Ryan Cochrane Wines release three new 2014 Vintages

California wine maker Ryan Cochrane Wines has announced the release of its newest vintages. These include a Chardonnay and two Pinot Noirs. Recently Ryan Cochrane’s Pinots were ranked as some of the top by TasteTV at the annual Pinot Days festival in San Francisco.

The new wine releases are the 2014 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Solomon Hills Vineyard, the 2014 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Solomon Hills Vineyard, and the 2014 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Fiddlestix Vineyard. As of this writing TasteTV has only had the opportunity to sample the 2014 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Solomon Hills Vineyard, but we are quite pleased with its finish and flavors. It is definitely worth adding to a home wine cellar or restaurant list.

According to Ryan, “The 2014 wines were the first ones made in the City of San Francisco. The new facility was quite the adjustment, but the wines couldn’t have turned out better. No matter where they’re made, both of these sites in Santa Barbara County continue to produce wines that amaze me with their range of flavor, aromatics, structure, freshness and delicacy.”

Fortunately, the new vintages are already getting great reviews, not just by TasteTV, but by leading wine gurus:


2014 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Solomon Hills Vineyard

100% Clone 4 • Full malolactic fermentation • Lees stirring
Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new

Three barrels produced • 13.3% Alcohol

95 Points “Editors Choice” – Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast Magazine

“Along with a fascinating nose, this bottling from the appellation’s westernmost vineyard offers the rounded ripeness of cherimoya, nectarine and white peach but with a laser-sharp line of crushed sea shell and flint minerality alongside scratched lemon skin. The palate rides that chalky line the whole way, offering hints of lime pith, tangerine, sea salt and just enough almond warmth.”

92 Points – Dr. Rusty Gaffney, “The Prince of Pinot”

“Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromatically pleasing with scents of yellow apple, yellow peach and brioche. Slightly creamy on the palate, with flavors of lemon, peach, honey, baking spices and toast. Highly flavorful, with a good acid spine, and a cleansing finish.”


2014 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Solomon Hills Vineyard

33% Dijon 115 • 33% Dijon 667 • 33% Pommard 5 • 25% whole cluster fermentation
Native Yeasts • Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new
Ten barrels produced • 13.5% Alcohol

94 Points – Matt Kettmann, WIne Enthusiast Magazine

“The eponymous winemaker of this brand is based in San Francisco, from which, in this bottling, he turns out a stunner. Focused, intense, energetic and yet delicate, the nose is full of just-ripe raspberries, bay leaf, thyme, eucalyptus and chipped slate. A sip reveals crushed herbs galore, from oregano to anise, set against tart pomegranate and red plums. Menthol shows on the finish.”


2014 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Fiddlestix Vineyard

60% Dijon 115 • 20% Dijon 113 • 20% Dijon 667 • 20% whole cluster fermentation
Aged nine months in French oak barrels, 20% new
Five barrels produced • 14.2% Alcohol

90 Points, Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“This is a very light expression of the grape from a San Francisco-based producer, with thyme, chaparral, cranberry, tart pomegranate juice and wet clay on the nose. The palate shows light, tangy cherry juice, fennel, crushed olive and peppery spice.”

92 Points – Dr. Rusty Gaffney, “The Prince of Pinot”

“Moderately light cherry red hue in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry and sandalwood lead to a mid weight flavored wine featuring dark red cherry, cranberry, strawberry and raspberry fruits complimented by a hint of spice, The tannins are tame, the wine is nicely balanced, and the finish is pleasantly exuberant.”

 

Ryan Cochrane Wines
www.ryancochranewines.com