Martinelli. Been farming grapes in Russian River and Sonoma Coast for over 130 years. Their wines usually receive high marks, even from Wine Spectator who had them on the cover earlier this year. And you can buy them straight off the website. No allocations like many others… 
2 Likes
Yeah, I’d recommend Kutch, Rivers-Marie, Occidental, Raen, Failla, Benovia, Ceritas.
I think they all make really good wine across a series of styles, non of which is overwrought, but each of which brings sufficient fruit for near term enjoyment and either fruit or acid for longer term aging. RM on the bigger side of those, with Ceritas and Raen on lighter side.
Sonoma…my first wine love. Lots of great suggestions already. My faves (some not mentioned yet, some repeats)
Lighter bodied style:
Six Cloves
Raen
Littorai
Heavier/New World:
Arista
Lynmar
Right down the middle:
Fort Ross Vineyards
Porter Bass
Rochioli and Williams Selyem are also very good, but in my experience, a bit more expensive than seems worth it. At least for me.
I’ve only had a few bottles of Freeman, and that was years ago, but I recall liking them quite a bit.
2 Likes
Occidental is name that I see thrown around on this board quite a bit. I’ve been curious about them, but I’ve never pulled the trigger because they are a bit on the expensive side. How are they stylistically and does it justify the price difference?
Yeah I think they’re excellent wines. So they are fairly high elevation and most of their vineyards are in the coolest parts of the Sonoma Coast. They let em hang, so the fruit gets ripe, but the wines remain relatively low alcohol for Sonoma, usually in the 13-13.5 range, which is plenty. I think the result is a wine that has good density without ever being heavy or what would be described as really “rich.” Like I think sometimes Rivers Marie can be rich and fruit driven, where Occidental would be more on the big aromatics and hint at savory and beautiful but not “thick” fruit. Sometimes I think Raen can get a little farther over in the stemmy, savory, and less fruit driven than Occidental, so maybe a step over from Raen.
Some of my favorite Sonoma pinots by other producers are from the area right around Bodega where Occidental’s wines come from. Failla Occidental Ridge and Rivers-Marie Bodega-Thieriot are phenomenal.
@Franklin_R brought a 2013 Occidental (Cuvee’ Catherine, if I recall) to a tasting at @Charles_Perry a few months ago. K-John_Joseph’s description is spot on. Easily my WOTN.
1 Like
I haven’t had it in years, but I always had a soft spot for Dehlinger
2 Likes
Papapietro Perry is one of my favorites.
2 Likes
It has been a while since I last opened one as I don’t drink much Sonoma pinot these days, but I liked LaRue which I don’t think has been mentioned yet.
1 Like
Thanks. With the Kutch, do you prefer the Falstaff, or the MacDougal? I hear they are quite different? And I do hear alot of about Peay. Their Ama Estate seems to get less attention, though I hear it is amazing. Occidental is great, as are alot of wines from the Occidental vineyard. but pricey. Likely worth it.
Nobody seems to mention Cirq. Or Chev, which is an appellation blend. They are both Michael Browne projects. The Cirq Treehouse and Bootlegger’s are quite incredible. Are they too forward, and too much of a fruit bomb style for many?
Love the Anthill Farms wines. Though hard to find up here.
1 Like
Arnot-Roberts, Ferren
1 Like
Agree with Hanzell!
I’ve always been fond of Merry Edwards, as well.
Sojourn has a sneaky nice Pinot.
1 Like
Many good recommendations already. I would add Moshin and Joseph Swan
1 Like
Yes!
You should try both Falstaff and McDougall. Your OP leads me to believe that you have a pretty broad range on what you like in pinots and not trying both personally would be a disservice to yourself. My guess would be you will be a buyer on both
1 Like
We’re putting together a pretty damn good list here!
Is this also covered in Brian Tuite’s awesome big review of Sonoma?
I agree. It is getting better by the day! Thanks for all the recommendations. Trying to source some of these wonderful selections right now.
Yes, they both sound like my type of wines, though very different. Sounds like the Falstaff is a bit leaner on the fruit, with a little more structure? That works for me.
Here’s some light reading…
1 Like