Platt Vineyard: A Remarkable Expression
Sometime last year, I received an offer for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Platt Vineyard. It was not connected to any winery that I was familiar with - just Platt Vineyard. I was surprised and very curious, since I was aware of the popularity of the grapes from that vineyard, well sought after by winemakers. I was not aware of it being its “own” winery. My first response was to open up Anthony Galloni’s app “Vinous” to see what reviews might be available. To my surprise, the ratings and comments about Platt Vineyard wines were remarkable. I was amazed that the ’23 Platt Vineyard Estate Reserve Chardonnay had been awarded 100 points! A perfect score for Chardonnay? This was curious for me; and since I was able to purchase, I did. The newly released Pinot Noir was awarded 98 points. These are remarkable scores for what would be considered a new winery.
Wayfarer Vineyard’s Estate Pinot Noir: Wine Spectator’s #8 Wine of the Year!
I have espoused the beauty and joy of drinking Wayfarer Vineyard’s Estate Pinot Noir in the past. (See here.) This is a grand opportunity to bring this brilliant wine to your attention again. The 2023 Estate has just been named Wine Spectator’s #8 wine of the year! Yes, I am cheering! Wine Spectator tastes over 10,000 wines each year, and from that they designate the top 100.
Kistler Vineyards: A Chardonnay Lover’s Dream
First and foremost, Kistler Vineyards is a beautiful setting. It sits high on a hill with a lovely house and gorgeous views of the surroundings. Vines, hills, and slopes abound and capture the beauty of the winery. This is a short drive into the Sebastopol, CA area and well worth it for the beauty of the setting alone.
Yet the only reason truly to make the trip is to explore the beauty of the wines. Kistler produces twelve single-vineyard Chardonnays and two Pinot Noirs. What is unique here is that the expression of the wine – the Chardonnays in particular – comes from the vineyards.
Newfound Wines: The Name Says It All
Newfound Wines is a new winery that has created a new expression of wines that will impress. This is the endeavor of Matt and Audra Naumann, who began their journey with land in the Sierra Foothills in 2016. They replanted the vineyard in an effort to strike a balance between nature and the fruit. Because their own vineyard is young, they produce wines from other vineyards that are family-owned and organically farmed in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the Sierra Foothills.
Cattleya by Bibiana Gonzalez Rave, Vintner and Winemaker
The story here is intriguing and interesting to say the least. Yet, what is more important to you, the reader is the wine itself. Right now, I am nursing a beautiful bottle of Pinot Noir made by this terrific winemaker. The nose is bright and fruity with boysenberry; the attack is rich and svelte with bright red raspberry and a finish that goes on and on. Quite frankly, I have been waiting all day to enjoy the wine again. That is important. It is a wine that calls me back to enjoy more! Those are some of the best bottles of wine; those that speak to you.
The Pinot Noir is a 2021 Cattleya made by Bibiana Gonzalez Rave.
DuMOL’s 2021 MacIntyre Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir: Wine of the Year
In a follow up to my previous post about DuMOL, you will see the newest accolade for them. Their 2021 MacIntyre Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir was named "Wine of the Year" by wine critic Antonio Galloni. This is a prestigious acknowledgement of the quality that DuMOL crafts and delivers. Find yourself a bottle from this vintage and enjoy!
DuMOL: The Evolution of Outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
DuMOL is a Sonoma County winery that has evolved since its inception in 1996. And that is truly a progression that rewards you and me as enjoyers of wine. The original owners named the winery using an amalgamation of the names of their children (Duncan and Molly). The wines at that time were made from grapes bought from Dutton Ranch in Sebastopol, CA. In 1999, Andy Smith joined DuMOL as their winemaker/viticulturist. In 2005, Andy became part owner of the winery; and, in 2015, he and an associate bought full ownership of the winery. The results today are remarkable.
Limerick Lane Cellars: A Healdsburg Gem
Just recently, I had the opportunity to visit Healdsburg; and, of course, tasting wine was a priority. Our first stop that day was Limerick Lane Cellars. This winery is located just 5 minutes outside of downtown Healdsburg (which is also a growing culinary town). Limerick Lane is a 53-acre estate located in the northeast corner of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. It’s in a rustic setting that harkens back to earlier times. The tasting room is quaint and relaxed, and they also offer outdoor seating among the vines. Tastings are by appointment only. On this day, we were in the winery itself as the rain had been falling.
Our host, who l enjoyed greatly, is an experienced wine veteran who loves sharing the wine with his guests. Andy has been at Limerick Lane for over five years and fully appreciates the opportunity to share the fine wines produced at the winery. This is a journey themed by Zinfandel. The vines here are almost 100 years old, and that is a great treat that Andy enjoys sharing with visitors. Zinfandel is a varietal that does well in Sonoma. There are many excellent wineries that produce lovely wines from this grape, and Limerick Lane is one of them.
Wayfarer Pinot Noir — The Road to Take!
I recently opened a Pinot Noir that literally stopped me in my tracks. The sweet fruit aromas wafted from the glass and the flavors sailed on through the finish. The aromas and flavors were so compelling that it truly deserved my full attention. The finish sailed on for over a minute and left me really wanting more. It was truly beautiful. This Pinot Noir was a standout.
Wayfarer Vineyards is the baby of Jayson Pahlmeyer who truly has a passion for Burgundian wines. The vineyard itself was brought to Jayson’s attention by Helen Turley and planted by David Abreu. It is located in the Sonoma Coast hills less than five miles from the ocean and bears some gorgeous fruit. The proprietor of the winery now is Cleo Pahlmeyer, Jayson’s daughter.
Rivers-Marie: First Class Wine and Service
Located in the quaint town of Calistoga, Rivers-Marie is a must visit. That is a bold statement yet the wine, the tasting room and the staff are all worthy of that. First and foremost, this is the home of Thomas Rivers Brown’s personal label. He is one of the most highly regarded winemakers in the valley. His credits are wines such as Outpost, Schrader, Maybach, Mending Wall, Pulido-Walker, Hestan, and so on. He has twenty-five 100 point scores for the Cabernets he has crafted and, simply put, that is a record in the valley. All this alone should lead you to taste his personal label wines that do not disappoint.
Secondly, the staff that support this winery are top notch. They are professional, learned and talented. The space is open and expansive as you sit in a wide open space with glass doors at both ends of the tasting room. You can see out to the back which is a private farm (in process of updates). There is a live wall which brings nature in, and all is done in very comfortable seating.