DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS:

Woodenhead
2012 Pinot Noir Buena Tierra Vineyard, E Block, Clone 115, RRV
(Santa Rosa) $75

Grapes for this wine were sourced from one of the oldest vineyards in the Russian River area (planted in 1978), that lies in the low hills of the Laguna Ridge, with cooling morning and evening fog. Following fermentation and aging, this wine was bottled without fining or filtration.

Aroma: Black cherry, fruit, chocolate, hint of coffee, earthy, oak, rich.
Palate: Plum, raspberry, cherry, currants, cranberry, orange peel, chocolate, cloves, black pepper, tart, oak, good flavors, some earthiness, nice, well made.

Double Gold Medal

Joyce
2013 Pinot Noir Tondre Grapefield
(Santa Lucia Highlands) $38

The grapes for this wine were harvested in the early morning hours, with 85% destemmed and 15%left as whole clusters. Following cold-soaking for 4-5 days the grapes were fermented in small open top tank for 12-14 days after which the wine was aged in oak (30% new, 70% neutral) on the lees for 13 months prior to bottling without fining or filtration.

Aroma: Cherry, raspberry, strawberry, floral, hay, musty, wood, nice.
Palate: Cherry, ripe strawberry, raspberry, jammy plum, cranberry, blueberry, prune, floral, hint of spice, pepper, oak, earthy, big, juicy, nice acidity, new world style, perfect, awesome.

Double Gold Medal

Sanctuary
2012 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard
(Santa Maria Valley) $29

Grapes for this wine hail from the northern end of Santa Barbara County (one of the coolest growing regions in California) were cold soaked for a few days before fermentation (48% in barrels, 52% in open top tanks), with the wine aged in 100% French oak barrels for 11 months prior to bottling.

Aroma: Bright cherry, raspberry, plum, black plum, café au lait, classic, beautiful.
Palate: Plum, cherry, currants, orange rind, black pepper, fruit and oak integration, great structure, elegant.

Double Gold Medal

Eric Kent
2013 Pinot Noir, Sasha Marie
(Sonoma Coast) $52

This wine was produced from a blend of grapes from three vineyards (Sangiacomo, Grand Vent and Stiling), with 14 months of aging in French oak barrels (50% new).

Aroma: Black cherry, fruit, chocolate, hint of coffee, earthy, oak, rich.
Palate: Plum, raspberry, cherry, currants, cranberry, orange peel, chocolate, cloves, black pepper, tart, oak, good flavors, some earthiness, nice, well made.

Double-Gold Medal

Cuvaison
2013 Pinot Noir Estate Grown, Carneros
(Napa Valley) $38

Made from a blend of Pinot Noir grapes from 20 distinct blocks in the producer’s Carneros estate, that were vinified separately and then aged for 11 months in small French oak barrels.

Aroma: Sour cherry, bright plum, dried apricot, burgundy, peppery, earthy, classic.
Palate: Black cherry, black currants, plum, teaberry, cranberry undertones, peach, peppery, oak, elegant.

Double-Gold Medal

Lynmar Estate
2012 Pinot Noir, Quail Hill Vineyard, Russian River Valley
(Sonoma) $60

Sourced from a cool climate site, the pinot noir grapes in this wine were aged for 10 months in French oak (37% new) following fermentation.

Aroma: Dark cherries, milk chocolate, hay, earth, very nice.
Palate: Plum, black plum. dark cherries, currants, prune. tangerine, chocolate, hazelnut, oak, good structure.

Double-Gold Medal

White Oak
2013 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
(Sonoma) $35

Grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir wine hail from vineyards along the Russian River on the “East Side Bench” in alluvial soils resting atop deep gravel beds, which provided excellent drainage.

Aroma: Bright fruit, honey, chocolate, cocoa, sage, classic.
Palate: Plum, blueberry, peaches, prune, fruit forward, vanilla, herbs, spice, earth, cedar, oak, good balance, elegant, sophisticated.

