A top Sonoma producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Banshee focuses on providing single vineyard bottlings that showcase terroir and finesse. In the Sonoma Coast region, Banshee sources from Coastlands, Emmaline, and Rice-Spivak vineyards. These vineyards have unique terroir, elevation and oceanic influence that you can taste in the bottle. Banshee also sources from other Sonoma sites such as Vineyards such as Tina Marie in Russian River, Hurst in Sebastopol Hills, and Sullivan on Sonoma Mountain show the range of terroir and flavor profiles that is only Sonoma. Founded by three friends from the Midwest and East Coast that grew up tasting flights of wine in college rather than chugging cheap light beer, Banshee was first started in 2009. These guys have received considerable acclaim in only a few years. Noah Dorrance heads the winemaking team that includes superstar wine consultant Ross Cobb (founder/winemaker of Cobb wines) and Katy Wilson (formerly Flowers assistant winemaker). Dorrance and his team work on capturing the Burgundian side of Pinot and Chard.
The new releases were gorgeous and balanced. These are some very early releases but I was surprised how nicely the ’14 Pinot and Chard releases were showing. Their 2014 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay (91 points) bottling shows good value and displays a wide range of flavors while showcasing the Sonoma terroir. While the range of Pinots were very solid, the most impressive one was the 2014 Sullivan Vineyard (93 points) which captured a huge range of flavors and impressed with its vibrant minerality and long finish. Check out this solid lineup of Pinots and Chards at www.bansheewines.com
2014 Banshee Sonoma Coast Chardonnay- This wine was 90% barrel fermented for 11 months (40% new) and was sourced from the Heintz vineyard as well as the Bohemian vineyard in Green Valley. This wine begins with Aromas of orange blossoms, ripe Bartlett pear and Gala apple with nutmeg accents. There are flavors of golden delicious apple, starfruit, Bartlett pear and creme brûlée. There is a slight saline streak alongside a long finish. Nice viscosity here. Drink 2016-2023- 91 $25.00
2014 Banshee Bohemian Vineyard Chardonnay- This wine comes from a very small, 1 acre, vineyard located in the town of Occidental in the Green Valley. Lively aromatics of Meyer lemon oil, oak, pineapple and Granny Smith apple. This leads to flavors of red delicious apple, unripe pear, and vanilla cream with a slight grassy element. Lovely range of flavors. Drink 2016-2024- 92 $40.00
2014 Banshee Sonoma County Pinot Noir- The wine comes from largely Sonoma coast fruit (79%) and was aged 11 months in French oak (20% new). This wine has aromas of cherry cola, raspberry, baking spices and pomegranate seed. Flavors of red raspberry, dill, sagebrush, red cherry with hints of vanilla persist. Drink 2016-2024- 89. $35.00
2014 Banshee ‘Marine Layer’ Pinot Noir- This hand sorted wine come from three vineyard sites, Coastlands, Rice-Spivak, Jack Hill and Thorn Ridge. This has aromatics of red bell pepper, red cherry, red raspberry and sage. This leads to flavors of cherry cola, orange rind, and cran-pomegranate. Delicious and balanced wine here that shows the Burgundy meets Sonoma arrangement. Drink 2016-2027- 92 $50.00
2014 Banshee ‘Tina Maria Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This ten acre site is slightly west of Graton, CA. The high density plantings are farmed by Ron Black. This wine has aromas of red cherry, cranberry, and nutmeg. There are flavors of red cherry, cranberry, and orange rind with a hint of Christmas spice. Delicious and tangy effort by these guys that has delicate texture and lovely nuances. Drink 2016-2026- 92 $50.00
2014 Banshee ‘Sullivan Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This vineyard comes from the Sonoma Mountain AVA, on an elevation of 750-900 feet. The wine underwent 10% whole cluster fermentation and spent 20 months in French oak (20% new) prior to bottling. Aromas of crushed white flowers, lavender, red cherry and red raspberry. This leads to flavors of red cherry, red raspberry with a long and lingering finish that coats the palate. Very solid and lovely balance. Drink 2016-2027- 93 $60.00
2013 Banshee ‘Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Owned and farmed by the Cobb family, Coastlands Vineyard was first planted in 1989, and contains some of the oldest pinot noir vines on the Sonoma Coast. This wine was aged 20 months in 20% new French oak prior to bottling. The wine begins with aromas of red currant, red cherry, guava and nutmeg. There is a lovely red fruit meets black fruit flavor profile at play with flavors of red cherry, dill, boysenberry and Shitake mushroom. Lovely wine that will cellar beautifully for another decade. Distinctive bottling with lovely terroir. Drink 2016-2027- 92 $70.00
2013 Banshee ‘Jack Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-This is the coolest site that Banshee sources from and has a west facing aspect that’s surrounded by an old forest. The 2 acre vineyard is located near the town of Occidental. The wine opens in the glass with aromas reminiscent of teaberry, red raspberry, lavender and cherry pie. This leads to flavors of red cherry, pomegranate, kumquat and red raspberry. A bit lean but tasty. Drink 2016-2025- 90 $60.00
2013 Banshee ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This vineyard was first planted in 1999 and utilizes both Dijon and Swan clones. It was aged 20 months in French oak (25% new) prior to bottling. This Pinot has aromas of red cherry, red raspberry and cloves. This leads to flavors of cherry pie, guava, pomegranate and vanilla. Lovely bottling that has character. Drink 2016-2026-92 $70.00
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