Failla

Occidental Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir

9.229 ratings
9.413 pro ratings
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

On the nose, smoke with a touch of char, ripe, ruby, candied, gummy, fruits of; blackberries black cherries, baked plum, strawberries, baked cranberries, raspberries with pomegranate extract. Dark, warm, rich earth, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, dark fresh floral bouquet and a field of spring violets.

You won’t mistake this for red Burgundy. The body is full and rich. Rounded, softened, chewy, sticky tannins. The palate has; the same smoke with char on the nose. The fruits are; ripe, sweet with a gummy bears quality. Yet on the long set, just a touch of sour. Blackberries black cherries, baked plum, strawberries, baked cranberries, raspberries, notes of blue fruits, with pomegranate extract. Cola, dark, dry herbs, warm, rich earth, saddlewood, limestone minerals, soft medium spice, dry crushed rocks, dark fresh floral bouquet and a field of spring violets. The acidity is round and pours like a steady stream on your tongue. The long; rich, ripe, well balance & polished finish lasts minutes. Drinking nicely with many years of good drink ahead...now through 2027.

Photos of; one of the Failla vineyards, Winemaker Ehren Jordan, fruit headed to the cellar for pressing and their comfortable tasting lounge/barrel room.

On the nose, smoke with a touch of char, ripe, ruby, candied, gummy, fruits of; blackberries black cherries, baked plum, strawberries, baked cranberries, raspberries with pomegranate extract. Dark, warm, rich earth, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, dark fresh floral bouquet and a field of spring violets.

You won’t mistake this for red Burgundy. The body is full and rich. Rounded, softened, chewy, sticky tannins. The palate has; the same smoke with char on the nose. The fruits are; ripe, sweet with a gummy bears quality. Yet on the long set, just a touch of sour. Blackberries black cherries, baked plum, strawberries, baked cranberries, raspberries, notes of blue fruits, with pomegranate extract. Cola, dark, dry herbs, warm, rich earth, saddlewood, limestone minerals, soft medium spice, dry crushed rocks, dark fresh floral bouquet and a field of spring violets. The acidity is round and pours like a steady stream on your tongue. The long; rich, ripe, well balance & polished finish lasts minutes. Drinking nicely with many years of good drink ahead...now through 2027.

Photos of; one of the Failla vineyards, Winemaker Ehren Jordan, fruit headed to the cellar for pressing and their comfortable tasting lounge/barrel room.

Apr 7th, 2018
Josh Luhn

Luhn Wine Consulting Owner, Luhn Family Wines

9.4

Fantastic.

Fantastic.

Jul 18th, 2016
Charles Fairbanks

Execellent wine.... Cooler vintage that was opened 7 years too early, however the wine is tasting fantastic. Charm, tense and clearly displays vineyard pedigree.

Execellent wine.... Cooler vintage that was opened 7 years too early, however the wine is tasting fantastic. Charm, tense and clearly displays vineyard pedigree.

Jan 17th, 2016
Chris Wanner

I picked this wine as the one to enjoy on our anniversary and wasn't disappointed! Great fruit-acidity balance.

I picked this wine as the one to enjoy on our anniversary and wasn't disappointed! Great fruit-acidity balance.

Oct 4th, 2015
Rafael Landestoy

Fantastic!

Fantastic!

Jun 15th, 2014
Sariya Jarasviroj Brown

Grace, structure, balance, varietal character, shows restraint, thoroughly enjoyed, next time would love to taste over a course of days

Grace, structure, balance, varietal character, shows restraint, thoroughly enjoyed, next time would love to taste over a course of days

Feb 27th, 2014
Rafael Landestoy

Beautifully balanced Pinot, Burgundian in style and just singing tonight.

Beautifully balanced Pinot, Burgundian in style and just singing tonight.

Nov 16th, 2013
Alexandra Harner

The obvious choice

The obvious choice

Jun 30th, 2013
Brandon Desch

I love the smoothness of this - soft full flavor

I love the smoothness of this - soft full flavor

Jul 6th, 2016
Brian Koncius

Out of mag and outstanding wine great "burg"!!!

Out of mag and outstanding wine great "burg"!!!

Sep 27th, 2015