Press
Reviews
April 6, 2015
2013 SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS PINOT NOIR – 90-91 points
2012 ALFARO FAMILY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 92-94 points
2012 LESTER FAMILY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 92-94 points
2012 COASTVIEW VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 92-94 points
“As noted in the introduction, more Pinot Noir wineries are fermenting with whole cluster in amounts ranging from 30% to 100%. Winemaker Bradley Brown has been so satisfied with whole cluster ferments that he plans to go to 100% whole cluster inclusion in all his 2014 vintage Pinot Noirs. All four of the wines he offered for tasting were gorgeous and nuanced..” – Rusty Gaffney
2013 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir: ” A stunning modestly priced offering sourced from the winery’s single vineyard sources in Corralitos and Bonny Doon (Lester Family and Coast Grade) 50% whole cluster, indigenous yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Unfined and unfiltered. The whole cluster goodness makes an impression on the nose with plenty of rose petal and spice aromas enhancing the red berry fruit. The tannins are firm but tucked in, and the finish is reasonably long and satisfying.”
2012 Alfaro Family Vineyard Pinot Noir: ” A savory wine of great interest with plenty of spice and floral nuances supplementing the core of red and black berry and cherry fruits. Impressive phenolic ripeness at this alcohol level with enough sappy fruit to satisfy any Pinot drinker. The stem tannins are firm and slightly astringent and need time to integrate.”
2012 Lester Family Vineyard Pinot Noir: ” Aromatically inviting with scents of rose petal, exotic spices, anise and dark raspberries. Generous on the attack and finish, with fresh flavors of dark cherry and berry that expand in the mouth. Very suave in the mouth with beautifully integrated tannins.”
2012 Coastview Vineyard Pinot Noir: ” Tighter and more tannic than the other wines tasted on this day, but still offering impressive flavor and nuance. The aromas are quite floral with hints of cherry and herbs. Modest in weight, but flavorful, with notes of spiced cherry, anise and pain grille, building in intensity to a lavish and long-lived finish.”