2017 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir, 375ml, Petaluma Gap
Tasting Notes
93 points ~ Robert Parker 91 points ~ Wine Enthusiast
The 2017 La Cruz Pinot Noir shows bright and penetrating deep garnet color with lilac, rose petal, red cherry, and a dust of cocoa powder aromas. The wine exhibits lovely mouthfeel and texture with a complexity of Bing cherry, cranberry, and juicy strawberry/rhubarb, followed by a balanced and lengthy finish.
Vintage Notes
The 2017 Vintage started promising, with a significant amount of rain during the winter months, ending a 5-year drought cycle and refilling water reservoirs. The season progressed with ideal growing conditions through bud break, flowering and summer maturity. The optimal extended season sped up in August and September with a heat wave arriving over Labor Day Weekend. Temporal weather ensued which allowed for our estate pinot noir to ease into the final stages of ripening and matured beautifully going into cooler temperatures of mid-September to early October.
Vineyard & Winemaking Notes
The ancient seabed of the San Pablo Bay is mineral-rich, with clay soils that define La Cruz Vineyard. This site is located in the lower portion of the property and sheltered more from the wind. Typical to this vineyard is a bright acidity and signature spice notes. Planted here are Pommard, 667, 828, 777, and clone 123.
The fruit was harvest in the cold nights over several nights and arrived immediately at the winery where it was hand sorted and fully de-stemmed. The whole berries had a 5-day cold soak and then fermented using native yeast until dry. Afterward, it was transferred to barrels and, where it underwent secondary fermentation. Racked only once for bottling and filtered. The backbone of this wine is the Pommard clone and selected barrels of 667,777 and 828.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Petaluma Gap
Harvest Date: September 14-19, 2017
Bottling Date: July 25, 2018
Alcohol: 14.1%
pH: 3.65
Total Acidity: 5.48 g/L
Production: 215 cases
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
6x 2017 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir 375ml, Petaluma Gap
Case:
12x 2017 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir 375ml, Petaluma Gap
The Keller family’s origins lie in the small town of Aarau in Switzerland. The Keller last name originates from the German word for “cellar.” For centuries throughout the Old World, cellars were a special place in a family’s home, a place where food, wine, and valuable commodities were kept and passed on from family to family. The Keller family’s Coat of Arms, which is printed on our labels, represents the cellar guard, who guards his prized treasures with a well-kept key. The colors of Switzerland fly proudly next to the key. It seemed fitting to name our winery “Keller Estate,” harking back to our family’s profession as the keeper of the treasures for your cellar.
In 1998, Ana Keller, joined her father, Arturo Keller in the exciting and daunting venture of building a winery and creating Keller Estate. Ana first fell in love with the craft of winemaking early in life when she spent several holidays in the Loire Valley, harvesting grapes from the vineyards. Ana holds a degree in Biopharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Mexico and a Masters in Pharmaceutical development from King’s College London. London was critical to Ana’s passion for wine because it was there that she first took her formal tasting lessons.
In 2000, Keller Estate was established and we released our first vintage in 2001. Alongside Ted Lemon, the Keller Family worked at making the vineyards exceptional and designed a winery emphasizing elements of ease of flow and gravity flow to preserve the delicate flavors in the wine. The winery, designed by Ricardo Legorreta, an exceptional Mexican Architect, was completed in 2003 and is among the most beautiful wineries in Sonoma.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Keller Estate Stocking Stuffer - Pinot Noir Half Bottle - $50 = 24.99%
91 Points. A soft sultry wine, with densely bright flavors of red and black cherry, cinnamon, nutmeg and licorice, this red is also robust in texture and layered acidity, with staying power on the palate. VB 12/1/19
also the Prince of Pinot:
2017 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir
14.2% alc. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of red cherry, red berry and spice. Mid-weight in style, with an unctuous core of black cherry and purple grape flavors accented with cedary oak. Silky in the mouth with impressive balance and some finishing length. I like this wine for its freshness and juiciness. Score: 91. Reviewed October 26, 2019 ARTICLE »
Wine Advocate:
93 Points. Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir La Cruz Vineyard has a bright, open nose of fresh cranberry, Bing cherries, warm raspberries and spicy blackberries with touches of pomegranate, underbrush, dusty earth, amaro and citrus peel. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is intense and spicy, with a soft frame and juicy acidity on the long, energetic finish. (Erin Brooks I believe)
Dumb question, but the last time the Noceto was offered in the 375 bottles, when you bought 6 you got 12 and 12=24 bottles in the box. Is this the same or is it 6 or 12 small bottles for the price. Thank you.
