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Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
A microclimate that began a mere 20 million years ago is nothing short of a miracle. Tectonic plate movements caused mountains to rise out of the ocean, break off the plate, and rotate clockwise, creating one of the most defined, transverse ranges on the Pacific Coast, and remnants of marine sediment deposited during the Miocene Epoch is the soil base. But what makes this area truly unique is the purely East/West maritime mouth that funnels cooling coastal fog and wind to the vines. Sta. Rita Hills is one of the world’s best cool-climate growing regions of Pinot Noir.
The 2019 season was windy, with heavy fog that didn’t break for roughly two weeks, which aided in optimal phenolic development of the grapes. As captivating as it is delicious, this wine has a robust and dynamic cool-factor, with intense fruit and spice notes continuing throughout the palate, building to a complex and polished finish.
VINEYARD Bentrock, Radian, John Sebastiano, Hilliard Bruce, Rita’s Crown, Mt. Carmel
CLONES 667, 777, 115, 2A, Swan, 828, 23
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Silica (D.E. marine-based soil)
FERMENTATION 100% stainless steel
AGING 44% new French oak for 13 months
ALCOHOL 14.5%
pH 3.67
TA 5.9 g/L
NOSE Intense aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, and Rainier cherry. Underlying notes of cinnamon, lemon-thyme, and sarsaparilla.
MOUTH Powerful, with a rush of intense fruit, balanced by the complex texture. Polished, with well-integrated oak and a focused structure.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combines a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard. Bountiful aromas of quince, sharp lemon curd, and lime zest leap from the glass, while the palate displays a complex interaction between the acidity and textural richness. Subtle flavors of ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond linger upon the nuanced finish. VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard FERMENTATION 80% fermented and aged in a horizontal foudre for 16 months, then moved to a barrel for an additional 2 months NOSE Bountiful citrus aromatics entice the senses with expressions of lime zest, fresh peach, and toasted almonds. Refined notes of lavender and sage add to the dynamic appeal. Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground. Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish. VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard FERMENTATION 45% wood, 40% concrete, 8% whole cluster, 7% stainless steel NOSE Earthy notes complement the bright cherry and cranberry aromas, while a subtle vanilla bean highlights the elegant structure.
2018 Cerise Vineyard Chardonnay
Complex and Vibrant
Fact of Note: 80% fermented and aged in foudre.
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Vineyard Details
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION North East/South West
TRELLISING Quad Cordon
SOIL Wolfey-Bearwallow
Technical Details
ÉLEVAGE 9% new French oak for 18 months
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.47
TA 6.1 g/L
Tasting Notes
MOUTH Ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond complement the nuanced tension of acidity and round, textural richness.
pH 3.47
80% foudre
9% new French oak
2017 Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir
Fine Grit and Rustic
Fact of Note: Elevation difference in the vineyards caused a 5-week spread in pick.
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Vineyard Details
CLONES Pommard, Martini, 115, 2A, 777, 114, 667, David Bruce
ORIENTATION North East / South West
TRELLISING Cane VSP
SOIL Yorkville-Witherell
Technical Details
AGING Barrel aged 19 months in 47% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.8
TA 5.60 g/L
Tasting Notes
MOUTH Harmonious and poised, with fine tannins, powerful fruit, and a captivating acidity.
7% stainless steel fermentation
47% new French oak
pH 3.8
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Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.
Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.
VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard
CLONES Pommard, Martini, 115, 2A, 777, 114, 667, David Bruce
ORIENTATION North East / South West
TRELLISING Cane VSP
SOIL Yorkville-Witherell
FERMENTATION 45% wood, 40% concrete, 8% whole cluster, 7% stainless steel
AGING Barrel aged 19 months in 47% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.8
TA 5.60 g/L
NOSE Earthy notes complement the bright cherry and cranberry aromas, while a subtle vanilla bean highlights the elegant structure.
MOUTH Harmonious and poised, with fine tannins, powerful fruit, and a captivating acidity.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.
Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.
VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard
CLONES Pommard, Martini, 115, 2A, 777, 114, 667, David Bruce
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Cane VSP
SOIL Yorkville-Witherell
FERMENTATION 45% wood, 40% concrete, 8% whole cluster, 7% stainless steel
AGING Barrel aged 19 months in 47% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.80
TA 5.60 g/L
NOSE Earthy notes complement the bright cherry and cranberry aromas, while a subtle vanilla bean highlights the elegant structure.
MOUTH Harmonious and poised, with fine tannins, powerful fruit, and a captivating acidity.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combines a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard.
Bountiful aromas of quince, sharp lemon curd, and lime zest leap from the glass, while the palate displays a complex interaction between the acidity and textural richness. Subtle flavors of ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond linger upon the nuanced finish.
VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION North East/South West
TRELLISING Quad Cordon
SOIL Wolfey-Bearwallow
FERMENTATION 80% fermented and aged in a horizontal foudre for 16 months, then moved to a barrel for an additional 2 months
ÉLEVAGE 9% new French oak for 18 months
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.47
TA 6.1 g/L
NOSE Bountiful citrus aromatics entice the senses with expressions of lime zest, fresh peach, and toasted almonds. Refined notes of lavender and sage add to the dynamic appeal.
MOUTH Ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond complement the nuanced tension of acidity and round, textural richness..
Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. The ranch has six varieties of Pinot Noir clones and features two blocks of Chardonnay planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. The Chardonnay lies on the northern edge of the vineyard. This portion gently slopes toward a backdrop of redwoods, collecting cool air, and is the perfect location to grow this variety. Though vines were first planted on the site in 2009, the bulk of the vineyard was planted the following year. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is lively and energetic with a show-stopping palate, gorgeous richness, and depth. Racy acidity complements the poise and purity of flavors, including vibrant grapefruit and lemon peel with captivating notes of minerality. VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill FERMENTATION 100% barrel NOSE Lively aromas of grapefruit, lemon peel, and apricot leap from the glass while subtle impressions of caramel linger. Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. Surrounded by redwoods and firs, the cool climate and well-drained Goldridge soils of this revered site keep crops small, adding intensity, elegance, and enticing flavors to both our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. From its spherical structure on the palate to flavors of pristine red fruit, there is an effortless harmony to this wine. Aromas of red cherry and strawberry jam emerge from the glass with subtle notes of roses and singed crème brûlée, while understated tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish. VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard FERMENTATION 92% stainless steel, 8% concrete, 4% whole cluster NOSE An expressive wine with illuminating notes of strawberry jam, dried cherry, and singed crème brûlée. A surprising hint of dark pluots adds intrigue.
2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Chardonnay
An Unmatched Treasure in Russian River
Fact of Note: Leaf plucking was done on the shaded side of the rows to allow for more sun exposure and even ripening.
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Vineyard Details
CLONES Hyde
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
Technical Details
ÉLEVAGE 45% new French oak for 17 months, prior to bottling 100% stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 13.9% pH 3.29
TA 7 g/L
Tasting Notes
MOUTH Signature Bootlegger’s Hill acidity with extreme freshness and tenacity paired with alluring richness and depth. A show-stopping palate.
45% new French oak
pH 3.29
ABV 13.9%
2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
An Extraordinary Natural Masterpiece
Fact of Note: Blend made up of eight different clones and blocks across the vineyard.
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Vineyard Details
CLONES Calera, Pommard, Elite, 115
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
Technical Details
ÉLEVAGE 54% aged in new large French oak casks for 16 months with an additional 12% aged in new French oak barrels for 16 months, prior to bottling 100% of the blend aged in stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 14.4% pH 3.7
TA 5.56 g/L
Tasting Notes
MOUTH Velvety, with a lush, medium body and impressive texture. Sleek acidity and understated tannins envelop the palate adding immense interest.
TA 5.56 g/L
92% stainless steel
8% concrete
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Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. The ranch has six varieties of Pinot Noir clones and features two blocks of Chardonnay planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. The Chardonnay lies on the northern edge of the vineyard. This portion gently slopes toward a backdrop of redwoods, collecting cool air, and is the perfect location to grow this variety.
