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Russian River Valley
Chardonnay
Vineyard Notes
2020 exuded significant promise with mild temperatures and cold nights to preserve the bright acidity typical of the valley and coast. Though frost was concerning in low-lying areas, most of the winery vineyards are on hills and ridgetops, which remained unaffected. Springtime rains threatened fruitset, but at the same time was welcome coming out of a very dry winter – dry winters often make for great growing seasons, provided you have the water. Although smoke from the wildfires damaged our entire red wine crop, excellent concentration and very clean fruit made for stellar Chardonnay that will be age-worthy with high acids and pleasantly ripe fruit characters.
Tasting Notes
“The 2020 Chardonnay Russian River Valley springs from the glass with notes of fresh grapefruit, white peaches, and Bosc pears with hints of honeysuckle, lime blossom, and beeswax. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic satiny texture and wonderful freshness supporting the bright, crunchy fruit, finishing with a gingery kick. The fruit came mainly from Bush Vineyard this year, near Dutton Ranch. 2019 was the first year getting fruit from here, so the team are still testing it out on this label. The clones are mainly Old Wente and some Hyde.”
– 93pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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Sonoma Coast
Chardonnay
Vineyard Notes
2020 exuded significant promise with mild temperatures and cold nights to preserve the bright acidity typical of the valley and coast. Though frost was concerning in low-lying areas, most of the winery vineyards are on hills and ridgetops, which remained unaffected. Springtime rains threatened fruitset, but at the same time was welcome coming out of a very dry winter – dry winters often make for great growing seasons, provided you have the water. Although smoke from the wildfires damaged our entire red wine crop, excellent concentration and very clean fruit made for stellar Chardonnay that will be age-worthy with high acids and pleasantly ripe fruit characters.
Tasting Notes
“The 2020 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast comes mainly from Charles Heintz vineyard and is aged in neutral barrels. It leaps with vibrant notes of preserved lemons, yellow apples, and allspice with hints of fresh hay, toasted almonds, and butterscotch. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, with citrus, apple, and baking spice layers, supported by a racy backbone, finishing long with a zesty lift.”
– 93pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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Charles Heintz
Chardonnay
Vineyard Notes
The Heintz family has owned the ranch for over 100 years. Ideal Goldridge soil, healthy, ma-ture vines, warm days balanced with cool nights and a grower who has been working the land since 1982 all contribute to Robert Parker’s assessment of the vineyard as “…one of the great grand cru Chardonnay sites in California.”
Tasting Notes
Wine“The 2020 Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay comes bounding out with fresh nectarines, Golden Delicious apples, and pink grapefruit with hints of cedar, nutmeg, and candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with stone fruit and spicy layers, framed by a racy backbone and silky texture, finishing long. Coming from this famous family-owned Sonoma Coast vineyard and ranch, the Chardonnay here is clone 4, first planted in 1982.” – 94+pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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Russian River Valley
Pinot Noir
Vineyard Notes
2019 may stand out as one of the more exceptional vintages in recent memory. Cooler temperatures and stable weather for most of the growing season allowed for slow maturation of flavors without any heat events spiking sugar accumulation in the berries. Although 2019 also saw the devastating Kincade fire in Sonoma County, Pinot Noir and most Chardonnays in the county were harvested by then, so the smoke did not affect the grapes. Overall, look for wines with slightly lower alcohol, higher but integrated acids, and a depth of flavor that you would probably have to go back several vintages to find an equal.
Tasting Notes
“Lots of ripe Bing cherries, mulberries, baking spices, and cola notes emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers loads of spice and incense on the palate, ripe tannins, and a good spine of acidity. It’s already complex and drinking nicely yet should easily keep for 7-8 years.”
– 92pts, Jeb Dunnuck
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Sonoma Coast
Pinot noir
Vineyard Notes
2019 may stand out as one of the more exceptional vintages in recent memory. Cooler temperatures and stable weather for most of the growing season allowed for slow maturation of flavors without any heat events spiking sugar accumulation in the berries. Although 2019 also saw the devastating Kincade fire in Sonoma County, Pinot Noir and most Chardonnays in the county were harvested by then, so the smoke did not affect the grapes. Overall, look for wines with slightly lower alcohol, higher but integrated acids, and a depth of flavor that you would probably have to go back several vintages to find an equal.
Tasting Notes
“Looking at their appellation blend, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a beautiful wine that certainly gives some insight into the quality coming from this estate today. Offering a medium ruby/plum color as well as rocking notes of black raspberries, darker cherries, scorched earth, graphite, and roasted herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length. Readers looking for a classic, high-quality, impeccably made Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir cannot go wrong here. It will have 7-8 years of prime drinking.”
