Thomas George Estates
Thomas George Estates, owned and operated by the Baker family, is dedicated to the production of handmade, small-lot wines that express the unique characteristics of each varietal and vineyard. We are proud to farm and produce chardonnay and pinot noir from our three distinct vineyards Baker Ridge, Starr Ridge and Cresta Ridge, all located in different parts of the Russian River Valley, and are committed to reinvigorating the tradition of producing artisan wines at our historic Westside Road Winery, located in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, CA.
Thomas George Estates Sparkling Brut Rosé – Starr Ridge Vineyard – Amber Block 2009 – Our 2009 Brut Rose is made from 100% Pinot Noir from our Starr Ridge Vineyard, Amber Block (clone 115). The fruit was whole cluster pressed to tank, cold settled, racked off the lees, and allowed to ferment dry. The base wine was then put to bottle with a mix of active yeast and allowed to ferment again under pressure, allowing the wine to retain its bubbles. After about a year on yeast, the wine was riddled and disgorged. Our first ever sparkling Pinot Noir has a beautiful salmon hue. The overtly complex nose expresses notes of strawberry-guava, clementine citrus, and fresh cotton candy. The finish is crisp with bone dry high acid. Refreshing yet rich at the same time, this wine is ready to be enjoyed now but will age gracefully. Production: 90 cases.
Thomas George Estates Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008 – Perfumed with candied pineapple and lychee nut, this classic tropical Sauvignon Blanc displays flavours of ruby grapefruit and lemon zest. Brilliant acidity elongates the finish on this single vineyard designate from the hills on the eastern edge of the Russian River Valley. Production: 607 cases
Thomas George Estates Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Musque 2009 – Our Sauvignon Musque is harvested from a 2 acre vineyard in the southwest Dry Creek Valley. Yields are relatively low at 3 tons per acre, and the concentration of flavour in the resulting fruit is excellent. At the winery, the fruit is de-stemmed and gently pressed into stainless steel tanks for a three week, cool fermentation. Once dry, we rack to clean stainless steel and leave the wine alone in order to preserve the freshness of flavour that is inherent in the variety. Here is a wine with explosive aromatics of stone fruit and tropical flowers. With so little winemaker intervention the wine is true to its variety. On the palate the fresh fruit flavours are balanced with citrus and spice notes leading to a long, clean and eminently enjoyable finish. Production: 188 cases
Thomas George Estates Sonoma Valley Viognier 2008 – This highly aromatic Viognier is bursting with notes of citrus blossom, honeysuckle and jasmine flower. Completely stainless steel fermented, with no malolactic conversion, this dry wine possesses a textured mid-palate reminiscent of banana crème brulee, giving way to a bright and zesty long finish. Production: 364 cases
Thomas George Estates Stuhlmuller Vineyard Chardonnay INOX 2008 – Our 2008 vineyard designate Chardonnay comes from the well-known Stuhlmuller Estate, located at the convergence of Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, and Chalk Hill. Alluvial soils and rocky hillsides combine with a distinct microclimate ideal for growing premium Chardonnay grapes. This fruit was hand harvested on the morning of September 6th at a brix of 24.9 degrees. Whole cluster pressed to tank and cold settled, the juice was racked off its lees, fermented dry and aged in its own stainless steel tank. Without the butter cream aspect from ML conversion, or oak flavours from barrels, our INOX exemplifies the true fruit characteristics of Chardonnay. Production: 325 cases
Thomas George Estates Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2008 – Exhibits a sweet bouquet of buttery pear, apple and tropical custard with a hint of lemon zest. The immediate impact on the palate is that of apple pie. Mid-palate is sweet vanilla oak, pearl and apple fruit, followed by a surprising burst of acidity. The finish is crisp lemon peel which leaves a sense of chewiness felt in the cheeks. An overall well-balanced bright wine. Production: 200 cases
Thomas George Estates Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2007 – Our 2007 Russian River Pinot Noir comes from three different vineyards within the appellation, all harvested between Sept. 24 – Oct. 2 2007. The wine was barreled down and allowed to age for 10 months in French oak barrels. Shows a very expressive true Russian River Valley aromatic nose, bursting with floral cherry, dark plum, ripe strawberry, integrated with hints of leather, cinnamon and cocoa wood. The mid-palate is full, with bright acidity filling-out the backend. With its alluring classic Russian River characteristics this pinot noir is enticing and most approachable. Production: 950 cases
Thomas George Estates Lancel Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 – This 2008 vineyard designate Pinot Noir comes from the famed Ulises Valdez Lancel Creek Vineyard which is located on the far western edge of Green Valley. This bright, vibrant Pinot Noir begins with floral rose petals on the nose followed by dark blue fruit, white pepper, and baking spices. Notes of blood orange and kola nut balance the grippy peach-like texture. Hints of milk chocolate and pomegranate add structure to this truly great wine. Production: 478 cases
Thomas George Estates Baker Ridge Backbone Block Pinot Noir 2008 – Baker Ridge is located just up the hill from our winery, at an altitude of 280 ft. Planted in 1990 by Davis and Hampton Bynum, the Backbone Block is the Martini clone Pinot Noir trellised on 7 foot rows with 5 feet between each vine. The block is situated on an east facing slope, allowing for direct light in the morning and early afternoon, while minimizing the scorch of the late afternoon sun. This wine exhibits a bouquet of bright blue fruit complemented by floral rose and lavender notes. The palate shows blueberry cheesecake and candied red apple, followed by super soft and silky tannins, scintillating acidity and a super long finish. This is an example of a very feminine Pinot Noir. Production: 60 cases
Thomas George Estates Tre Torrente Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2008 – The Tre Torrente Vineyard is located on the eastern bench land of Dry Creek Valley. The zinfandel here is a 15 year old planting of winecreek clone grafted to St. George rootstock on rocky red clay, and being on the east side of the valley, benefits from the extra sunlight it receives in the late afternoon. This striking Dry Creek Zinfandel shows incredible restraint, balance and structure. Blackberry, boysenberry and black cherry make up the dark fruit driven nose. A hint of pomegranate accompanied by vanilla kola nut spice, provide balance to the deep, concentrated fruit. The wine has an elegant and bright acidity and lingering finish with traces of marzipan. Production: 486 cases.