Double-Gold Medal

Masút
2013 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Eagle Peak
(Mendocino County) $40

Grapes for this wine were fermented in open-top tanks for 16-20 days and the wine was aged in French oak (50% new) for 15 months on the lees without fining or filtering prior to bottling.

Aroma: Blackberry, honey, dark brown sugar,pepper, tannins, cedar, oak, aromatic.
Palate: Blackberry, raspberry, black currants, cherry, plum, dark brown sugar, white chocolate, oak, good structure, balanced, sophisticated.

Double-Gold Medal

Lafond
2013 Pinot Noir
(Santa Rita Hills) $27

Grapes for this wine hail from vineyards – located in Santa Rita Hills at the western end of Santa Ynez Valley – where the fog cools the grapes during the day. Following night harvesting and fermentation, the wine was aged in barrels (15% new French oak) prior to release.

Aroma: Plum, watermelon, honeysuckle, cocoa, grape must.
Palate: Currants, cherry, blackberry, raspberry, plum, apple, melon, clementine, prune, cinnamon, spicy.

Double-Gold Medal

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS:

Jeff Gordon
2012 Pinot Noir
(Sonoma Coast) $50

Less than 200 cases of this wine were produced from grapes sourced from the Dutton-Lorenzo Vineyard (noted for cold temperatures and sandy, loamy soil). Following fermentation the wine was aged in French oak barrels (35% new, 65% 3-yeqar old) for 9 months prior to bottling.

Aroma: Black cherry, plum, earthy, bell pepper, classic.
Palate: Strawberry, raspberry, plum, cranberry, light cherry, good up front fruit, cocoa, black pepper, sage, well balanced, pleasant.

Gold Medal

Patiné Cellars
2012 Pinot Noir, Gap's Crown
(Sonoma Coast) $65

Only 275 cases of this wine, aged in 50% new French oak, were produced.

Aroma: Café au lait, chocolate, earthy, classic.
Palate: Raspberry, dark plum, cherry, peaches, fruit, sweet berry, jammy, chocolate, cocoa, pepper, earth, oak, light tannins, good balance.

Gold Medal

Pedroncelli
2013 Pinot Noir, Signature Collection, Russian River Valley
(Sonoma) $17

The grapes for this wine hail from five vineyards in the northern Russian River Valley which experiences cooling evening fog from the Pacific Ocean, located a few wiles to the west. To make this wine the grapes were crushed and cold-soaked for seven days before fermentation, after which the wine was aged for 9 months in small French oak barrels (20% new).

Aroma: Kumquat, cinnamon, black pepper, old world, classic.
Palate: Plum, ripe plum, black currant, cherry, bing cherry, cranberry undertones, spice, leather, oak, soft tannins, awesome.

Gold Medal

Santa Barbara Winery
2013 Pinot Noir
(Santa Rita Hills) $25

Grapes for this wine were sourced from three vineyards (75% Lafond, 21% Arita Hills, 4% Burning Creek). Following fermentation the wine was aged for 11 months in oak barrels (16% new) prior to bottling.

Aroma: Blackberry, berry, sour cherry, plum, milk chocolate, marzipan.
Palate: Blackberry, raspberry, plum, black cherry, sour cherry, cranberry, cola, chocolate, earthy, good balance, restrained, elegant.

Gold Medal

Eric Kent
2013 Pinot Noir, Small Town
(Sonoma Coast) $50

This wine was made from a blend of grapes from five Sonoma Coast Vineyards (Cleary Ranch, V.C. Ranch, Michael Valentine Vineyard, Grand Vent and Stiling), with 14 months of aging in French oak barrels (50% new).

Aroma: Raspberry, plum, cherry, floral, café au lait, oak.
Palate: Cranberry, sweet strawberry, black currant, black cherry, plum, fruit leather, citrus, grapefruit, fruit forward, sage, earth, oak, soft tannins, balanced, elegant.

Gold Medal

Bernardus
2012 Pinot Noir
(Santa Lucia Highlands) $26

Made from a blend of hand-picked Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir grapes that were fermented in small, individual batches and aged for 10 months in French (Burgundian) oak prior to bottling.