– 94pts, Jeb Dunnuck
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Kanzler Vineyard
Pinot noir
Vineyard Notes
When it was planted in 1996, Kanzler was one of the first vineyards in the rolling hills southwest of the small picturesque town of Sebastopol in western Sonoma County. Only eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, the area was long thought to be too cool and foggy for grape growing.
UV – Silver Eagle
Chardonnay
Vineyard Notes
Silver Eagle is located on Stoetz Lane, just behind Charles Heintz and our estate, Hillcrest. Ulises Valdez planted the site in 2006 primarily to Pinot noir but included a small amount of Chardonnay and Syrah.
Tasting Notes
“The 2020 UV – Silver Eagle Vineyard Chardonnay sings of honey-drizzled pears, juicy peaches, and fresh musk melon with suggestions of powdered ginger, almond croissant, and lemon pastilles. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with crunchy melon and apricot flavors with loads of spicy sparks and a decadently oily texture, finishing with great length. Silver Eagle vineyard was planted in 2006 by Ulises Valdez, a highly skilled local vineyard manager who passed away a few years ago. Located in Russian River Valley, just behind Charles Heintz Ranch, the Chardonnay here is Montrachet clone.”
– 96pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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El Diablo
Chardonnay
Vineyard Notes
Planted in 2008 by then vineyard manager Ulises Valdez, El Diablo vineyard sits on a ridge above Eastside Road in Russian River Valley. Early in their relationship, he told the Senses team that “when you work hard, the fruit always tastes better.” That holds very true for El Diablo.
Tasting Notes
“The 2020 UV – El Diablo Vineyard Chardonnay rolls out of the glass with flamboyant pineapple, green guava, and orange blossom scents with touches of coriander seed, marzipan, and lemongrass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers lovely tension and taut tropical layers, finishing with great purity. Located in the Russian River Valley, El Diablo vineyard was planted in 2008 by Ulises Valdez, a highly skilled local vineyard manager who passed away a few years ago. This site is slightly more inland and warmer, so it is usually harvested a month earlier than the other Senses vineyards.”
– 93+pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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B.A. Thieriot
Chardonnay
Vineyard Notes
Cameron and Bridgit Thieriot, Max’s parents, purchased the property in 1988. In 1989 the first part of the vineyard was planted by the late Warren Dutton of Dutton Ranch. Grapes from these blocks have been sold to Landmark, Williams Selyem, Neyers, Littorai and Rivers-Marie. Year after year this vineyard consistently produces high scoring single vineyard wines and is known to be one of the premiere vineyards in the Sonoma Coast.
Tasting Notes
“The 2020 B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Chardonnay soars out of the glass with energetic notes of kumquat, pineapple paste, and guava with hints of chalk dust, wet pebbles, brioche, and blanched almonds. Medium to full-bodied, lively, and with a satiny texture, the palate has electric intensity, finishing long and steely. B.A. Thieriot Vineyard is owned by the parents of Max Thieriot, one of the three Senses owners. Cameron and Bridgit Thieriot purchased the property in 1988. The original two acres of Chardonnay plantings are Robert Young clone, planted in 1989. In 1996, a further three acres of Wente clone Chardonnay were planted. The “B.A.” stands for Bridget Ann, Max’s mother.” – 96pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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‘Tenth Stop’
Chardonnay
Vineyard Notes
2020 exuded significant promise with mild temperatures and cold nights to preserve the bright acidity typical of the valley and coast. Though frost was concerning in low-lying areas, most of the winery vineyards are on hills and ridgetops, which remained unaffected. Springtime rains threatened fruitset, but at the same time was welcome coming out of a very dry winter – dry winters often make for great growing seasons, provided you have the water. Although smoke from the wildfires damaged our entire red wine crop, excellent concentration and very clean fruit made for stellar Chardonnay that will be age-worthy with high acids and pleasantly ripe fruit characters.
Tasting Notes
“The 2020 Tenth Stop Chardonnay needs a lot of coaxing to reveal notes of grapefruit oil, green mango, and lime leaves with hints of sea spray, lime blossom, and wet pebbles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is very tightly wound with bright citrusy flavors and loads of mineral sparks, finishing with epic length. This comes from Joe Dutton’s (of Dutton Ranch) house vineyard, which he calls Dutton Palms. This site was originally planted in 1978, and this Old Wente clone Chardonnay was planted in 1991. Occidental – the hometown of all three Senses owners – was the tenth stop on the railroad from San Francisco, hence the name.”
– 97pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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‘Day One’ (Hillcrest)
Pinot noir
Vineyard Notes
The Hillcrest Vineyard: where Senses started from day one. We decided that moving forward this wine deserved a special designation. After much thought (and wine) it was clear. “Day One” was the perfect fit. Hillcrest is where the three of us rolled up our sleeves, hand farmed and harvested the entire vineyard and created our very first vintage of Senses Pinot Noir.
