Back in December I was sitting at the bar at one of Seattle's great restaurants, RN74, when a familiar face strolled in. ‘That’s Ross Cobb,’ I thought to myself. Ross and I had only met informally at a tasting but what was he doing in Seattle? We greeted each other and he mentioned that he was hosting a wine dinner with another Washington winery. I have long admired Ross’s wines from his namesake winery.
Cobb Wines was founded by Ross’s father, David Cobb, in 2001. Their story has a long history beginning in 1989 when David Cobb began cultivating Pinot Noir vines at his small Coastlands Vineyard, perched literally right overlooking the Sonoma coast. Cobb Wines combines the wine-growing prowess of David Cobb—one of the first big players in Pinot Noir viticulture on the far Sonoma Coast—with the winemaking talents of his son, Ross. Ross has a long resume, including previous stints at famed producers Ferrari-Carano, and Williams Selyem, where he served as viticulturist and enologist.
Only 130 cases of Cobb Wines were made with their first 2001 vintage. Now their production has increased considerably. I was blown away with what Ross did to his wines in 2017. The salty terroir that he is able to extract makes these truly one of a kind. Look to the 2017 Cobb Wines ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) which is a mind-blowing new release that has gobs of minerality, salinity and a silky smooth texture. Learn more about these brilliant Pinot Noirs at http://cobbwines.com Here are the outstanding new releases from Cobb.
2017 Cobb Wines ‘Wendling Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Anderson Valley, the ‘Wendling Vineyard’ is planted to Pommard, 114, 667 and Massal Selection clones of Pinot Noir. Quite translucent once in the glass, this opens with cinnamon infused red cherry with teaberry aromatics and shades of cigar box that all meld in the glass. The texture and bright acidity of the Pinot Noir really shines. Sour red cherry and pomegranate seed collide with suggestions of white grapefruit and damp earth undertones on the palate. Seriously good right now, enjoy this over the next ten years as the earthy, tertiary tones evolve. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Cobb Wines ‘Emmaline Ann Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Emmaline Ann Vineyard’ is located at the western edge of Sebastopol, California. Set on Goldridge soils, this three acre plot of land is very much influenced by the Pacific Ocean. The earthy undertones with peat moss and black truffle really entice, mingling with shades of wild blackberry preserves and clove on this expressive nose. The palate has marvelous verve and freshness as a beam of salinity races through the core of red and dark fruits. The exceedingly long finish lingers on the tongue. Delightful in its youth, this fantastic Pinot Noir will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2034- 94
2017 Cobb Wines ‘Diane Cobb Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Diane Cobb and her family co-founded the famed ‘Coastlands Vineyard’ back in 1989 which is planted to over 20 clones of Pinot Noir. This particular wine is sourced from a specific 1.5 acre parcel of land in the Coastlands Vineyard. Saline drenched red cherry and orange rind connect with shades of nutmeg and forest floor on this expressive nose. The soft mouthfeel really brings this together as bright red fruits and citrus rind accents collide with minerals and shades of peat moss on the palate. Fantastic in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least fifteen years. Drink 2020-2034- 94
2017 Cobb Wines ‘Coastlands Vineyard, Old Firs Block’ Pinot Noir- Within the ‘Coastlands Vineyard’ lies the ‘Old Firs Block’ which are home to some of the oldest vines in this historic Sonoma Coast AVA vineyard. The aromatics lean towards the bright salinity and red fruit character, with lighter dustings of white pepper and smoky undertones that all are woven together in the glass. The verve and freshness of the wine is every bit outstanding as lighter blood orange rind and cran-cherry flavors connect with the bright salinity and freshness imparted mid-palate. Seriously good in its youth, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve well or the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2034- 94
2017 Cobb Wines ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ is set on Goldridge loam and a dusting of volcanic ash, as the vineyard is planted to Dijon and Swan Pinot Noir clones. The nose is intoxicating with its lighter volcanic terroir that collides with shades of salted pomegranate and cranberry fruits that are seamlessly woven together in the glass. The palate is plush and soft, unveiling a seamless effect that makes this beautiful wine glide across the mid-palate. The salinity and textural elements really brilliantly combine with the core of red and dark fruits, with citrus and volcanic earth undertones. Every bit outstanding now, the 2017 ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 95
2017 Cobb Wines ‘Docs Ranch Vineyard Swan & Calera Selection’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Docs Ranch Vineyard’ is located more than 1000 feet above sea level in the Sonoma Coast AVA as the Calera clone selection was first planted by the Sheets family. The damp earth tones really entice as the bright sense of salinity runs through the core of this expressive nose. The palate shows great texture and freshness with peat moss that collides with wild blackberry and suggestions of teaberry that mingle with orange rind on this downright delicious range of flavors. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2034- 93
2017 Cobb Wines ‘Docs Ranch Vineyard Pommard & 114 Selection’ Pinot Noir- This acclaimed Sonoma Coast AVA vineyard is located only three miles from the Pacific Ocean, as strong Maritime influences this site as well as the neighboring Coastlands Vineyard. The deep dark fruit aromas connect with the light flinty and saline tones on this expressive nose. The palate has great weight and a bright beam of salinity that races through the core of dark and red fruits. The long, evocative finish, completes this gorgeous bottling. Drink 2020-2034- 94