Peterson Vineyard is situated out in the cool of Comptche, a rural town between Anderson Valley and the Mendocino coastline. Due to its proximity to the coast, this Comptche Pinot Noir normally exhibits cool-climate characteristics. 2018 was a long and leisurely ripening year. The cool summer imparted red currant, blueberries, and a bit of earth and leather to the palate. A couple of warm weeks in early August added some ripe cherry, dark fruit, and perfume notes. We find this wine is particularly fun to decant and watch as it develops over a couple hours.
Harvest Notes
2018 came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. The vines awoke two weeks late due to a cool spring and had ample crop, which had to be thinned. Then cool weather at the end of September brought an early rain which delayed ripening for most varietals. The Pinot Noir was one of the few varieties picked before the rain, so it was pampered as an only child in the winery for the last two weeks of September.
Winemaking Notes
The grapes were harvested early in the morning, then brought to the winery and hand-sorted. They were destemmed into half-ton inventors and allowed to cold soak for a week, punched down twice a day during that period. Once inoculated, punch downs continued until the wine was pressed a few days before fermentation completed. Once primary fermentation ended, the Pinot was transferred to barrel and stirred once a month until malolactic fermentation was complete. The wine not found to need any fining and was bottled nine months later. the Fall
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Comptche, Mendocino
Clone: 40% 667, 23% Pommard, 37% 114
Harvest Date: September 16th
Barrel Age: 10 months, 40% new French oak, 60% neutral oak
Meyer Family Cellars is a small, family-owned winery situated in the picturesque Yorkville Highlands of Mendocino County. Once a leading artisanal winery in one of California’s emerging viticultural areas, Meyer Family Cellars blends establishing this new Appellation with the legacy of Silver Oak Cellars.
One of the state’s iconic wine brands, Meyer Family Cellars occupies a unique place in the story of California wine. It was established in 1987 by Silver Oak founders and former owners Justin and Bonny Meyer, who dreamt of a family wine brand that drew upon their extensive experience in the Napa and Alexander Valleys. Incorporated in the plan too was their son, Matt, a well-traveled student of wine and graduate of the enology and viticulture program at the University of California Davis.
Today Meyer Family Cellars is in the capable hands of co-winemakers Matt and Karen Meyer. Their approach to winemaking mirror the unique position of their product. While their wine incorporates “old world” balanced acidity and minerality with “new world” ripeness and forward fruit, similarly, Matt and Karen apply the wisdom gleaned from family history while welcoming new ideas into the process.
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, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Tis always a pleasure to get an unexpected UPS notice of an unexpected Wine Country Delivery, along with a follow-up email from Alice confirming that I indeed had a rat shipment on its way. And when it came in, I was pleased to see that it was a Pinot Noir, which I’ve been drinking a bit of lately.
I won’t describe the color, 'cuz I’m a bit color blind - but I think it was a bit brickish.
On PnP, I got blackberry, dark cherry, and a slight (but pleasant) sourness. Mild tannins wrapped around the middle of the tongue. Nice alcohol/acid balance. A short, clean finish.
Fared rather poorly with a multi-bean soup (not the wine’s fault), but went quite well with an assorted sausage and cheese plate.
All in all, somewhat reminiscent of the '17 Pedroncelli that I just had. Which is decent praise, to say the least.
I did decant half into a 375 which I’m holding till Wednesday, should anyone tempt me to taste it.
@ttboy23 Much like the first half - I honestly didn’t have the time to make a proper effort to track changes over time.
But it did pair quite nicely with chicken in butter sauce over rice.
I’d be tempted (especially at the case price), but I’m well stocked on PN right now, and the month is young, and I’m saving my wine budget for whites - where I’m in low supply.
Meyer Family Cellars
2018 Pinot Noir
Comptche, Mendocino County
Peterson Vineyard
This bottle had us second guessing ourselves to the point that I went ahead and read through the winery description before posting this labrat report. Did I really smell that? Is that the taste I remember?
Yes. Our experience all made sense when I read
We find this wine is particularly fun to decant and watch as it develops over a couple hours.
Bingo. Time is the key for this bottle:
On initial pour, wine smelled of pepper—it was aromatic—but spicy really led the way. Alcohol on the nose, but not enough to be off-putting. There’s definitely some earth in there, but it’s buried under other aromas that aren’t quite yet identified.
Taste follows aroma—some spice, alcohol that’s not overpowering, and just a hint of fruit, but it’s sweetness is not easily identified. Crisp finish. Again, this bottle needs some time to relax and stretch out a bit.
Color is on the lighter side when poured—somewhere around ruby?