@klezman Bummer – I think I got 2 orders coming that were part of the promo. Last year I think I scored pretty well – did the promo go on longer then? I can remember a bunch of stuff. I didn’t get the carafe some have mentioned but I think I got everything else. Maybe I just bought a lot last year! Honestly this year some of the offerings just didn’t sound like my taste so I held off.
Hopefully rattage coming. The 1/2 bottles are definitely great for gifts. Taste profile seems like it would be likable even for non-“experienced” red wine drinkers.
Especially since I know some people who are the only wine-consumers in their household (either because spouse doesn’t drink or only drinks Bud Light or Jim Beam). And that would still leave a handful of bottles for me! Yay me!
@pmarin Maybe some rats coming? The 2015 version in half bottles was for sale here last January and there were several rats. Price was a little more attractive then, $72.99 and $119.99. But that being said I’m thinking about this, can always use a few half bottles. I buy a little Keller off and on, always enjoy this pinot. And to use a technical term, certainly tasty enough if you are planning gifting to the great unwashed or keeping
@kaolis Yes, the price at $25/btl for case price (assuming 12x375 = only 6 bottles) makes this a bit high since for that price I can start to get into a good Willamette Valley PN maybe with the bits of dirt and rocks that I crave in my strange PN taste. Berries are nice but I prefer them fresh.
But the convenience of the 1/2 bottles and giftability make this a probable yes for me but just waiting to be pushed over the edge.
I’d jump on this offer if it was full bottles at this price, but with the inventory I have, I have to pass! I’ll be happy to hand out 750ml bottles to my medical heroes! They deserve something nice for the holidays!
In for a case. I had a 2015 in the rack so I opened it tonight, drinking very well, glad I have another case of it in the cellar and now a case of 2017 to add to the stash, I like the half bottles!
This is really an rpmAutobuy at this point! I’m very fond of Petaluma Gap Pinot and this one is excellent. The half-bottles are perfect when you don’t want a whole bottle and don’t want to whip out the Coravin. This is a very tasty Pinot Noir. Everything we’ve had from Keller, especially the Rotie and the Pinot Noir, has been excellent. I suspect this was restaurant sale bottled and is now available to create room for more wine as the cycle moves inexorably on…
@Xena67 It will still be cold and we will still be wearing stockings? – actually that date is always “padded” from my experience and usually things ship much more quickly, in 1-2 weeks. That said, 2 weeks still puts it at exactly Christmas, so maybe or maybe not, especially with UPS being super-busy of course.
2017 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir, 375ml, Petaluma Gap
Tasting Notes
93 points ~ Robert Parker
91 points ~ Wine Enthusiast
Vintage Notes
The 2017 Vintage started promising, with a significant amount of rain during the winter months, ending a 5-year drought cycle and refilling water reservoirs. The season progressed with ideal growing conditions through bud break, flowering and summer maturity. The optimal extended season sped up in August and September with a heat wave arriving over Labor Day Weekend. Temporal weather ensued which allowed for our estate pinot noir to ease into the final stages of ripening and matured beautifully going into cooler temperatures of mid-September to early October.
Vineyard & Winemaking Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$292.70 at Keller Estate for 12x 2017 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir 375ml, Petaluma Gap
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jan 4
Keller Estate Stocking Stuffer - Pinot Noir Half Bottle
6 bottles for $99.99 $16.66/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2017 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir 375ml
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Keller Estate Stocking Stuffer - Pinot Noir Half Bottle - $50 = 24.99%
Annnnd from Wine Enthusiast, as mentioned above:
91 Points. A soft sultry wine, with densely bright flavors of red and black cherry, cinnamon, nutmeg and licorice, this red is also robust in texture and layered acidity, with staying power on the palate. VB 12/1/19
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/keller-estate-2017-la-cruz-vineyard-pinot-noir-petaluma-gap/
also the Prince of Pinot:
2017 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir
14.2% alc. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of red cherry, red berry and spice. Mid-weight in style, with an unctuous core of black cherry and purple grape flavors accented with cedary oak. Silky in the mouth with impressive balance and some finishing length. I like this wine for its freshness and juiciness. Score: 91. Reviewed October 26, 2019 ARTICLE »
https://www.princeofpinot.com/winery/413/
Wine Advocate:
93 Points. Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir La Cruz Vineyard has a bright, open nose of fresh cranberry, Bing cherries, warm raspberries and spicy blackberries with touches of pomegranate, underbrush, dusty earth, amaro and citrus peel. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is intense and spicy, with a soft frame and juicy acidity on the long, energetic finish. (Erin Brooks I believe)
fwiw
Dumb question, but the last time the Noceto was offered in the 375 bottles, when you bought 6 you got 12 and 12=24 bottles in the box. Is this the same or is it 6 or 12 small bottles for the price. Thank you.
