2022 Fifth Hill Red Blend, Pickberry Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
This wine beautifully expresses the history and prestige of one of Sonoma’s most acclaimed vineyard sites. First established in the early 1970s on the volcanic slopes of Sonoma Mountain, Pickberry Vineyard has become synonymous with depth, elegance, and age-worthy structure, producing award-winning wines that reflect both terroir and meticulous farming. This blend captures that legacy by weaving together the plushness of Merlot, the dark-fruited intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the spice and lift of varieties like Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Aromatics of blackberry, blueberry, and violet are layered with subtle notes of menthol, sage, and baking spice, leading into flavors of plum, black currant, cocoa, and a hint of dried herbs. The palate is full and harmonious, with balanced acidity, well-integrated tannins, and a long, polished finish. Both approachable and cellar-worthy, this mixed red showcases the power and finesse for which Pickberry is known, pairing beautifully with roasted lamb, braised short ribs, or rich vegetarian stews, while promising further complexity with time in bottle. The wine is perfect to cellar or pop open for a nice steak!
Specs
Vintage: 2022
Varietals: 55% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 15% Petite Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: Pickberry Vineyard
Appellation: Sonoma Mountain
Harvest Date: 13 September 2022
Harvest Sugar: 23.5°
Alcohol: 13.7%
TA: 5.5 g/L
pH: 3.61
Fermentation: After a two-day cold soak, short fermentations with regular aerative pumpovers and delastage. Then gently pressed into oak barrels.
Aging: 24 months, 30% new French oak.
Production: 220 cases (12 x 750 mL)
2022 Fifth Hill Merlot, Oak Shade Ranch, Sonoma Mountain
This Merlot comes from 800 ft. in elevation on Sonoma Mountain. This red has a deep, dense ruby-red color with hints of purple at the rim. It has an intense and complex bouquet of ripe dark fruits like blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum. Secondary aromas of cedar and vanilla. On the palate, this is a full-bodied wine with black fruit notes and well-integrated tannins. This provides a good structure and grip, but also provides a balanced acidity. The wine finishes with smooth dark chocolate and earthy notes adding depth and persisting flavors. The wine is perfect to cellar or pop open for a nice steak!
Specs
Vintage: 2022
Varietal: Merlot
Vineyard: Oak Shade Ranch
Appellation: Sonoma Mountain
Harvest Date: September 2022
Harvest Sugar: 24.1°
Alcohol: 14.8%
TA: 6.11 g/L
pH: 3.58
Fermentation: After a two-day cold soak, short fermentations with regular aerative pumpovers and delastage. Then gently pressed into oak barrels.
Aging: 18 months, 30% new French Oak
Production: 138 cases (12 x 750 mL)
What’s Included
4-bottles:
2x - 2022 Fifth Hill Red Blend, Pickberry Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
2x - 2022 Fifth Hill Merlot, Oak Shade Ranch, Sonoma Mountain
Case:
6x - 2022 Fifth Hill Red Blend, Pickberry Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
6x - 2022 Fifth Hill Merlot, Oak Shade Ranch, Sonoma Mountain
Family owned - and named after their daughter, the fifth member of the Hill family- Ned and Erika Hill started Fifth Hill wines to make truly farm to glass wines -from only the best farms. As multi-generation Sonoma grape growers, wine is more than a past time, it is their full time -a way of life.
The Fifth Hill label was created to bottle wine from some of the most celebrated and unique vineyards in their vineyard management portfolio. The sites are so unique that each bottle celebrates the distinct characteristics of the soil, weather and landscape.
Most annual harvests provide only enough grapes for 300 cases or less of wine production. This small-lot production makes every bottle, glass and sip special in its own right.
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Full disclosure up front: I’m coming off a cold, so my nose isn’t exactly at peak performance. Take the aromatics section with that in mind. I did my best.
This round brought a 2022 Fifth Hill “Pickberry” from Sonoma Mountain - a red blend with no varietal breakdown listed on the bottle, which is either mysterious or just confident. Either way, into the glass it goes.
Pop n pour:
Deep garnet with good clarity. Clean and inviting in the glass.
Nose:
Even through the congestion, this one showed up. Anise and leather lead, followed by strawberry, cherry, a nice cola note, and darker red fruits in the background. Solid aromatics for a stuffy-nosed pour.
First sip:
This wine drinks juicy - the acidity is present and lively without being sharp. Tannins are there but polished and undemanding. Dark fruits carry most of the flavor profile, with touches of leather, cola, and baking spice woven in. At 14.9% alcohol, it’s on the higher end, but it integrates well and doesn’t call attention to itself. Nothing out of place, nothing fighting for attention - just a well-balanced, smooth blend that earns its finish.