An hour or so open, we’re sipping again. This time the wine is paired with a garden harvest meal of some fried squash blossoms and burrata with roasted tomatoes. Good pairing, a bit more fruit on the nose and tongue—definitely still feels like the wine is still holding back.
We decided to save half a bottle for the next day. Upon sampling, it’s clear that this is where the wine should be. Earth. Cherry. There’s more fruit, but my palate can’t define which. A hint of leather? Taste and mouthfeel match the nose. Good structure, mild tannins.
on night two, the wine paired great with homemade pizza, and we we’re wishing this is the way the wine opened the night before—there wouldn’t have been much to save.
Our estimate was that a pretty good deal would be around $20/bottle, and a screaming deal would be priced at $15, so this offer clearly sets up in range if you’re on the fence. Just make sure to give the juice some time to properly develop!
Big thanks to Alice, WD & Meyer Family Cellars for the opportunity to rat.
@klezman Hi, and thanks for the question. I’m the sales manager for Meyer Family Cellars (have been for many years). I’m not familiar with Oppenlander Vineyard, but since it’s another site in Comptche, it has to be in the immediate neighborhood of Peterson Vineyard.
Interesting write up by winemaker and labrots. I know it’s recommended to decant and rest but would letting it rest in the cellar aid in “open & pour”
Setting ?
Asking because my state has many BYOB due to outrageous cost of liquor licenses. An open bottle sitting on restaurant table for an hour just won’t happen, it’s tough enough at home
@forlich Our Peterson Vineyard pinot noir definitely benefits from aeration ahead of time, but I’d say just for it in an a BYOB setting, and you won’t be disappointed. It’s all about enjoying it with food.
@forlich The ah-so is fantastic for bringing wine to a restaurant. For any red, I pull out the cork appropriately early, at home I maybe even decant/swish and pour back in. I then use the ah-so to put the cork back in. Or if the original cork is mauled, another cork. Many a northern Virginia wait staffer has “opened” a bottle of my wine that has been aerating for hours.
@wardad Love it ! I will have to try that.
My State also allows transport of open bottles so no more leaving half empties at the restaurant or trying to hide that you aerated at home !
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
2018 Meyer Family Peterson Pinot Noir - $60 = 23.07%
With a few+ hours now behind us in this Casemates offering of our 2018 Peterson Vineyard pinot noir, Karen & Matt Meyer and I would like to say cheers to all who got on board today. We hope you enjoy this delicious wine and can share it with friends and family in the near future.
@rjquillin Peterson Winery is, to my knowledge, not affiliated with Peterson Vineyard. And I’m not familiar with Sandler, but just had a look at his website. He’s making wines from a wide range of really good sites, including Peterson. Fyi you can check out Lula Cellars in Philo. In addition to Meyer Cellars and Sandler, they also make a single-vineyard Peterson pinot noir. I’ve tasted it, and it’s very good – a little more fruit-forward than our version.
2018 Meyer Family Peterson Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Harvest Notes
Winemaking Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $576/case MSRP
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, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 29 - Wednesday, Aug 31
Tis always a pleasure to get an unexpected UPS notice of an unexpected Wine Country Delivery, along with a follow-up email from Alice confirming that I indeed had a rat shipment on its way. And when it came in, I was pleased to see that it was a Pinot Noir, which I’ve been drinking a bit of lately.
I won’t describe the color, 'cuz I’m a bit color blind - but I think it was a bit brickish.
On PnP, I got blackberry, dark cherry, and a slight (but pleasant) sourness. Mild tannins wrapped around the middle of the tongue. Nice alcohol/acid balance. A short, clean finish.
Fared rather poorly with a multi-bean soup (not the wine’s fault), but went quite well with an assorted sausage and cheese plate.
All in all, somewhat reminiscent of the '17 Pedroncelli that I just had. Which is decent praise, to say the least.
I did decant half into a 375 which I’m holding till Wednesday, should anyone tempt me to taste it.
@rpstrong how is the 2nd half? Also, are you considering a purchase or a split on this one?
@ttboy23 Much like the first half - I honestly didn’t have the time to make a proper effort to track changes over time.
But it did pair quite nicely with chicken in butter sauce over rice.
I’d be tempted (especially at the case price), but I’m well stocked on PN right now, and the month is young, and I’m saving my wine budget for whites - where I’m in low supply.
@rpstrong ok thanks
Good job!
Meyer Family Cellars
2018 Pinot Noir
Comptche, Mendocino County
Peterson Vineyard
This bottle had us second guessing ourselves to the point that I went ahead and read through the winery description before posting this labrat report. Did I really smell that? Is that the taste I remember?
