Yorkville Cellars

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.

 

YorkvilleRLH

Yorkville Cellars 2010 Richard the Lion Heart

Grape(s):  60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 4% Carmenere, 3% Petit Verdot, & 3% Cabernet Franc

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 35-40

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of cherry, boysenberry, and blackberry open up into suggestions of all-spice and cedar on the nose. A sip unfurls flavors of bramble fruits and cherries along with accents of toasty oak, cocoa, and sweet spice. A dark, rich blend with supple tannins, it will pair brilliantly with lamb or portabella mushrooms and good company. Less than 400 cases produced.

Rating: 90

YorkvilleMalbec

Yorkville Cellars 2010 Malbec

Grape(s):  90% Malbec & 10% Merlot

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 25-30

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of blackberries and blueberries meld with suggestions of earth and herbs on the nose. The palate delivers slightly tart blueberry and bramble fruit flavors, backed by notes of damp earth and a hint of spice. A lighter wine, lacking the heavy tannins often found with the variety, fans of smooth, dry, earthy reds will enjoy this bottle. Under 600 cases produced.

Rating: 88

YorkvilleCab

Yorkville Cellars 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s):  100% Organically Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums with accented by notes of dark chocolate and barrel spice rise up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and cherry along with hints of cocoa, earth, and pie crust. A supple Cab with ripe fruit flavors and medium tannins, it will pair nicely with a beef stew. Less than 1,000 cases were made.

Rating: 89

Yorkvillespklng_pv_650

Yorkville Cellars 2012 Brut Rosé

Grape(s):  87% Petit Verdot & 13% Cabernet Franc

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of dark berries and tropical fruits greets the senses.  Blueberry, cherry, and kiwi notes emerge on the palate along with just a hit of fresh roasted nuts.  Fairly light and approachable with a pleasant touch of sweetness, it’s ideal for Sunday brunch or sipping on a sunny evening.

Rating: 89