@wmhatch based on the price, this will be 6 or 12 small bottles. Not 12 or 24.
@Twich22 thanks
Anyone in DFW ordering want to split?
Dumb question #2. Does this still include the “free Casemates gift of immense value we will treasure forever?”
I didn’t see it in the write-up. Not saying that would push me over the edge. Or maybe…
@pmarin Nope, that was last week’s “gift week” promotion.
@klezman Bummer – I think I got 2 orders coming that were part of the promo. Last year I think I scored pretty well – did the promo go on longer then? I can remember a bunch of stuff. I didn’t get the carafe some have mentioned but I think I got everything else. Maybe I just bought a lot last year! Honestly this year some of the offerings just didn’t sound like my taste so I held off.
Hopefully rattage coming. The 1/2 bottles are definitely great for gifts. Taste profile seems like it would be likable even for non-“experienced” red wine drinkers.
Especially since I know some people who are the only wine-consumers in their household (either because spouse doesn’t drink or only drinks Bud Light or Jim Beam). And that would still leave a handful of bottles for me! Yay me!
@pmarin Maybe some rats coming? The 2015 version in half bottles was for sale here last January and there were several rats. Price was a little more attractive then, $72.99 and $119.99. But that being said I’m thinking about this, can always use a few half bottles. I buy a little Keller off and on, always enjoy this pinot. And to use a technical term, certainly tasty enough if you are planning gifting to the great unwashed or keeping
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/keller-estate-pinot-noir-375ml
@kaolis Yes, the price at $25/btl for case price (assuming 12x375 = only 6 bottles) makes this a bit high since for that price I can start to get into a good Willamette Valley PN maybe with the bits of dirt and rocks that I crave in my strange PN taste. Berries are nice but I prefer them fresh.
But the convenience of the 1/2 bottles and giftability make this a probable yes for me but just waiting to be pushed over the edge.
I’d jump on this offer if it was full bottles at this price, but with the inventory I have, I have to pass! I’ll be happy to hand out 750ml bottles to my medical heroes! They deserve something nice for the holidays!
@Boatman72 I believe many of us are medical heroes.
In for a case. I had a 2015 in the rack so I opened it tonight, drinking very well, glad I have another case of it in the cellar and now a case of 2017 to add to the stash, I like the half bottles!
@catcoland I don’t know what I want more, that nice-looking glass of Pinot, or the incredibly cute kitty. I’ve decided… definitely the kitty.
/giphy edwardian-peppermint-fezziwig
This is really an rpmAutobuy at this point! I’m very fond of Petaluma Gap Pinot and this one is excellent. The half-bottles are perfect when you don’t want a whole bottle and don’t want to whip out the Coravin. This is a very tasty Pinot Noir. Everything we’ve had from Keller, especially the Rotie and the Pinot Noir, has been excellent. I suspect this was restaurant sale bottled and is now available to create room for more wine as the cycle moves inexorably on…
@rpm Thank you for your thoughts on this wine.
@rpm @WCCWineGirl rpmAutobuy (especially in bold) carries a lot of weight. And I was really close to buying this anyway but needed a push.
wonder what this giphy is going to be?
/giphy slushy-flashy-cupid
@rpm Is there ever an occasion where someone doesn’t want the whole bottle?!!? I’ve always heard 375s called mouthwash ;0
@pete0744 well, there are times you’re dining alone… and you have to drive…
How can these be stocking stuffers if they arrive in January? Asking for a friend.
@Xena67 It will still be cold and we will still be wearing stockings? – actually that date is always “padded” from my experience and usually things ship much more quickly, in 1-2 weeks. That said, 2 weeks still puts it at exactly Christmas, so maybe or maybe not, especially with UPS being super-busy of course.
@Xena67 Was wondering that myself when I was thinking about sending a box to my daughter for Christmas.
@Xena67 My case arrived (west coast US) this morning.
@806D2701 Thanks for the update! There’s hope!
/giphy melted-cozy-bell