Yes. Our experience all made sense when I read
Bingo. Time is the key for this bottle:
On initial pour, wine smelled of pepper—it was aromatic—but spicy really led the way. Alcohol on the nose, but not enough to be off-putting. There’s definitely some earth in there, but it’s buried under other aromas that aren’t quite yet identified.
Taste follows aroma—some spice, alcohol that’s not overpowering, and just a hint of fruit, but it’s sweetness is not easily identified. Crisp finish. Again, this bottle needs some time to relax and stretch out a bit.
Color is on the lighter side when poured—somewhere around ruby?
An hour or so open, we’re sipping again. This time the wine is paired with a garden harvest meal of some fried squash blossoms and burrata with roasted tomatoes. Good pairing, a bit more fruit on the nose and tongue—definitely still feels like the wine is still holding back.
We decided to save half a bottle for the next day. Upon sampling, it’s clear that this is where the wine should be. Earth. Cherry. There’s more fruit, but my palate can’t define which. A hint of leather? Taste and mouthfeel match the nose. Good structure, mild tannins.
on night two, the wine paired great with homemade pizza, and we we’re wishing this is the way the wine opened the night before—there wouldn’t have been much to save.
Our estimate was that a pretty good deal would be around $20/bottle, and a screaming deal would be priced at $15, so this offer clearly sets up in range if you’re on the fence. Just make sure to give the juice some time to properly develop!
Big thanks to Alice, WD & Meyer Family Cellars for the opportunity to rat.
Cheers, All!
@Aureliano
@Aureliano Nice report!
Not sure where @ilCesare is, but everyone deserves a break once in a while.
3 bottles for $64.99 ($21.66/bottle + $8 shipping)
Case of 12 for $199.99 ($16.67/bottle + $12 shipping)
Here’s a link to the 2017 vintage.
Note that this offer is for the 2018 vintage.
2018 Meyer Family Peterson Pinot Noir
Thanks, RPStrong, Aureliano, and Kawichris for your comments. The Meyers and I greatly appreciate them!
-Tony Poer, Meyer Family Cellars
@MeyerCellarTony Thanks for stopping by, Tony! What’s your role at the winery? Where is this vineyard in relation to Oppenlander?
@klezman Hi, and thanks for the question. I’m the sales manager for Meyer Family Cellars (have been for many years). I’m not familiar with Oppenlander Vineyard, but since it’s another site in Comptche, it has to be in the immediate neighborhood of Peterson Vineyard.
Interesting write up by winemaker and labrots. I know it’s recommended to decant and rest but would letting it rest in the cellar aid in “open & pour”
Setting ?
Asking because my state has many BYOB due to outrageous cost of liquor licenses. An open bottle sitting on restaurant table for an hour just won’t happen, it’s tough enough at home
@forlich Our Peterson Vineyard pinot noir definitely benefits from aeration ahead of time, but I’d say just for it in an a BYOB setting, and you won’t be disappointed. It’s all about enjoying it with food.
@forlich The ah-so is fantastic for bringing wine to a restaurant. For any red, I pull out the cork appropriately early, at home I maybe even decant/swish and pour back in. I then use the ah-so to put the cork back in. Or if the original cork is mauled, another cork. Many a northern Virginia wait staffer has “opened” a bottle of my wine that has been aerating for hours.
@forlich @wardad Ah, so that is the trick!
@wardad Love it ! I will have to try that.
My State also allows transport of open bottles so no more leaving half empties at the restaurant or trying to hide that you aerated at home !
@forlich @wardad
I find those half or third bottles are often good for a waiver of corkage. Yeah, we have that here in CA.
@forlich @wardad Never thought of using an ah so to reinsert the cork; this is brilliant!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
2018 Meyer Family Peterson Pinot Noir - $60 = 23.07%
With a few+ hours now behind us in this Casemates offering of our 2018 Peterson Vineyard pinot noir, Karen & Matt Meyer and I would like to say cheers to all who got on board today. We hope you enjoy this delicious wine and can share it with friends and family in the near future.
@MeyerCellarTony
We’ve had some Peterson Winery Syrah offers here in the past. I’m not good at keeping track of such things, but, any affiliation?
Also looks like Sandler gets grapes from the Peterson vineyard as well. I like his PN; how does this offer compare, if you can?
@rjquillin Peterson Winery is, to my knowledge, not affiliated with Peterson Vineyard. And I’m not familiar with Sandler, but just had a look at his website. He’s making wines from a wide range of really good sites, including Peterson. Fyi you can check out Lula Cellars in Philo. In addition to Meyer Cellars and Sandler, they also make a single-vineyard Peterson pinot noir. I’ve tasted it, and it’s very good – a little more fruit-forward than our version.