Yorkville Cellars, in Mendocino County, was one of the pioneers of Eco-friendly farming in the wine industry. Their vineyards have been certified by the California Certified Organic Famers (CCOF) since 1986, and they’ve made great wine from the beginning. Recently, our panel tasted a selection of the winery’s current releases.

Grape(s): Malbec

Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2009

Farming Certification: CCOF Organic

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and earth rise up from a glass. Rich flavors of blueberry, bright cherry, and boysenberry come together with notes of violets and cocoa on the palate. A supple Malbec that’s much more fruit-driven than most from Argentina, if you enjoy reds with rich, layered but fairly light flavors, this is a bottle to try.

Rating: 91

Grape(s): 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Carmenere, 5% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot

Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2009

Special Designation: Richard the Loin-Heart

Farming Certification: CCOF Organic

Price: 25-30

Review:

On the nose, highlights of blueberries, blackberries, and boysenberries meld with accents of barrel spice and oak. On the palate, rich dark berry flavors come together with hints of oak and cinnamon. A lighter, layered blend, that’s a fine pairing for a roast chicken or quite easy to sip on its own.

Rating: 89

Grape(s): Merlot 35%, Malbec 22%, Carignane 14%, Zinfandel 12%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Petit Verdot 4%, Cabernet 4%

Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2009

Special Designation: High Rollr Red

Farming Certification: CCOF Organic

Price: 15-20

Review:

A bouquet of blackberries, plums, and raspberries melds with suggestions of sage on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of cherry, blackberry, and plum with accents of spice and dusty earth. A nice, approachable red with moderate tannins, it can pair with a variety of food.

Rating: 87

Grape(s): Merlot 90% & Cabernet 10%

Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2009

Farming Certification: CCOF Organic

Price: 20-25

Review:

Aromatics of bramble fruit and black cherry melds with notes of chocolate and a slight floral hint. Flavors of cherries, boysenberries, and blackberries with accents of anise and dusty minerals emerge on the palate. A bright, fruit-driven red, with medium tannins, it’s a Merlot that even Cab lovers can enjoy.

Rating: 89

Grape(s): Semillon 60% & Sauvignon Blanc 40%

Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2010

Special Designation: Eleanor of Aquitaine

Farming Certification: CCOF Organic

Price: 20-25

Review:

Fragrant notes of honey, pear, and citrus fruits with accents of dusty minerals rise up from a glass. Lively notes of lemon, lime, and ruby red grapefruit meld with fresh minerals on the palate. A bright wine that’s very food friendly, it’s great to pair with white fish in a creamy sauce or to enjoy on its own if you’re a fan of crisp, minerally whites.

Rating: 89

 

Grape(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2010

Farming Certification: CCOF Organic

Price: 20-25

Review:

Aromas of gooseberries and citrus notes combine with hints of grass on the nose. Flavors of lime, grapefruit, and gooseberries meld with a few herbaceous notes on the palate. A fairly crisp white, that still offers plenty of fruit, if you’re seeking that nice balance, this is a bottle to try.

Rating: 88