. But this is the one to uncork when the occasion calls for something out of the ordinary.

If you’d like to try it, we invite you to join us for an intimate Sonoma wine tasting in Sebastopol at our estate. Our shop our selection of some of the Best California Pinot Noir.

These are two of the best California Pinot Noir wines. And these two have totally different profiles. Belle Glos is big and bold, with blackberry candy, while Halleck Vineyard Haas Vineyard is lighter with a lower alcohol content and hints of cherry, mace and cinnamon.

California is known throughout the world for its excellent Pinot Noirs. The region’s sandy soil, temperate coastal climate and sunny days work together to provide the type of terroir that this finicky grape varietal loves. 

Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas Wine Tasting Notes

Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas 2019 is an atypically dark wine for a Pinot Noir. It’s almost opaque with a deep, rich purple color. It has a higher alcohol content than most other Pinot Noirs, at 14.8%. Most Pinot Noirs fall in the range of 12 to 13.5% alcohol.                                                                                   

This wine has a “big nose” and seems to jump right out of the glass, with notes of blackberry candy, cocoa and coffee. 

The taste is smooth and delivers on the promise of blackberry candy. This is a fruity, rich wine with a low acidity. Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir would make a perfect cocktail wine, because, despite its dark color, it is lighter on the palate and doesn’t need food to bring out its full flavor. Overall, this wine represents a good value for a big, bold Pinot Noir.

The Las Alturas Vineyard of the Santa Lucia Highlands consists of around 170 acres in Monterey County, 100 of which are planted with Pinot Noir. The area is notable for its cool, yet sunny days and its rich, sandy loam soil.

Stats 

• Vintage: 2019
• AVA: Santa Lucia Highlands, California
• Belle Glos Pinot Noir Alcohol Content: 14.8%
• Retail Price: $47.00
• Restaurant Price: approximately $100.00
• Pairings: The Belle Glos Pinot would pair splendidly with a rich beef stew or a platter of manchego cheese and quince.
• Buy Belle Glos Pinot Noir

Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs from Sonoma

Halleck Vineyard Pinot Noir Haas Vineyard Wine Tasting Notes

Halleck Vineyard Pinot Noir Haas Vineyard 2018 couldn’t be more different from the Belle Glos Pinot Noir. The Haas Pinot is light and translucent in color, with more of a classic light red/purple hue. 

The taste boasts red currant and cherry notes with hints of mace, cinnamon and oregano. The taste is a complex mixture of “earth and fruit.” 

The finish contains the herbaceous and spicy promise of the aroma. In contrast to the Belle Glos, this Pinot is a good pairing wine and begs to be consumed with food, not alone or with just appetizers. Overall, the Halleck 2018 Haas Vineyard represents a good value for a classic Pinot Noir.

Haas Vineyard is a small, two-acre plot of land at the base of the eastern side of Sonoma Mountain, near Glen Ellen, California. The story behind how fruit from Haas Vineyard was sourced for a Halleck Vineyard Pinot Noir involved, of all people, Josh Groban, who Halleck Vineyard created a special Find Your Light Josh Groban Pinot Noir to benefit art education programs in public schools.

Stats

• Vintage: 2018
• AVA: Sonoma Mountain, California
• Halleck Vineyard 2018 Haas Vineyard Pinot Noir Alcohol Content: 13.1%
• Retail Price: $60.00
• Restaurant Price: approximately $130.00
• Pairings: The Halleck Vineyard 2018 Haas Vineyard Pinot would pair splendidly with grilled sausages.
• Buy Halleck Vineyard Haas Pinot Noir 2018

Wine Review (Video)

Final Word

If you’re looking for a big, bold, fruity Pinot Noir, the Belle Glos Las Alturas is a wise selection. But if you’re searching for a more complex, earthy Pinot, our Haas Vineyard Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. We invite you to join us for a Pinot Noir wine tasting in Sebastopol at our estate.

Kosta Browne Pinot Noir (2016)

Kosta Browne Pinot Noir belongs to a very special place. Situated on the western edge of the Sonoma Mountains, Gap’s Crown Vineyards is one of the most iconic sites in all of California. There are dozens of highly-rated wineries that have purchased fruit from these vineyards over the years. But Kosta Browne remains the godfather of the area, with their experience here dating back to 2006.

