Rick Hutchinson

Amphora Winery, www.amphorawines.com    In 1997 Rick Hutchinson started Amphora Winery, after having over 22 years of experience in different winery positions.  From a inauspicious beginning to now having over ten varietals straddling multiple appellations.  Rick works year round to source the best grapes that can be found and then uses his knowledge and passion to create wines that are skillfully crafted, producing rich, elegant, fruit-forward wines.

   His winery lineup consists of current releases of; award winning 2007 Chardonnay, Peter’s Vineyard;   award winning 2007 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley;  NV Port;  award winning 2006 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley; 2006 Sangiovese, Dry Creek Valley; 2005 Merlot, Polesky Vineyard; 2005 Caberent Sauvignon; 2005 Syrah, Dry Creek Valley; 2005 Petit Sirah, Dry Creek Valley; 2006 Pinot Noir, Clone; 2005 “Due Sorelle” Caberent Sauvignon; 2006 Seen Sisters; 2006 Cabernet Franc, Pedroni Vineyard; and a 2006 Malbec.  

I was fortunate to be able to taste his Chardonnay, two Pinot Noir’s, a Zinfandel, a blend, a Petite Sirah and a Port,  all were very smooth, exceptional wines.  I was especially impressed with his Chardonnay which was full bodied with a good citrus balance and vanilla, his Peter’s Vineyard Pinot Noir was delicious and spicy, his Petit Sirah was black in color and was a dark fruit dinner.

  He also when he finds the time, makes amphorae clay jars which were used by ancient Greeks and Romans to store wine.  His winery is located a few miles outside the beautiful town of Healdsburg, California.