Reuling Vineyard
On a recent visit to Sonoma County, I had an appointment at Reuling Vineyard in Forestville. This tranquil and idyllic setting is on 16 acres. The property was purchased in 1998 and for years produced grapes used in some of the best Pinot’s and Chardonnay’s coming out of Sonoma. Aubert and Peter Michael are just two of the highly acclaimed produces who bought Reuling Vineyard grapes.
In 2013, the Tim & Jackie Reuling launched their own label, Reuling Vineyard. They hired Matt Taylor as winemaker, who had previously worked at Joseph Swan & Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. Matt was recently named by the SF Chronicle as one of the “top winemakers to watch”. Matt describes his winemaking as “weight without heaviness”. Their first release was a 2011 Pinot and followed by a 2012 Pinot Rose. They were met with instant approval and have never looked back. Today, their 2014 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast was rated 93 points from Vinous. Their 2013 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was rated 92 points from Wine Spectator. Both their 2013 and 2014 Chardonnay’s used pressed whole clusters, giving it a 3.59 pH level, which produced an excellent wine. During a two day tour throughout northern Sonoma County, their Chardonnay was tied as the best tasted by me.
The tasting included both the 2012 and 2013 Pinot’s. Our host mentioned they would age gracefully for 10 years. To that extend, while the 2013 Pinot is receiving great reviews, the 2012 was spot on to drink today!
We talked in the vineyard office, located in the middle of their organic vineyard which utilizes biodynamic farming practices. It provided great views of the vineyard and had an “earthiness feel” in the décor. A wonderful setting to discuss and sip tasty wines.
The owners Tim and Jackie Reuling were gone, but newly hired host/manager Kelli Willard (mostly of Napa Valley fame), filled in with great details, background and colorful description of the winery and wines. Below is picture of Kelli and Sture Linden, of Stu Linden Wine Experience www.stulindenwineexperience.com .
A unique historical vineyard with small limited production (250 cases Chardonnay and 500+ cases of Pinot Noir), do not hesitate as they will be sold out quickly.
Slainte
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