There’s a natural “cold-air” pocket created by the canyons and mountains of the area which funnels the coastal fog into the vineyards. The resulting effect protects the grapes from the intense summer heat. They ripen a bit slower in order to develop a harmony between the sugar and acidity. In addition, the rocky volcanic soils and excellent hillside drainage contribute to Gap’s Crown unique terroir. All this informs a wine of nuance and grace. 

The color is bright ruby with a jewel-like translucence. It’s not as dark as other Kosta Browne wines, but accurately reflects the cooler climate of Gap’s Crown, located on a western hillside of Sonoma Mountain in the town of Penngrove, east of Rohnert Park. A predominant note of candied cherry is immediately apparent, giving way to fresh leather and woodsy-cedar aromas, a pleasant counterbalance of fruit and earth.

This wine is surprisingly light on its feet. It does not have the density associated with others Pinots farther inland, like Russian River Valley or Sonoma Coast proper. The cherry fruit notes shine through, complemented by some woodsy flavors and white pepper in the mid-palate. A tingling texture of acidity and soft tannin creates a nervy tension in the wine. Overall, this isn’t a bombastic wine. You could describe it as a bit thin, but not without a lingering freshness that gently tapers off at the finish. 

Kosta Browne hosts wine tastings at its winery for $125 per person. They have one of the best tasting rooms in Sonoma and sell out weeks in advance so if you’re headed to Sebastopol in search of the best California Pinot Noir, check them out.

• Brand: Kosta Browne
• Country/State: California
• Vintage: 2019
• AVA: Petaluma Gap
• Wine Type: Red Wine
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Style: Elegant
• Body: Medium-bodied
• Alcohol: 14.1%
• Retail Price: $130 
• Restaurant Price: $250
• Pairings: Roast Cornish hens, halibut or cedar plank salmon

Halleck Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir (2016)

Like Kosta Browne, this Pinot is also comes from the Sonoma Coast, a popular American Viticultural Area for growing Pinot Noir.

Halleck Vineyard sits in an enviable position, just a few miles north of the Petaluma Gap AVA. Here we find the magical conditions that allow Pinot Noir to flourish. Lots of sunshine, adequate fog cover, dramatic diurnal temperature shifts, and well-draining soil. In this respect, it shares many characteristics with Gap’s Crown.

The Halleck Vineyard Estate Grown Pinot Noir wine has a deeper ruby tone, translucent at the edges. Because of its time in the bottle, there’s a beautiful tawny streak mixed in. It leaps out of the glass with a complex array of plum, spice, alpine forest, some menthol, sage, and bay leaf. It leans towards an earthy spectrum, rather than overwhelmed by fruit. This is simply Burgundian in style and aroma. There’s a mysteriousness to the nose, a sense that all the elements are impeccably balanced. It can be difficult to pick out a dominant note, which, for this wine writer, is a mark of true quality. 

This carries into the mouthfeel, which is richer, fuller than the Kosta Browne. It hits you with a punch of fruit up front, the aforementioned plum along with some tarter and juicer cranberry and pomegranate flavors. Then morphing on the mid-palate into those earthier tones of sage and pine. Delicate but open-knit and friendly. A more persistent and flavorful finish. Strong, but not overly bold. It’s this layered complexity and elegant structure which creates an exciting and delicious wine. 

Halleck Vineyard hosts wine tastings outdoors and indoors. We pour our Estate Pinot, as well as our Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Sonoma Mountain Pinots, as well our Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Gewurztraminer and Dry White Zinfandel. Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for wine tasting in Sebastopol by appointment only.

• Brand: Halleck Vineyard
• Country/State: California
• Vintage: 2016
• AVA: Sonoma Coast
• Wine Type: Red Wine
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Style: Concentrated
• Body: Full-bodied
• Alcohol Content: 13.4%
• Retail Price: $120
• Restaurant Price: $240
• Pairings: a sumptuous Thanksgiving meal with all the trimming, or a herb-crusted rack of lamb.

Wine Review [Video]

The Last Word

This is a fascinating comparison of two vineyards that share similar characteristics, but have completely different styles of winemaking. Rewarding in their own ways. The Kosta Browne is a lighter, fruit driven wine in comparison to the deeper, earthier Burgundian qualities present in Halleck Vineyards. These wines have clearly distinct personalities, even though they come from the same grape, so it’s all about what you’re in the mood for. Both located just minutes from the Barlowe, with its eclectic mix of local, artisanal boutiques, art galleries and delicious restaurants, if you coming up to Sebastopol, Kosta Browne and Halleck Vineyard offer some of the best wine tasting Sonoma has to offer.