Though vines were first planted on the site in 2009, the bulk of the vineyard was planted the following year. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is lively and energetic with a show-stopping palate, gorgeous richness, and depth. Racy acidity complements the poise and purity of flavors, including vibrant grapefruit and lemon peel with captivating notes of minerality.
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill
CLONES Hyde
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 100% barrel
ÉLEVAGE 45% new French oak for 17 months, prior to bottling 100% stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 13.9% pH 3.29
TA 7 g/L
NOSE Lively aromas of grapefruit, lemon peel, and apricot leap from the glass while subtle impressions of caramel linger.
MOUTH Signature Bootlegger’s Hill acidity with extreme freshness and tenacity paired with alluring richness and depth. A show-stopping palate.
Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. Surrounded by redwoods and firs, the cool climate and well-drained Goldridge soils of this revered site keep crops small, adding intensity, elegance, and enticing flavors to both our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. From its spherical structure on the palate to flavors of pristine red fruit, there is an effortless harmony to this wine. Aromas of red cherry and strawberry jam emerge from the glass with subtle notes of roses and singed crème brûlée, while understated tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard
CLONES Calera, Pommard, Elite, 115
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 92% stainless steel, 8% concrete, 4% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 54% aged in new large French oak casks for 16 months with an additional 12% aged in new French oak barrels for 16 months, prior to bottling 100% of the blend aged in stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 14.4% pH 3.7
TA 5.56 g/L
NOSE An expressive wine with illuminating notes of strawberry jam, dried cherry, and singed crème brûlée. A surprising hint of dark pluots adds intrigue.
MOUTH Velvety, with a lush, medium body and impressive texture. Sleek acidity and understated tannins envelop the palate adding immense interest.
Eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, at an elevation just above the coastal fog, our 14- acre Treehouse Vineyard is set in the heartland of the Russian River Valley. Previously, this land was used for grazing cattle, which means there was no need for a source of water. To this day, water must be carted up to the vineyard to water the vines which were first planted in 2006. Bounded by cypress trees and majestic redwoods, this site is a natural masterpiece, shaped by sun-kissed days and unique iron-rich soils that create a Pinot Noir with profound depth and complexity.
Treehouse Vineyard produced a brilliant Pinot Noir in 2018, with seductive aromas of juicy black cherry, ripe, wild brambleberry and holiday spices. Brilliant flavors of red cherry and dark pluots bloom upon the medium-bodied palate, framing a cohesive, lingering finish.
INEYARD Treehouse Vineyard
CLONES 37, Swan, Calera, Pommard, 23
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Volcanic
FERMENTATION 41% concrete, 34% wood, 25% stainless steel, 6% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 40% new French oak for 16 months followed by 67% of the blend aged in large format neutral oak cask, 25% stainless steel for 4 months before bottling
ALCOHOL 14.2% pH 3.45
TA 5.95 g/L
NOSE Brilliant bursts of juicy cherry and blackberry with soft notes of violets, roses, and holiday spice.
MOUTH An all-encompassing seductive palate, with elegant texture, integrated tannins, and a superb finish.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.
Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.
VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard
CLONES Pommard, Marini, 115, 2A, 777, 114, 667, David Bruce
ORIENTATION North East / South West
TRELLISING Cane VSP
SOIL Yorkville-Witherell
FERMENTATION 45% wood, 40% concrete, 8% whole cluster, 7% stainless steel
AGING Barrel aged 19 months in 47% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.8
TA 5.60 g/L
NOSE Earthy notes complement the bright cherry and cranberry aromas, while a subtle vanilla bean highlights the elegant structure.
MOUTH Harmonious and poised, with fine tannins, powerful fruit, and a captivating acidity.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
Sixty-five miles north of our winery in Sebastopol, CA is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. This rural, unparalleled location has had a history of producing world-class wines, and we are thrilled to release the second vintage of this Appellation Series blend. We sourced from varying elevations of our Estate Vineyard, Cerise, showcasing the upper reaches of Anderson Valley, as well as from Ferrington Vineyard on the valley floor and Gowan Creek.