Not sweet. Not showy. Just a really enjoyable red that would drink well on its own or alongside a good meal.
Given the Sonoma Mountain appellation and how well this is put together, I’d be curious where it lands on price. Worth looking into.
Thanks as always for the excuse to open something good, sinus drama and all.
Long natural cork, 1/8” purple/garnet penetration. Light garnet in the glass with a purple edge. Dark fruit & baking spice on the nose. Medium body on the palate, limited fruit with baking spice (allspice) and raspberry licorice on the palate. Bright acidity, some tar, little astringency but there is a lively mineral energy. It’s like the thoughtful graduate student at the party afraid of saying too much for want of a clever line; blushing, mute.
I brought it to a gathering of friends who don’t drink wine very often. I got a range of insights, including “For a red, tastes light. No astringency, red equivalent of a porch pounder.” “Smells like cherry and a bit like raisin because it is earthy. Not tannic, no oak”. “No strong bite, not sweet. I don’t like most red wines but I like this one.” And finally, from my friend who prefers beer “If I came to your house and you gave this to me, I would drink it”.
Over time, it really opened up. The nose is still heavy on the baking spice with an herbal aside. The palate evolved to a more cherry vanilla core with a layer of tongue coating astringency as an additional textural layer, not a flavor. It’s the other Bennet sister; not radiant Jane or captivating Lizzie but thoughtful, brooding Mary Bennet. Distinct in her own way, overshadowed by brighter burning stars and a nuisance to a mother’s all-consuming passion. Many thanks to the Boys in Brown for a well-executed delivery, to WCC for pulling my name out of the hat (thought I wouldn’t have minded an email telling me when to have my report ready) and to 5th Hill for making a thought-provoking wine. Salut!
@Mark_L whoops, didn’t pay close enough attention this morning! It was the Oak Shade Ranch Merlot. Can someone edit my post (maybe @rjquillin) and specify this detail please?
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
Fifth Hill Mixed Reds - $55 = 22.91%
Reverse Wine Snob with a couple of
Pickberry…The 2022 Fifth Hill Pickberry Vineyard Red opens with a wonderful nose full of ripe dark berry fruit and well integrated cinnamon and other baking spice. Add in some notes of smoke, licorice, vanilla, chocolate and graphite and this is love!
Tasting the wine reveals more of the same which is a very good thing. Big, juicy and delicious with a smooth and lush mouthfeel, this one just keeps getting better and better the more air it has. It features plenty of tannins and structure at this young age, which bodes well for the future.
It ends dry, very long, grippy and even a bit chewy on the very satisfying finish. Big and tasty, this is really delicious. It was just as good on day 2. Pickberry for the win! Taste Score 10 (94+) 5/1/26
Merlot…The 2022 Fifth Hill Oak Shade Ranch Merlot opens with a pleasing aroma of very dark berry fruit, cedar, cigar box, vanilla and cocoa with even more coming out with time in the glass. It’s an attractive start!
Tasting the wine reveals it to be very smooth, with that signature round Merlot mouthfeel. It’s also quite delicious with similar flavors to the nose plus plenty of structure, balance and good, juicy acidity. This is just a pleasure to drink!
It ends dry, quite long and grippy on the satisfying finish and it was even a bit better on day 2 where it developed more of a savory note on the finish. We put it at the high end of our 9 Taste Rating at 92-93 points. 5/1/26
The Blend…2026 SF Chronicle Wine Competition…Silver
The Blend…2025 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge…Gold. 92 Points. Cinnamon spice with a hint
of herb in a nice way. 4/1/25
Fifth Hill Mixed Reds
2022 Fifth Hill Red Blend, Pickberry Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
Specs
2022 Fifth Hill Merlot, Oak Shade Ranch, Sonoma Mountain
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not available on winery website, $648/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jun 8 - Tuesday, Jun 9
Fifth Hill Mixed Reds
4 bottles for $79.99 $20/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $184.99 $15.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2022 Fifth Hill Red Blend
2022 Fifth Hill Merlot
2022 Fifth Hill Red Blend
Hey there, Casemates!
Full disclosure up front: I’m coming off a cold, so my nose isn’t exactly at peak performance. Take the aromatics section with that in mind. I did my best.
This round brought a 2022 Fifth Hill “Pickberry” from Sonoma Mountain - a red blend with no varietal breakdown listed on the bottle, which is either mysterious or just confident. Either way, into the glass it goes.
Pop n pour:
Deep garnet with good clarity. Clean and inviting in the glass.