Aroma: Cherry, plum, mulberry, dark fruit, chocolate, anise, vegetal, spicy, light oak.
Palate: Bright cherry, young strawberry, berries, sour cherry, black currants, lush plum, spice, wood, nice depth, sophisticated.

Gold Medal

Joel Gott
2013 Pinot Noir
(Monterey County) $18

Made from grapes grown in Santa Barbara and Monterey, this wine was aged in 75% new Burgundy oak barrels and 25% in 1 and 2 year-old Chardonnay barrels for a total of 10 months.

Aroma: Blackberry, raspberry, cherry, cranberry, hint of blueberry, fig, lemon, chocolate, marzipan.
Palate: Raspberry, berries, black cherry, pomegranate, red grape, candied orange, chocolate, pepper, delicate, fun, a crowd pleaser.

Gold Medal

Folie à Deux
2012 Pinot Noir
(Sonoma Coast) $17

Fashioned from grapes grown in the Sonoma Coast appellation, the wine underwent 10 months of aging primarily in French oak.

Aroma: Ripe cherries, kiwi, vegetal, tall grass, oak, nice.
Palate: Plum, black cherry, cherry, passion fruit, chocolate, oak, earthy, decent structure, nice balance.

Gold Medal

Loring Wine Company
2013 Pinot Noir Cargasacchi Vineyard
(Santa Rita Hills) $52

This wine was produced from grapes grown in a vineyard located in the southern valley of Santa Rita hills noted for calcareous soils. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 10 months in French oak (1 and 2-year-old barrels).

Aroma: Cherry, hibiscus, marzipan, bee's wax, cocoa, café au lait, cinnamon.
Palate: Cherry, bing cherry, raspberry, strawberry, apple, red pepper, nutmeg, allspice, wood, nice acidity.

Gold Medal

Bouchaine
2012 Pinot Noir, Carneros
(Napa Valley) $26

The grapes for this wine hail from Estate Casa Carneros, Gee Ranch and Mahoney Vineyards all on the southern border of Napa Valley’s Carneros District. Following fermentation, 11 months of aging took place in a combination of French and American oak barrels.

Aroma: Cherry, berry, grape jelly, classic.
Palate: Black cherry, currants, raspberry, strawberry jam, plum, prune, herbal, pepper, spicy, tobacco, earthy, oak, balanced.

Gold Medal

Loring Wine Company
2013 Pinot Noir, Aubaine Vineyard
(San Luis Obispo County) $45

Grapes for this wine were sourced from a vineyard located near Pismo Beach, situated on the first ridge line looking down at the ocean. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 10 months in French oak (33% new).

Aroma: Black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cocoa, tannins, robust.
Palate: Black cherry, bright cherry, raspberry, berries, currants, pomegranate, plum, apple, hint of fig, jam, earthy, good acidity, delicate, attractive.

Gold Medal

Napa Cellars
2013 Pinot Noir
(Napa Valley) $17

This wine was made from grapes grown in cool vineyards in South Napa Valley, close to San Pablo Bay. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barrels for 9 months prior to bottling.

Aroma: Cranberry, cherry, black cherry, plum, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, tobacco.
Palate: Plum, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, lemon peel, coffee, black pepper, earthy, touch of oak, light tannins.

Gold Medal

Wente
2012 Pinot Noir, Riva Ranch, Arroyo Seco
(Monterey) $18

Grapes for this single vineyard wine are primarily Pommard and Martini clones of Pinot Noir grown in gravelly loam soil with shale and limestone deposits. Following cold-soaking and fermentation in small temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged for 20 months in French oak (50% new, 50% neutral) before bottling.

Aroma: Blackberry, black cherry, gooseberries, ripe, dark fruit, dark chocolate, layers of spice, toasty, box wood.
Palate: Black cherry, cherry, blackberry, plum, strawberries in balsamic, chocolate, black pepper, some complexity.