To capture the rustic beauty of Anderson Valley and retain freshness, the wine was fermented in stainless steel, further creating a strikingly wild and exotic Pinot. Aromas of juicy blackberry, black cherry, bramble, and Earl Grey tea showcase the wine’s inherent opulence complemented by an uplifting acidity. Vibrant fruit and spice flavors continue on the palate, drawing to a long, memorable finish.
VINEYARD Cerise, Ferrington, Gowan Creek
CLONES 115, 2A, Pommard, 777, Swan, 828, Calera
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Bearwallow complex
FERMENTATION 100% stainless steel
AGING 44% new French oak for 14 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.69
TA 5.4 g/L
NOSE Strikingly wild and exotic, with ample notes of pomegranate, black cherry, and blueberries.
MOUTH Classic Anderson Valley rusticity with a generous mouthfeel, supple tannins, vibrant acidity, and long finish.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
There are many differences between vineyards in this small appellation, but the majority of them do share a common influence – the cooling effect that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast. The resulting fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a respite from daytime temperatures. In turn, these diurnal temperature swings slow down ripening and promote more evolved flavors in our grapes.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with many great vineyards that span a diverse and varied view into a region that many would call the heartland of California Pinot Noir. Our goal is to create a wine that showcases the essence of this magical appellation. No matter the vintage, there are often fresh red fruit characteristics, a recognizably full mouthfeel, and texture to the wines from the area – a common thread to the components of this blend.
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill, Giusti Ranch, Keefer Ranch, Silver Eagle, Treehouse, Klopp-Laguna, Moonshine, Winner’s Circle, Zio Tony
CLONES 115, 23, Pommard, Calera, 777, CC, Elite, 667, 828, 459
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 86% stainless steel / 14% wood
AGING 45% new French oak for 16 months / 4% new Austrian oak for 14 months / 10% wood cask for 12 months / 1% concrete for 12 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.69
TA 5.58 g/L
NOSE Expressive red apple, raspberry, and pomegranate aromas excite alongside soft notes of lavender and spice.
MOUTH Lively texture, with a medium body and refined finish. Pristine.
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1983
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 14,900
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Impacted by fog from the Pacific Ocean a few miles west
Planted in 2008, El Diablo Vineyard has an average elevation of 500 feet. This tightly spaced vineyard encourages competition between the vines for a fixed amount of nutrients, resulting in reduced yields and exemplary quality.
Minimal cellar intervention and impressive terroir combine to create a wine that is both opulent and elegant. Crafted from the famed Montrachet and Robert Young clones, this is one of the finest Chardonnays we have ever produced, combining remarkable tension and length with an almost weightless sense of richness. In the winery, we aged 52% of the wine for 11 months in large-format foudres before transferring it to 60-gallon French oak barrels to impart a leesy richness. The result is as delicious as it is complex, with riveting layers of lychee, lemon zest, brioche, honeycomb, apple blossom, and crème brulée.
VINEYARD El Diablo
CLONES Montrachet, Robert Young
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Silica Spreckles loam, Felta very gravelly loam
FERMENTATION 52% foudre / 48% barrel fermentation
AGING 48% new French oak for 14 months / 13% new Austrian oak for 14 months
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.11
TA 7.02 g/L
NOSE Complex. Lychee nut, honeycomb, and crème.
MOUTH Superbly textural, with fresh lemon zest, and tension between vivacity and richness.
Planted in 1989, on steep and rugged land surrounding an abandoned Carmelite monastery, Mt. Carmel was one of the first vineyards planted in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Primarily dry-farmed, Mt. Carmel is extremely cool and windy. This, combined with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces a wine that is as intricate and dynamic as it is alluring.
Combining five elite clones and made with 43% whole cluster, it has a superb, terroir-driven structure, seductive tannins, and an underlying tensile acidity. On the palate, pure, vibrant flavors of raspberry, blueberry, cacao nibs, and dried herbs coalesce around an energetic core before culminating in a long, resonant finish.
