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)
*****
70 cases produced
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard: Perli Vineyards
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge
Elevation: 2000 Feet
Clones: 76 & Robert Young
Cooperage: Exclusively French Oak Barrels
2021 Murder Ridge Wildlands Pinot Noir
$42
Wildlands: A wine made to celebrate the wild and untamed wilderness of coastal Southern Mendocino County. In his review for Decanter, Jonathan Cristaldi wrote: “… in Aldens preferred, rich, robust style with plenty of concentration and power. Explosive aromas of violets and blueberry fruits with mocha spices and rich, toasty cedar wood leap from the glass… Plump tannins support creamy black cherry fruit, spiced plums, and saline minerals, and the finish offers earthy nuances of truffle and turned earth.”
94 Points - Decanter
*****
72 Cases Produced
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Perli Vineyards
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge
Clones: Martini Clone, with small amounts of clones 667 & 777
Elevation: 1750 feet
Cooperage: Exclusively French Oak Barrels
2021 Murder Ridge, Pinot Noir, Final Confession
$65
Final Confession: We bottle this Pinot Noir only in the best vintages, from select barrels. Jonathan Cristaldi in his Decanter review wrote about this wine “Intoxicating black cherry, clove, and rose petal florals add cedar wood and sage nuances. Medium to full-bodied with a luscious core of cherry compote laced with vanilla cream. Underpinnings of ironstone mineral add intrigue… compact, complex, delectable red.”
94 Points - Decanter
95 Points - Decanter (2019)
*****
151 cases Produced
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Perli Vineyards
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge
Clones: 667 & 777 with small amounts of Martini Clone
Elevation: 1750 Feet
Cooperage: Exclusively French Oak Barrels
2022 Murder Ridge, Zinfandel, Perli Vineyards
$38
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
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