2018 Riddle Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2018 Riddle Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Riddle Vineyard is situated in a rugged section of the West Sonoma Coast at the top of a coastal ridge with a gentle slope. James Riddle gives each vine special attention, clipping shoots to the wires to maximize sun exposure and making several passes through the vines each vintage to orient clusters and create the best opportunity to produce exceptional fruit. The Mt. Eden clone provides a foundation of robust berry flavors and rich, silky texture. Three additional clones, 115, 828 and Pommard, balance out the 2018 single-vineyard bottling, adding complexity and length. It provides intriguing bramble berry fruit flavors, bright concentration and silky tannins.
Accolades
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
93 Points - International Wine Report
92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92 Points - Wine Spectator
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Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2018 Pinot Noir Riddle Vineyard comes from the Green Valley, not far from the town of Occidental. All destemmed and aged in 50% new French oak, it's more reserved aromatically yet has good density and richness in its black cherry and mulberry fruit. Showing plenty of sappy herbs, violet, and floral notes, it's medium-bodied and has terrific balance, with a nicely structured, tight vibe on the palate that's going to evolve for 7-8 years." - Jeb Dunnuck
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International Wine Report
"Located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the 2018 Riddle Vineyard Pinot Noir utilizes Pommard and Mt. Eden clones. Showing great balance and poise, this takes the lead with the lighter salted red fruits that collide with minerals and suggestions of orange rind infused cola on the palate. Fantastic to enjoy now, however this excellent Pinot Noir should also cellar well for a decade or more." - Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Riddle Vineyard offers cranberries, rhubarb, licorice, tobacco leaves and graphite on the nose with loads of spicy accents. The palate is light-bodied, bright and juicy with loads of spicy uplift and a long finish with pleasant grip." - Erin Brooks, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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Wine Spectator
"Linear, with fine-grained tannins supporting the lively plum, dark cherry and raspberry flavors, accented by black olive details. Hints of slate and pepper show on the finish. Drink now through 2025. " - Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator
Riddle Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
Riddle Vineyard is located on a ridge in Green Valley near the town of Occidental in the West Sonoma Coast. At 750 feet above sea level, its gentle, north facing slopes overlook many of the iconic Pinot noir vineyards of the region. Foggy mornings burn off early, and the vines are drenched in warm sun for most of the day.