Tasting Notes
“All destemmed and brought up in 25%-40% new French oak, the 2019 Pinot Noir Day One comes from the Hillcrest Vineyard, which is one of the estate properties located on the western side of Charles Heintz, on the edge of the Green Valley AVA. It has a classic, almost Russian River-like nose of mulled red and black fruits, forest floor, conifer, and spiced orange. This carries to a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with wonderful purity of fruit, a pure, precise texture, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It’s going to be even better in another year or so and should have a decade of prime drinking.”
– 95pts, Jeb Dunnuck
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‘MCM88’
Pinot Noir
Vineyard Notes
From the famed vineyard formerly known as Keefer Ranch, we bring you the MCM88 Pinot Noir; an exuberant Russian River single vineyard Pinot Noir from the block originally farmed by Kosta Browne.Our boldest Pinot noir yet comes from a very special block in a very special vineyard now known as Perry Ranch. This addition to the Senses family stands apart from its’ siblings with greater concentration and richness. We are very excited about this wine and have named it accordingly: MCM stands for Max, Chris and Myles and doubles for the roman numerals of 1900, which when added to ‘88 marks our birth year of 1988.
Tasting Notes
“The 2019 Pinot Noir MCM88 comes all from the Perry Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley and was all destemmed and aged 10 months in French oak, with roughly 25-40% new. Despite being destemmed, it has loads of savoriness and spice characteristics as well as medium-bodied richness, ripe tannins, noticeable yet nicely integrated acidity, and classy notes of forest floor, wood smoke, black tea (Lapsang Souchong, to be exact), and beautiful cherry and mulberry fruits. It’s beautifully done, has loads of character, and is a gorgeous Russian River Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years. It needs 30-60 minutes in a decanter if drinking any time soon.”
– 95pts, Jeb Dunnuck
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Terra de Promissio
Pinot noir
Vineyard Notes
Charles and Diana Karren are incredibly passionate about growing grapes. Known as “The Land of Promise”, Terra de Promissio has an ideal terroir for pinot noir. The soil, southwest sun exposure, hill elevation, vine density and the wind and fog of the Petaluma Gap allow the grapes to have a slow maturation & extended hang time, which allows optimum ripeness ideal conditions for the pinot noir grape. This site is shared with Williams Selyem, Kistler, Kosta Browne, Hanzell, and others.
Tasting Notes
“The 2019 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio comes from the Petaluma Gap region (although it’s released as a Sonoma Coast) and as with all of the Pinot Noirs, it was destemmed and brought up in French oak. Lots of smoky red and black fruits, roasted herbs, conifer forest, and exotic spice notes define the nose on this beauty, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a rich, structured mouthfeel and just beautiful overall balance. It’s certainly one of the more structured, firm wines in the lineup, but it’s loaded with potential. Give bottles 2-3 years if you can (it’s far from inaccessible today) and it’s going to evolve for over a decade.”
– 95pts, Jeb Dunnuck
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Bodega Thieriot
Pinot noir
Vineyard Notes
Max and Lexi Thieriot searched all across Sonoma County for their ideal “forever property”. Fate would bring them back to west county and only minutes from where Max grew up, when this ranch came on the market. Purchasing the property in 2013, from a family who had owned it for over 100 years, they had found their perfect home. The ranch features ninety acres of rolling hills, ocean views, oaks and redwoods, and an ideal coastal vineyard site sharing a fence line with Steve Kistler’s Occidental Winery. In 2016, Max and Lexi, with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown began planting their home ranch and the second generation of Thieriot Vineyards was officially born: Bodega Thieriot.
Oakville, Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard Notes
The Oakville region is known for producing some of the most sought after wines from the Napa Valley and is considered the ‘heart and soul of Napa Valley,’ where the up-valley warmth is balanced by the coolness from the southern appellations. This unique terroir produces Cabernet deep in color, with velvety tannic structure and balanced acids. Known for its rich and complex soils, Oakville Cabernet exudes dark fruits and blackcurrant. Thomas produces this limited Senses Cabernet in the quintessential Oakville style, aging the wine for 20 months in 100% new French oak which adds smoothness and nuances of dried fruits and spices.
Tasting Notes
“Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, it sings of warm cassis, baked black cherries and mulberries with a beautiful undercurrent of fragrant earth, menthol, crushed rocks, candied violets and cedar chest. The full-bodied palate has wonderful intensity, features tons of bright, crunchy, black fruit layers and lots of perfumed nuances, supported by a solid backbone of ripe grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with fantastic length and energy. Very impressive!”
– 97+, Lisa Perrotti-Brown RPWA