Bravo! A Plush Pinot Noir.
Last May, I originally reviewed this 2011 Holman Ranch Pinot Noir. It was a pleasure and a special treat to re-visit this wine from Carmel, California. It has improved my friends. Any rough edges I noticed last year are gone. This wine is ready to drink now and has potential to improve in bottle.
Tasting Notes:
Color: Clear ruby.
Nose: Ripe strawberry flesh with dark tilled soil, candied raspberry.
Palate: Plush, medium-full body, wild strawberry, ripe and fresh, longer than expected finish. Pinot fans will adore this wine. Those unaccustomed to Pinot Noir will discover how seriously good this variety can be expressed. Big drinking Pinot Noir after seven hours with deep blueberry, fresh strawberry and spicy violet notes. Very intense, pretty and captivating. Impressive wine.
Thoughts: Pair with baked chicken, game hen, turkey, duck, pork loin, and beef Carpacio. Or just drink with a good friend. Highly recommended.
ABV: 14%
Closure: Real cork
Production: 444 Cases
SRP: $37
Sample provided by winery
I encourage you to seek out Holman Ranch wines. If you are anywhere near Carmel Valley a visit to their property is mandatory. They are on my must visit list.
*Since Holman Ranch is a private residence, all visits are by appointment only. Please call in advance.
Holman Ranch
P.O. Box 149
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Tel (831) 659-2640
Fax (831) 659-6055
info@holmanranch.com
Tasting Room
19 E. Carmel Valley Road
Suite C
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Tel (831) 659-2640
Fax (831) 659-6055
wines@holmanranch.com
Tasting Room Hours
Mon–Sun - 11am–6pm
Private Tasting - Call for information
About Holman Ranch
Holman Ranch is located in the Carmel Valley, California. It was originally part of Mexico and the land was bestowed to the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo during the Spanish era. One of the first ranches was the Los Laureles Rancho that included property which today is Holman Ranch. In the 1920's the Ranch served as a retreat for Hollywood celebrities; including Charlie Chaplin and Theda Bara. By the 1940's Holman Ranch became one of the first resorts in the Carmel Valley and host to another generation of Hollywood celebrities. Some of the famous actors you would have seen included: Clark Gable, Vincent Price, Joan Crawford and Marlon Brando.
In 1989 estate vineyards were planted on the property. In 2006 the property was purchased by Thomas and Jarman Lowder. They refurbished and updated the Ranch, fulfilling their dream of making estate grown and bottled wines and olive oil.
The 400 acre property at Holman Ranch has become a venue for weddings, special events and corporate retreats. And they have 19 acres of estate vineyards. Varietals grown on property include: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.
Cheers!