REVIEW: Patz & Hall - Fall Release Wines –2015 - Blog - The California Directory of Fine Wineries

View Blog Archive California Directory of Fine Wineries ••• Wine Country Blog > REVIEW: Patz & Hall - Fall Release Wines –2015

Category - General
Posted - 10/05/2015 04:26pm REVIEW: Patz & Hall - Fall Release Wines –2015

SONOMA, CA—On Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, I attended the Patz & Hall 2015 Fall Release Party at their Sonoma winery on 8th Street. During the casual "walk-around" event, I enjoyed mingling with loyal wine club members and the general public as we sampled six of the popular Northern California winery's new fall release wines. Throughout the afternoon event, mouth-watering small bites from Feast Catering of Santa Rosa, CA, were also passed around.

My overall rating of the event was a 10 out of 10. Here's why: All the wines were excellent — the guests were having a good time, and the food morsels were all quite delicious. In short, this was a first-class afternoon. But, of course, I'd expect nothing less from the bright and dedicated team at Patz & Hall.... And now for the details.

THE WINES —

2012 Brut Sparking Wine

"French style. Deliciously dry with a supreme effervescence. Almost evaporates within the mouth leaving a heavenly zest. Feels lighter-than-air on the tongue." —TS

2013 Hyde Vineyard - Carneros Chardonnay

"Exceptionally well-balanced and perfectly restrained. A lovely food wine. Exquisite. Perfect for baked, broiled, or sautéed fish, sushi, and even mild ceviche. Yet, don't be fooled, it will also easily hold up to more forceful entrées as, for example, filet of pork tenderloin with an orange/honey glaze." —TS

Winemaking:

-100% Chardonnay fruit
-Whole-cluster pressed
-100% indigenous yeast fermentations (wild)
-Sur lie aged with weekly stirring
-100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel
-45% new Burgundian French oak barrels
-Bottled without filtration

Release Date: Oct. 2015

Retail Price: $60.00

Cases produced: 1,161

2013 Zio Tony Ranch - Russian River Valley Chardonnay

"Steady yourself. A wonderful symphony of classic Chardonnay flavors. Very different from the Carneros mentioned above. This one vibrantly comes to life in the mid palate." —TS

Winemaking:

-100% Chardonnay fruit
-Whole-cluster pressed
-100% indigenous yeast fermentations (wild)
-Sur lie aged with weekly stirring
-100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel
-50% new Burgundian French oak barrels
-Bottled without filtration

Release Date: Oct. 2015

Retail Price: $65.00

Cases produced: 380

2013 Chenoweth Ranch - Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

"This one will speak to you. A stand-up, full-flavored Pinot with age-worthy tannins that will stare down a T-bone steak!" —TS

Winemaking:

-100% Pinot Noir
-Multi-yeast fermentations (wild & cultured)
-15% whole clusters
-100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel
-70% new Burgundian French oak barrels
-Bottled without fining or filtration

Release Date: Oct. 2015
Retail Price: $60.00
Cases Produced: 1,347

2013 Hyde Vineyard - Carneros Pinot Noir

"The fruit kisses you right up front. It has Carneros written all over it. Broad on the palate; flavorful with full tannins. Great with duck or chicken dishes. Very smooth mouth feel. You will just want to luxuriate and hold it there before swallowing." —TS

Winemaking:

-100% Pinot Noir
-Multi-yeast fermentations (wild & cultured)
-15% whole clusters
-100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel
-60% new Burgundian French oak barrels
-Bottled without fining or filtration

Release Date: Oct. 2015
Retail Price: $70.00
Cases Produced: 1,079

2013 Burnside Vineyard - Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

"Burnside is a cooler site. For 2013, this site produced their lowest alcohol Pinot. A more restrained and thoughtful Pinot. Lovely aromatics. Elegant with soft, flowing tannins." —TS

Winemaking: