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Wine & Spirits Top 100 US Pinot Noir April 2016
2013 Estate Pinot Noir ($55 12.5%alc.) The pinot noir vines at the Wenzlau Family vineyard on a bench above the Santa Ynez River aren't even 10 yrs. old, but they grew a compelling wine in 2013. It's bright & lean with a vivid lavender scent and mouthwatering pomegranate-red fruit, lasting on brisk fragrance, rather than weight, as if you can feel the cooling waters of the Pacific 7 miles away. A racy pinot noir for halibut. 93 points
Top 100 Wines by Jon Bonné December 5, 2014
2011 Wenzlau Estate Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay ($45, 13.5%): The Wenzlau family’s biodynamic estate in the south valley of the Santa Rita Hills is in the heart of an impressive neighborhood: Mount Carmel right nearby, Sanford & Benedict across the way. Winemaker Justin Willett has a way with Chardonnay for his own label (Tyler), and this is built with similar coiled tension: ripe nectar fruit, a whiff of savory oak, pitch-perfect acidity.
“Today, I think it’s safe to say that Sta. Rita Hills stands as one of the greatest places in the New World to grow Pinot Noir…”
Steve Heimhoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Santa Rita Hills is still a new name for most wine lovers. But this appellation in Santa Barbara County is quickly making a name for itself courtesy of some delicious Pinot Noirs.”“The hottest area for Chardonnay, the Santa Rita Hills, is an appellation that came into existence only in 2001. Actually it’s not so much hot as it is cool, which gives these Chardonnays a crispness that’s missing from so many California chards.”
Jay McInerney, Wall Street Journal
“Wenzlau Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills looks poised to become recognized as one of the top Pinot vineyards in California in very short order.”
Antonio Galloni ~ July 2013
"In Pursuit of Balance welcomes Wenzlau Vineyard! Raj & I are truly delighted to welcome Wenzlau Vineyard and have their wines in the mix.”
Jasmine Hirsch, IPOB
“The 2012 Chardonnay Estate is a pretty, elegant and lively white that has classy citrus blossom, hints of minerality, white flowers and brioche to go with a balanced, layered and beautifully pure feel on the palate.” 93 points
The Wine Advocate ~ August 2014
“Also superb, the 2012 Pinot Noir Estate is another classic red that has plenty of ripe berry fruits, underbrush, forest floor and crushed flowers to go with medium-bodied, elegant, lively feel on the palate. 93 points