 

 

Cherry Pie Cherry Tart Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Notes

Highly popular and sought after, Cherry Pie Cherry Tart Pinot Noir (featuring a photo of three cherry tarts on its label) is a blend of three Pinots hailing from Santa Barbara County, Monterey County and Sonoma Coast. The name of the wine is a bit of a misnomer, however, as it has no literal cherry pie or tart taste. Bottled in 2014, this Pinot is a touch tawny in color, showing its age. Nonetheless, it’s still mostly red and translucent — a classic Pinot burgundy color.

The nose is especially wild; some might even call it overpowering, as it can be discerned in a room after several glasses are poured. There are intense sauvage notes present, which are often found in Burgundian wines.

Simply stated, the taste of Cherry Pie Pinot Noir is not as powerful as its aroma. There’s a bounty of rich fruit, especially red cherries (hence the name). But it’s a complex wine, with subtle earth tones, served up alongside what approximates a smidgen of singed bacon fat, yielding an ever-so-slightly burnt quality. Overall, Cherry Pie is a delicious wine that does especially well with food (see its pairings below). The winery is located at Stanly Ranch, in the Carneros appellation of Napa.

• AVA: California 
• Cherry Pie Cherry Tart Pinot Noir Alcohol Content: 14.5%
• Retail Price: $30.00
• Restaurant Price: $54.00
• Pairings: The Cherry Pie Cherry Tart Pinot would pair wonderfully with pulled pork, pork belly, or any dish with bacon or pork.

O. Cyrot Bourgogne Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Notes

The O. Cyrot Bourgogne is a French Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France. But while it’s a Burgundian Pinot Noir, it’s not earthy in color; instead, it’s a bright, beautiful, gem-like, purplish-red. Not exactly crystal-clear in translucency, it has a tint of haze to it.

The nose is lovely; one immediately picks up on abundant fruit and herbs. There’s also an unmistakable aroma of garrigue, which is the product of an amalgamation of different sagebrush plants found in Provence, such as sage, lavender and juniper. Sage and lavender are especially prominent, along with a hint of cherry. Unlike many French wines, the O. Cyrot Bourgogne lacks feral notes, which is ironic, as the two other Pinots in this review possess this conspicuously.

For us, the flavor of the O. Cyrot Bourgogne is a bit of a let down. Up front, there are cherry notes, but the middle is mostly hollow. And while there are some herbs detectable in the finish, the flavor drops off and disappears quickly; it’s thin, with a sharp acidity. The O. Cyrot Bourgogne isn’t a horrible wine, but it falls unexpectedly flat.

• AVA: Bourgogne Rouge, France 
• O. Cyrot Bourgogne Pinot Noir Alcohol Content: 13%
• Retail Price: $28.00
• Restaurant Price: $50.00
• Pairings: The O. Cyrot Bourgogne Pinot Noir would pair well with herbed dishes, such as tabouleh.

Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvee Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Notes

The Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvee Pinot Noir is a blend of different Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs originating in vineyards that are each within a few miles of each other.

The Hillside Cuvee Pinot is crystal-clear and ruby-garnet in color. The nose integrates feral notes that are balanced out by those of fruit, but the scent is much more subtle than that of the Cherry Pie Pinot. Cranberry and white pepper are additionally evident, along with a pleasant minerality.

Surprisingly bright and fruity, the Hillside Cuvee fills the mouth. One perceives the same earthy tones that are present in the nose; there are smatterings of spices, white pepper and minerals. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a grippy wine, without being over the top.

• AVA: Sonoma Coast, California
• Halleck Hillside Cuvee Alcohol Content: 14.3%
• Retail Price: $55.00
• Restaurant Price: $114.00
• Pairings: The Halleck Hillside Cuvee Pinot Noir would pair excellently with game meats, particularly those that are mesquite-grilled.

Wine Reviews [Video]

Pinot Heros Wrap Up

While the Cherry Pie Pinot has a cultish buzz about it, its taste didn’t necessarily live up to the promise of its nose. The French O. Cyrot Bourgogne was a disappointment along the same lines but was quite dissimilar to the two other wines we sampled. The Hillside Cuvee ended up somewhere in the middle between the promises of the first two Pinots, demonstrating a texture and astringency imparted by its tannins that outshone those of its competitors. I

For a truly memorable, intimate wine tasting in Sonoma, join us at our Sebastopol estate (by appointment only) any Friday, Saturday or Sunday to taste our fine collection of Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noirs, as well as our California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Gewurztraminer and bone Dry White Zinfandel.