Nose:
Even through the congestion, this one showed up. Anise and leather lead, followed by strawberry, cherry, a nice cola note, and darker red fruits in the background. Solid aromatics for a stuffy-nosed pour.
First sip:
This wine drinks juicy - the acidity is present and lively without being sharp. Tannins are there but polished and undemanding. Dark fruits carry most of the flavor profile, with touches of leather, cola, and baking spice woven in. At 14.9% alcohol, it’s on the higher end, but it integrates well and doesn’t call attention to itself. Nothing out of place, nothing fighting for attention - just a well-balanced, smooth blend that earns its finish.
Not sweet. Not showy. Just a really enjoyable red that would drink well on its own or alongside a good meal.
Given the Sonoma Mountain appellation and how well this is put together, I’d be curious where it lands on price. Worth looking into.
Thanks as always for the excuse to open something good, sinus drama and all.
-timnath
@timnath Specs above say 13.7% alcohol on the blend - can you confirm?
@klezman @timnath RWS specs and bottle shots show both wines at 14.9
https://www.reversewinesnob.com/insider-deal-fifth-hill-sonoma-mountain-reds/
Oak Shade Ranch Merlot
Long natural cork, 1/8” purple/garnet penetration. Light garnet in the glass with a purple edge. Dark fruit & baking spice on the nose. Medium body on the palate, limited fruit with baking spice (allspice) and raspberry licorice on the palate. Bright acidity, some tar, little astringency but there is a lively mineral energy. It’s like the thoughtful graduate student at the party afraid of saying too much for want of a clever line; blushing, mute.
I brought it to a gathering of friends who don’t drink wine very often. I got a range of insights, including “For a red, tastes light. No astringency, red equivalent of a porch pounder.” “Smells like cherry and a bit like raisin because it is earthy. Not tannic, no oak”. “No strong bite, not sweet. I don’t like most red wines but I like this one.” And finally, from my friend who prefers beer “If I came to your house and you gave this to me, I would drink it”.
Over time, it really opened up. The nose is still heavy on the baking spice with an herbal aside. The palate evolved to a more cherry vanilla core with a layer of tongue coating astringency as an additional textural layer, not a flavor. It’s the other Bennet sister; not radiant Jane or captivating Lizzie but thoughtful, brooding Mary Bennet. Distinct in her own way, overshadowed by brighter burning stars and a nuisance to a mother’s all-consuming passion. Many thanks to the Boys in Brown for a well-executed delivery, to WCC for pulling my name out of the hat (thought I wouldn’t have minded an email telling me when to have my report ready) and to 5th Hill for making a thought-provoking wine. Salut!
@KitMarlot Could you specify which of the 2 bottles you are ratting?
@Mark_L whoops, didn’t pay close enough attention this morning! It was the Oak Shade Ranch Merlot. Can someone edit my post (maybe @rjquillin) and specify this detail please?
@KitMarlot @Mark_L
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
Fifth Hill Mixed Reds - $55 = 22.91%
Reverse Wine Snob with a couple of
Pickberry…The 2022 Fifth Hill Pickberry Vineyard Red opens with a wonderful nose full of ripe dark berry fruit and well integrated cinnamon and other baking spice. Add in some notes of smoke, licorice, vanilla, chocolate and graphite and this is love!
Tasting the wine reveals more of the same which is a very good thing. Big, juicy and delicious with a smooth and lush mouthfeel, this one just keeps getting better and better the more air it has. It features plenty of tannins and structure at this young age, which bodes well for the future.
It ends dry, very long, grippy and even a bit chewy on the very satisfying finish. Big and tasty, this is really delicious. It was just as good on day 2. Pickberry for the win! Taste Score 10 (94+) 5/1/26
Merlot…The 2022 Fifth Hill Oak Shade Ranch Merlot opens with a pleasing aroma of very dark berry fruit, cedar, cigar box, vanilla and cocoa with even more coming out with time in the glass. It’s an attractive start!
Tasting the wine reveals it to be very smooth, with that signature round Merlot mouthfeel. It’s also quite delicious with similar flavors to the nose plus plenty of structure, balance and good, juicy acidity. This is just a pleasure to drink!
It ends dry, quite long and grippy on the satisfying finish and it was even a bit better on day 2 where it developed more of a savory note on the finish. We put it at the high end of our 9 Taste Rating at 92-93 points. 5/1/26
The Blend…2026 SF Chronicle Wine Competition…Silver
The Blend…2025 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge…Gold. 92 Points. Cinnamon spice with a hint
of herb in a nice way. 4/1/25
fwiw
