California has been producing fantastic Chardonnay and Cabernet for years, and I think it’s time for Pinot Noir to join the mix. The Neely family purchased the Spring Ridge property in 1995 and had the forethought to plant Pinot Noir grapes to expand their vineyard. After discovering the benefits of the climate and the property’s protection from extreme weather, the Neely family decided to plant their first block of Pinot Noir in 1997 to an already established rootstock that has been there since 1981.
With the help of famed wine producer Bob Varner, who also produces Varner Chardonnay, they were able to produce stunning Pinot Noir wines by using only estate grown grapes from the Spring Ridge property. The 2011 Neely Pinot Noir Upper Picnic Spring Ridge Vineyard is definitely a wine you don’t want to miss.
My family and I decided to pop a bottle of the 2011 Neely Pinot Noir Upper Picnic Spring Ridge Vineyard with friends for a holiday party and were really blown away by the amazing fruit aroma that billowed from the bottle. This wine showed tremendous structure and all of the classic flavors of the holidays - cinnamon and clove with a little cherry. It paired perfectly with our main course of veal scaloppini, roasted root vegetable and broccoli rabe. This will surely be a staple in my house, and I am a Neely fan for life. Scoring 94 points from Antonio Galloni, this wine is great to have on hand for any last minute entertaining.
2011 Neely Pinot Noir Upper Picnic Spring Ridge Vineyard - $49.99
“Rich and textured in the glass, the 2011 boasts superb depth for the year. Cinnamon, cloves, dried rose petal, mint and leather wrap around a core of expressive fruit in a hauntingly beautiful, vivid Pinot that delivers the very best of the vintage. “ Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media