Taste the wilderness
Unique wines from the hidden gem of Mendocino Ridge
This non-contiguous isolated appellation is the epitome of high elevation coastal farming. The rugged and steep hillsides require costly and extreme farming techniques, but the result is grapes which are highly sought by premium winemakers. Low vigor vines produce small sized, loosely packed clusters with tiny berries creating wines with unique flavors from this distinct microclimate – just nine miles from the Pacific Ocean, as the crow flies . . . Above the fog and closer to the sun, with all its glory, Mendocino Ridge is truly about Farming in the Wilderness™.
2022 Murder Ridge Chardonnay
$38
Potato Patch block Chardonnay grapes are a particular favorite of our local bears. Bright straw color. Aromas of citrus and apple with hints of white flowers, lemon curd, and hazelnut. Apple again in the mouth, leading into lemon peel and toasted bread in the structured finish. Regular wind and rising fog blanket this block contributing to the cool coastal character of the wine.
95 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2019)
*****
121 cases produced
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard: Perli Vineyards
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge
Elevation: 2000 Feet
Clones: 76 & Robert Young
Cooperage: Exclusively French Oak Barrels
2019 Murder Ridge Pinot Noir, Perli Vineyards
$52
SOLD OUT
Fruit from our Murder Ridge and Steve's Ridge block, with Martini clone Pinot from Steve's Ridge contributing to the depth of this big, bright wine. Garnet color. A dense aromatic medley of wild berries, cherry, and dried raspberry leads into concentrated flavors of cherry, stone fruits, baking spice and earth. This wine is a classic example of coastal high elevation Pinot Noir.
94 Points - Decanter
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
*****
94 cases Produced
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Perli Vineyards
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge
Clones: 667, 777 and Martini
Elevation: 1720 Feet
Cooperage: Exclusively French Oak Barrels
2019 Murder Ridge, Pinot Noir, Final Confession
$62
SOLD OUT
Final Confession: We bottle this Pinot Noir only in the best vintages, from select barrels. Bright medium red color. Dense black cherry liqueur aroma with hints of rose petal and dried strawberry. Flavors of cherry and black licorice finish with earthy, dark spice, silky tannins and a hint of oak. This is almost all Martini clone from the top three rows of our Steve's Ridge block.
*****
44 cases Produced
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Perli Vineyards
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge
Clones: Martini, with small amounts of 667 & 777
Elevation: 1750 Feet
Cooperage: Exclusively French Oak Barrels
2020 Murder Ridge, Zinfandel, Perli Vineyards
$38
SOLD OUT
This big, old-school Zinfandel comes from the steepest part of our Perli Home Block's Hand Tended section. Heritage DuPratt and Zeni clone vines. Dark ruby color. Brambly wild blackberry aromas with hints of black licorice and oak spice. Dense flavors of wild blackberry and bittersweet chocolate with complexities of anise, vanilla, black plum and orange zest. This mouth-filling Zinfandel finishes with length and refined tannins.
*****
70 Cases Produced
Variety: Zinfandel Field Blend: 90% Zinfandel, with Syrah & Petite Sirah, co-fermented.
Vineyard: Perli Vineyards -- Hand Tended Block.
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge
Elevation: 1450 Feet
Clones: Zeni and DuPratt Heritage Clones.
2020 Murder Ridge Potato Patch Syrah
$45
Syrah grapes from our high elevation (2215 feet) Potato Patch block. Deep purple color. Dark and savory varietal aromas with hints of pepper and sweet spice. Black currant and blueberry flavors are dense and firm, layered with a subtle smokiness. An intense wine, with silky tannins. It shows the large frame and finesse possible in this vineyard and AVA.
94 Points - Evolution of Wine (2019)
*****
40 Cases Produced
Variety: Syrah Field Blend: 95% Syrah with Grenache & Viognier, co-fermented.
Vineyard: Perli Vineyards -- Potato Patch Block.
Elevation: 2215 Feet
Clones: Old McDowell, 877
California Proposition 65 Warning: Drinking Distilled Spirits, Beer, Coolers, Wine and Other Alcoholic Beverages May Increase Cancer Risk, and, During Pregnancy, Can Cause Birth Defects