Gold Medal

Halleck Vineyard
2013 Pinot Noir, Clone 828
(Sonoma Coast) $67

The grapes for this wine hail from a vineyard in the high hills of Annapolis, just 4 miles from the ocean. Following picking at night, the grapes were soaked for 5 days prior to fermentation that took place over 12 days in an open top 5-ton tank. The wine was then aged for 10 months in French oak barrels prior to bottling.

Aroma: Black currants, strawberry, hint of coffee, herbs, sage, woody, oak.
Palate: Blackberry, black currants, black cherry, plum, cranberry, blueberry, mango, oak, wood, nice tannins.

Gold Medal

Bonneau
2012 Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Vineyards
(Sonoma Coast) $35

For this wine, hand-picked grapes from the Sangiacomo Vineyard – in the Petaluma gap of the Sonoma Coast – were tank-fermented with Burgundian yeast and aged for 16 months in French Burgundian oak (40% new, 60% neutral). Only 450 cases were produced.

Aroma: Melon, raspberry, black plum, grape, brown sugar, sandalwood, tobacco, leather, classic.
Palate: Strawberry, black plum, stewed plums, plummy, sour cherry, cherry, well integrated fruit, tart, sage, spice, pepper, mint, good balance, fruit and wood integrated.

Gold Medal

Ron Rubin
2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
(Sonoma) $18

The grapes used to produce this wine were fermented in open top tanks and the wine aged in 100% French oak barrels (5% new) for 8 months.

Aroma: Cocoa, vanilla, sandalwood, nutmeg, cinnamon, must, classic.
Palate: Cherry, cranberry, blackberry, strawberry, stewed plums, jam, orange peel, apple, cinnamon, nutty.

Gold Medal

Mansfield-Dunne
2012 Pinot Noir, Peterson Vineyard
(Santa Lucia Highlands) $48

Following fermentation, the wine underwent aging for 11 months in French oak (50% new).

Aroma: Strawberry, plum, cranberry, nectar, hint of lavender, earthy, classic.
Palate: Plum, currants, cherry, red grape, chocolate, coconut, earthy, Burgundian style.

Gold Medal

Alexander Valley Vineyards
2013 Pinot Noir, Estate, Alexander Valley
(Sonoma) $28

This wine was made from hand-harvested grapes gown near the Russian River (where the morning fog lingers and cools the vines), some of which underwent “cryoextraction” (using dry ice to gain maximum extraction of flavor and color). Fermentation took place in large stainless steel bins and was followed by aging for 10 months in French oak.

Aroma: Sour cherry, spiced stewed plums, dried apricots, lemon shortbread, grassy.
Palate: Plum, currants, cherry, blackberry, hint of strawberry, juicy, grassy, soft tannins, nice acidity.

Gold Medal

Cakebread Cellars
2013 Pinot Noir, Two Creeks Vineyards, Anderson Valley
(Mendocino) $49

To produce this wine, grapes from Apple Barn (60%) and Annahala (40%) vineyards in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley were fermented in stainless steel and aged for 10 months in French oak barrels (37% new).

Aroma: Plum, blackberry, chocolate, mineral, oak, tannins.
Palate: Strawberry, blackberry, plum, cranberry, teaberry, mocha, leather, oak.

Gold Medal

Halleck Vineyard
2010 Pinot Noir The Farm Vineyards, Russian River Valley
(Sonoma) $85

This wine was made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in a vineyard near the Laguna Santa Rosa that were picked at sunrise, hand-sorted, destemmed and soaked for 5 days prior to fermentation in an open tank, after which the wine was aged for 9 months in French oak barrels.

Aroma: Plum, dried fruit, oak, complex.
Palate: Raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, plummy, cherry, cranberry undertones, tart, earth, nice.

Gold Medal

SILVER MEDAL WINNERS:

Mirassou
2013 Pinot Noir
(Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey) $9

Grapes for this wine hail from a number of California locations including Monterey and Sonoma Counties, with harvesting during night time or in early morning, and grapes cold soaked for 5 days prior to temperature controlled fermentation.

Aroma: Dark raspberry, fresh blueberry, berries, black currants, vibrant.
Palate: Cherry, cranberry, currants, plum, apple, roasted apples, pie, beaujolais-like.

