In a year when many Sonoma growers lost 40-50 percent of their Chardonnay crop due to heavy October rains, we were able to secure some of the Heintz family's best fruit. Once safely in our San Francisco winery, winemaker John Fones was able to craft a 91-point wine.
A fleshier version than 2009, this wine shows a more concentrated mid-palate with flavors of plum and blackberry. Drink now through 2015. 189 cases made.
Our continuing quest to find the finest cool-climate Syrah vineyards brought us to Sally and Brian Connell's ranch in one of Sonoma County's newest appellations, Bennett Valley. This region is about to make a lot more noise.
"The Von Holts and winemaker John Fones tapped this site, known for its heavier soils (loam and red clay) and heritage vines (the so-called Wente clone, plus Wadenswil 2A) to produce a heady quintessence of Pinot: forest floor, thyme and dusky cherry fruit. A touch of sweetness and some forward tannins round out its integral berry character."
2011 was the year that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that great vineyards produce great wine even in the most challenging years. This Pinot Noir, from John and Jean Hackenburg's vineyard in southern Sonoma County, tells that story.
