The third generation Bogle family is a hands-on operation. If you walk into the office at their Clarksburg, California headquarters, you’ll inevitably find Jody or Warren Bogle slaving away for their legacy. They own 1,500 acres all over the state since the family has been farming land since the 1870s. Funny part is, they kinda fell into the grape-growing biz in 1968 — when the Bogle’s grandfather wanted a crop he didn’t have to replant each year. He chose petite sirah (now their most famous varietal wine) and chenin blanc.
But it was until 1978, when one of their grape clients didn’t need their fruit , that the Bogle family made wine for the first time. It apparently sucked so bad they had to give it away but they kept at it. Then in 1997, when Patty Bogle took over the reigns after her husband died suddenly, Bogle Vineyards took off and became what we know today — a million-case winery with no debt and a humble, down-to-earth family ownership.
I’ve enjoyed their Bogle Phantom for years but hadn’t tried their other varietals. This pinot impressed me as a great value.
One of the best inexpensive pinots I’ve tasted in a long time. Fruit for this wine came from Monterey County, Russian River, Santa Barbara and their estate in Clarksburg. It’s light-bodied and bright with raspberry and red cherry flavors. Food friendly with excellent acidity too. Drink it slightly chilled.
Sweetness: 1 out of 10
Retail price: $10-$12
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Occasion: Tasted at dinner with Jody Bogle from Bogle Vineyards. It didn’t particularly go well with the food we ate, but it shined all by itself.
Availability: Widely available at many grocery stores, including Publix in the South
I’ve never seen / tasted this, but love their Russian River Valley pinot. Easily my favorite in the $15 & under range.
the price is mind-bogeling (if it’s good)!
All the Bogle Wines are a great band for the buck!
Tried and like it very, very much.
I haven’t found many wines that I like. Normally they seem to give me a bitter after taste. This does not do that at all. Great wine and great price.