Silver Medal

Bouchaine
2013 Pinot Noir, Bacchus Collection, Swan Estate Vineyard, Carneros
(Napa Valley) $40

Grapes for this wine were from a vineyard that experiences fog, wine and cold nighttime temperatures. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 11 months primarily in French oak barrels.

Aroma: Raspberry, cherry, plum, honey, tobacco, wood.
Palate: Cherry, raspberry, plum, grape, kiwi, peppery, nice earthiness, balanced flavors, strong tannins, good expression of the grape.

Silver Medal

Maggio Family Vineyards
2013 Pinot Noir
(Lodi) $13

While Pinot Noir dominates, this wine also contains juice from Zinfandel grapes.

Aroma: Jammy, cake, frosting, spicy, cinnamon.
Palate: Palate: Plum, gooseberry, blueberry, cola, vanilla, cinnamon, spicy, oak.

Silver Medal

Six Sigma Ranch
2013 Pinot Noir, Kaj's Reserve, Lower Lake
(Lake County) $45

Grapes for this wine were hand sorted, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by aging in oak barrels.

Aroma: Dark cherry, cherry, wild flowers.
Palate: Young strawberry, blackberry, light cherry, black currants, plummy, jammy, lambic, almond.

Silver Medal

Handley Cellars
2012 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
(Mendocino) $32

Produced from a blend of Anderson Valley (94%) and Mendocino (6%) grapes from seven separate vineyards, that were chilled for a few days prior to fermentation and aged in French oak barrels.

Aroma: Berries, cranberry, cherry, peaches, stewed plum, raisin, pepper.
Palate: Plum, cherry, unripe stone fruit, raspberry, cranberry, spice, good tannic structure, lovely, elegant.

Silver Medal

Old Soul
2014 Pinot Noir
(Lodi) $11

This wine is comprised of a blend of primarily Pinot Noir grapes, with smaller amounts of Zinfandel and Merlot from vines that experience the sun’s heat during the day and cool breezes off the delta at night.

Aroma: Plum, apricot, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, spice, mulled spices, springtime.
Palate: Strawberry, blackberry, raspberry coulis, cranberry, plum, prune, herbs, nutmeg, earthy, oak.

Silver Medal

Six Sigma Ranch
2014 Pinot Noir, Kaj's Reserve, Lower Lake
(Lake County) $45

Grapes for this wine were hand sorted, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by aging in oak barrels.

Aroma: Bright fruit, strawberry, black currants, sour cherry, balsamic, spicy.
Palate: Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, ruby red grapefruit, prune, floral, Flemish red ale, good acidity.

Silver Medal

Bouchaine
2012 Pinot Meunier Estate Vineyard, Bacchus Collection, Carneros
(Napa Valley) $40

Made from Pinot Meunier grapes at a “cool” vineyard on the border of Napa Valley’s Carneros district, this wine underwent aging for 11 months in oak barrels (40% new) for 11 months.

Aroma: Briar fruits, vanilla, hot chocolate, sweet spice.
Palate: Bright cherry, strawberry, raspberry, black berry, apple, strawberries and balsamic, fruit forward, jam, cinnamon, nice balance.

Silver Medal

Handley Cellars
2012 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley RSM Vineyard
(Mendocino) $52

Only 386 cases of this single-vineyard Pinot Noir were produced, with fermentation of grapes (50% whole berries) after chilling. Aging took place in French oak barrels (1/3 new) with sterile filtration prior to bottling.

Aroma: Black cherry, cherry, burgundy, lavender.
Palate: Cherry, black currant, plum, hints of blueberry, brown sugar, light pepper, tannic, well balanced.

Silver Medal

Barefoot Cellars
California Pinot Noir
(Various) $6

Pinot Noir grapes from a number of California appellations went into this blend.

Aroma: Cupcake, crème brûlée, herbs, earthy.
Palate: Cherry, watermelon, plum, prune, jammy, mocha, earthy, oak, good mouthfeel.

Silver Medal