The Clones
Gary Farrell
Hallberg Vineyard - Dijon Clones Pinot Noir 2012
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2012 “Hallberg Vineyard - Dijon Clones” pours a deep, slightly cloudy, garnet color with a translucent core, moving out to a watery rim. Medium+ viscosity with very light staining of the tears and signs of light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with ripe and dried black and red fruits, damp earth, dried flowers and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. The fruit is the center of attention here and it’s big, a bit out of shape and at this point, nearly popping buttons. Drink now while the structure is keeping it together. — 3 months ago
La Rochelle Winery
Recherché Reserve Rosella's Vineyard Pisoni Pommard Clones Pinot Noir 2015
Well made wine, great balance and fruit. Reminisce of a Russian river grape, but from Santa Cruz — 4 years ago
Melville
Clone 459 Estate Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2006
This was part of a series that Greg Brewer bottled at Melville back in the early 2000s. At that time Melville had 14 different clones under vine, I believe. The Estate was a variable blend of some fraction of these, but being a student of pinot Greg thought it would be cool to bottle a bunch of the clones as single-clone offering to people who might geek out about trying to identify different clonal components in the various main offerings, trying some blending at home, etc. (basically, me as the target audience). I was stunned at how well this wine is still drinking after 14+ years. Beautiful, deep ruby-red color, the wine still had an impressive amount of fruit, great balance, and that tell-tale spiciness that is characteristic of wines from their Santa Rita Hills vineyards. Really terrific! — 4 years ago
Walter Hansel Winery
Cahill Lane Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
From 100% Wente clones that get max hang time, large and tiny berries packed together, pale lemon with subtle aromas of citrus and stone fruits. On the palate flavors of apple, lemon and lime flavors, crisp acidity, long finish ending with rich mineral character. — 4 months ago
Purple Hands Winery
Holstein Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
Founded by Cody and Marque Wright, yes that family of the great Ken Wright Pinot’s very nice small production Pinot, 600 cases, from 115/777 clones. Medium+ Ruby, nose is a bit closed, with aromas of blue and red fruits with an array of spices, clove, tar and wet earth. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cranberry with notes of tobacco, citrus, floral and earthy tones. Fine tannins, lively acidity, long ending with fruit, spice, mineral and earthy notes. Will age a bit! Tasted twice! — 4 years ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2021 vintage. Tasted four times in just over a year. Consistent with body (medium), spice factor (check) and finish (lengthy). Enjoyed yet again with the owner, Andrew. 11.20.24. — 15 hours ago