Tasting Report: Olson Ogden Wines

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Tim Olson and John Ogden are the names behind Olson Ogden Wines. I had a chance to taste through 3 Syrahs and 2 Pinot Noirs from their 2007 vintage, which included 3 wines I considered outstanding. But first, a little information about the winery...

From their website:


"Olson Ogden Wines is a small, artisan wine company located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. We specialize in small production, handcrafted wines. Our focus is on Pinot Noir and Rhone varietals, with an emphasis on vineyard designated Syrah’s. We seek out passionate growers with special vineyards.

Our primary goal is to produce balanced, complex and tasty wines that express the terroir and vintage from which they come."


Sounds like a great fit for my palate. Here are my notes, taken from enjoying these wines over a period of a few weeks:

2007 Olson Ogden Sonoma/Napa Syrah

  • 72% Sonoma/28% Napa
  • Medium intensity aromatically and on the palate.
  • I was looking for something more from this wine.
  • A little, just a little, hot with alcohol.
  • 14.8% alc
  • $28
  • 86 WWP/Very good
2007 Olson Ogden Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
  • Limited aromatically and on the front end of the palate
  • However, it comes through big time on the back end
  • A very soft, round wine. Non-bright.
  • Even better the 2nd night
  • 14.8% alc
  • $32
  • 88 WWP/Very good
2007 Olson Ogden Stagecoach Syrah Napa Valley


  • A luscious, hedonistic wine
  • Deep, dark purple. Fresh. Very fresh. And vibrant.
  • Blueberries, blackberries, and leather on the nose.
  • Fleshy tannins. Youthful mouth-feel and finish.
  • 14.7% alcohol
  • $52
  • 93 WWP/Oustanding
2007 Olson Ogden Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

  • Medium-Full Bodied.
  • Baking spices and a little gamey on the nose initially, but in a good way. Like Thanksgiving dinner being prepared.
  • Light acidity. More of a cocktail wine than a wine to be enjoyed with dinner.
  • One of those wines where you intend to have a single glass and it ends up being more like a single bottle. Delicious stuff.
  • 14.7%
  • $42
  • 92 WWP/Outstanding
2007 Olson Ogden Syrah Unti Vineyard
  • Fresh and lively red raspberries.
  • Delivered something different on the nose each time I smelled it (orange peel, bacon fat). Complex or "lacks focus"- you decide.
  • Chalky tannins that quickly softened while the bottle was open.
  • Dusty, but in a good way.
  • 14.5% alc
  • $38
  • 90 WWP/Outstanding
I'd like to thank Olson Ogden for giving me the chance to taste through these wines. I really appreciate it, and I'd encourage you to check out their outstanding wines.

Check 'em out:
Olson Ogden Wines

Follow them on Twitter:
@OlsonOgdenWines

Further Reading: Wine Spectator called 2007 the best California Pinot Noir vintage ever. Read more about it HERE.

Question of the Day: Do you have any familiarity with Olson Ogden? If so, I'd love to hear what you think.

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