Simplicity at the core, we offer three different vineyard specific wines.
An elegant cool climate Syrah…
A rarely found Rhone white blend of Marsanne & Roussanne…
But first, our newest addition… a Northern California mountainside Pinot Noir
Mountainside Pinot Noir
We were very fortunate to secure a small lot of Pinot Noir from Alder Springs Vineyard for 2021. The Pinot Noir vines are neighbors to our block of Marsanne & Roussanne vines, all at the very top of the mountain, called ‘Spirit Rock’.
The wine is combination of two clones- Calera and Dijon 943
The Calera clone is from Josh Jensen’s Calera heritage planting in Monterey, California. It’s exact origins are shrouded in mystery, but widely considered a ‘suitcase’ clone from the famed Bourgogne in France. This clone offers red berry flavors with hints of Black Cherry and Blackberry.
943 is a low yielding Burgundian clone, with small but more open clusters. It has the smallest berry size of all the Dijon clones with a low seed count, contributing supple, velvety tannins and deep color. Intense flavors of red berry fruit with ethereal aromas round out the experience.
Our selected yeast strain allowed a slow to medium length fermentation designed to enhance clove & nutmeg spices, fruit flavors and aromas while adding overall complexity.
We are so excited! Alder Springs’ reputation for superior quality again shines through in the cool mountainside grapes we harvested.
Alder Springs
Pinot Noir
A coastal influenced, cool mountain-side Pinot Noir
Alder Springs Vineyard - Mendocino AVA
Medium body and color. Balanced with cool climate acid, low to medium tannin, subtle nutmeg spice aromas with layers of strawberry and red & black cherry fruit flavors abound. A long delicate finish rounds out the experience before the next sip.
Aged 9 months in neutral & new french oak - 200 cases
Peter Neptune - Master Sommelier, recently wrote of this wine…
“Pale to medium ruby. Lovely nose of red berries, redcurrant and strawberry with clove and spice.
Very attractive mouthfeel with soft, velvety tannins framing medium acidity.
Red berry fruits abound with elegant warmth and an overall balanced generosity.
2021 Pinot Noir
Picked: Sept 17th, 2021
Clone: Calera & Dijon 943
Brix picked: 25.0
pH: 3.63
Titratable Acidity: 6.69
Alcohol: 13.9%
Fermentation: ScottLab AMH yeast- medium length
Barrels: 7 French, 5 neutral 2 new
Purchase & Shipping Information
Orders of a 12 bottle case will receive an automatic 15% purchase discount at checkout.
We are providing FREE CALIFORNIA ground shipping during cooler weather on all purchases of 6+ bottles including mixed selections. Shipping Discount is applied automatically at checkout.
Purchases of 6+ bottles outside of California will receive the California shipping discount with a destination State supplemental charge.
Syrah
Terroir is defined as the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including soil type, topography, and climate. Syrah adapts well to different terroirs all around the world, producing many different styles of wine.
The most dependent factor is the local climate. Warm climate Syrahs lean towards full bodied, high tannin, jammy wines. Wines from the cool climate Rhone Valley in France, considered the birthplace of Syrah, express beautiful bouquets, and more subtle characters on the palate of blue fruits and black pepper.
Because of the marine climate influence in the Russian River Valley AVA, it is generally considered too cool to grow varieties like Syrah, however, Walker Vine Hill Vineyard has a special micro-climate. With foggy night cooling and daytime heat trapped on the south-facing slope by surrounding topographical undulations, the fruit ripens fully. It is a California Syrah with Rhone Valley characteristics.
Mature vines in harmony with terroir, sustainably farmed, deficit irrigated and low yields, all combine in this elegant cool-climate Syrah.
Our Syrah is a versatile wine to pair with food. Suggested dishes include rosemary infused grilled lamb, braised ribs, duck confit, and everyday BBQ chicken. Perfect with charcuterie, cured meats and aged cheese. Grilled portobello mushrooms and peppers bring out the subtle spiciness of the wine.
Walker Vine Hill
Syrah
Rooted in Goldridge loam soil, Walker Vine Hill Vineyard is a benchmark of cool climate, Russian River Valley Syrah.
This elegant wine unveils savory notes, fresh blueberries, and velvety tannins.
Unfined & unfiltered, aged 21 months in new & neutral french oak - 125 cases produced.
Texturally rich, this deep inky purple wine unveils aromas of violets, pepper, blackcurrant, blackberry & baker’s cacao.
Perfectly balanced & saturated with ripe, luscious black and blue fruits. Hints of mocha, sweet spices with a touch of licorice-scented black pepper.
2021 Walker Vine Hill Syrah
Picked: Sept 23rd, 2021
Clone: Durell Phelps, 470 & 877
Brix picked: 26.2
pH: 3.65
Titratable Acidity: 5.59
Alcohol: 14.2%
Fermentation: 25% whole cluster, native yeast, 21 days
Barrels: 5 French, 4 neutral 1 new
Purchase & Shipping Information
Orders of a 12 bottle case will receive an automatic 15% purchase discount at checkout.
We are providing FREE CALIFORNIA ground shipping during cooler weather on all purchases of 6+ bottles including mixed selections. Shipping Discount is applied automatically at checkout.
Purchases of 6+ bottles outside of California will receive the California shipping discount with a destination State supplemental charge.
Rhone White
Marsanne and Roussanne are traditionally blended in the northern Rhone Valley appellations of Saint Joseph & Saint-Péray. The two grape varietals work so well together. In California this intriguing wine is considered rare, as Marsanne and Roussanne planted acreage is very low.
Marsanne provides a structured, full-bodied experience with a minerally, waxy texture, while Roussanne provides a depth of flavor and aromatic intensity.
Although very capable of aging for at least 10 years, younger Marsanne Roussanne blends typically show citrus, melon and mineral characteristics, while more aged wines take on more nutty, quince-like fruit flavors.
Rich and fruity, this wine pairs excellently with lobster and shrimp, and the citrus notes make it a great counterpoint to Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.
An alternative to Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, our Marsanne-Roussanne is most expressive when served 50-55F.
Alder Springs
Marsanne Roussanne
50% Marsanne - 50% Roussanne
Alder Springs Vineyard - Mendocino AVA
Grown on a steeply terraced iconic vineyard. Fanned by ocean breezes, this cool climate Rhone White blend reveals tropical fruit and minerality.
Oak & stainless steel - no ML fermentation - 100 cases produced
Fresh aromas of honeydew melon, pear, almond blossom and linden, with lime zest.
Full-bodied with a refreshing crispness.
Liquid flowers merge with melon, pear and almond.
A nice streak of stony minerality on the finish.
2021 50% Marsanne 50% Roussanne
Picked: Sept 23rd, 2021
Clone: Unknown
Brix picked: 23
pH: 3.32
Titratable Acidity: 6.69
Alcohol: 13.6%
Barrels: 5, 80% stainless, 20% neutral French
Purchase & Shipping Information