Spell Winery, Santa Rosa
Reviews by Rusty Gaffney, Prince of Pinot
June 18, 2016
2014 Spell Nicole’s Blend Sonoma County Pinot Noir
Score: 90
14.3% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, 882 cases $39. A blend from DeVoto, Terre de Promissio, Umino and Alder Springs vineyards. Aged in 40% new, 30% once-used and 30% older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A perfume of Bing cherry, strawberry and baking spices draw the nose to the glass. This wine aims to please with a mid weight core of juicy black cherry fruit balanced with the faintest oak and spice. Nicely weighted with integrated tannins and acidity, and some finishing intensity.
2014 Spell Terra De Promissio Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Score: 92
14.2% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.58, 79 cases, $58. Clone 115. Aged in 50% new, 25% once-used and 25% older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of black cherry, forest floor and subtle oak. Fairly concentrated and ripe fruited, with succulent flavors of black cherry, blackberry, spice and Hoison sauce, backed by balanced tannins that make for easy approachability. The fruit really grabs hold to the long finish.
2014 Spell Umino Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Score: 92
14.3% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.59, 128 cases, $48. This vineyard is owned and farmed by Dave Umino and is located in the Sebastopol Hills. Planted to Dijon clones 777, 667, 115 and 459 on a former apple orchard in 1995. Clones 459, 115 and 777. Aged in 50% new, 25% once-used and 25% older French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. On the nose, dark cherry fruit is embellished with scents of violets, oak spice and vanilla creme. Mid weight plus in style, with an array of earthy and mineral-toned darker fruits. The most concentrated of the 2014 Spell Pinot Noirs, yet refined and easy to like with structured tannins, a velvety texture, and a charge of sweet blackberry fruit on the big ending.
2014 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
Score: 94
14.1% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, 125 cases, $48. Rochioli selection Pommard, 2A and a DRC selection. Aged in 33% new, 33% once-used and 33% older French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with scents of cherry, exotic spices and potpourri. Plenty of flavor is packed into the mid palate and finish of this mid weight, captivating wine that features black cherry and black raspberry fruits embellished with a deft touch of oak and a bit of umami. Structured tannins are slightly astringent at this early stage. The finish is one to celebrate, with extraordinary black cherry aromatic persistence. This zesty wine is cause for celebration.