VINEYARD Mt. Carmel
CLONES Pommard, Swan, 667, 2A, 828
ORIENTATION East/West
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Botella clay & limestone
FERMENTATION 64% concrete / 43% whole cluster / 29% stainless steel / 7% wood fermentation
AGING 100% stainless steel for 4 months / 36% new French oak for 16 months / 15% new Austrian oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.55
TA 5.97 g/L
NOSE Brilliant vivacity with enticing notes of raspberry, blueberry, dried herbs, and cacao nibs.
MOUTH Firm and energetic, with compact and precise tannins. Lengthy and completely unforgettable.
Widely recognized as one of California’s greatest vineyards, Pisoni helped to make the Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands among the most coveted in the state. Reaching elevations of 1,300 feet and featuring granite and sandstone soils, as well as a southeastern exposure, the site always yields a dramatic wine, with incredible color and concentration. The 45 planted acres here are divided into small blocks that follow the contours of the mountains. The lean, decomposed granite soils are well-drained, stressing the vines and forcing their roots deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients.
While the 2018 vintage is undeniably rich and robust, it carries its power with flowing grace and energy as it reveals layers of blood orange, Damson plum, kiwi, and chaparral. Beautifully structured and with an uncommonly long and poetic finish, it is a benchmark wine from a legendary vineyard.
VINEYARD Pisoni Vineyard
CLONES Pisoni
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Uni-lateral cordon
SOIL Glacial alluvial
FERMENTATION 64% concrete / 36% wood / 24% whole cluster
AGING 48% new French oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.5%
pH 3.68
TA 5.4 g/L
NOSE Poetic aromas of blood orange, plum, and kiwi with power and poise.
MOUTH Strong, with a complex structure that floods the palate. Focused, dark fruit with eloquent energy.
Established in 1997, Garys’ Vineyard is a partnership between the acclaimed Franscioni and Pisoni winegrowing families. Though located just a couple of miles south of Rosella’s Vineyard, Garys’ yields its own profoundly unique expression of Pinot Noir. Like the two Garys who founded it, this luxurious wine is larger than life.
Crafted from the Pisoni clone and clone 23, with 18% whole cluster used during fermentation, it is an epic Pinot, with savory undertones and seductive flavors of brambly blackberry, dark cherry, honeysuckle, and hints of dark chocolate, sage, and lavender.
VINEYARD Garys’ Vineyard
CLONES Pisoni, 23
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Uni-lateral cordon
SOIL Glacial alluvial
FERMENTATION 49% stainless steel / 39% concrete / 18% whole cluster / 12% wood fermentation
AGING 100% stainless tank for 4 months / 36% new French oak for 16 months / 9% new Austrian oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.63
TA 5.67 g/L
NOSE Classic. Enticing blackberry bramble and honeysuckle tinged with hints of dark chocolate, sage, and lavender.
MOUTH Savory and seductive with a moving richness, deep texture, and an everlasting finish.
Planted by legendary winegrower Gary Franscioni in 1996 and named after his wife, Rosella’s Vineyard features the coveted Pisoni clone and is situated in the northernmost part of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Strong wind and fog off Monterey Bay ensure a long, temperate growing season in this region.
To accentuate this wine’s most graceful qualities, it was fermented with 5% whole cluster and aged in a modest 34% of new oak barrels. As the wine opens, cascading flavors of raspberry and rose petal mingle with delicate undercurrents of orange blossom and lemon zest, with supple, integrated tannins drawing the wine to a gentle, lingering finish.
VINEYARD Rosella’s Vineyard
CLONES 777, Pisoni, 828
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Uni-lateral cordon
SOIL Glacial alluvial
FERMENTATION 71% concrete / 20% wood / 9% stainless steel / 5% whole cluster
AGING 100% stainless steel for 4 months / 24% new French oak for 16 months / 10% new Austrian oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.4%
pH 3.6
TA 5.59 g/L
NOSE Elegant raspberry and lemon zest enhanced with playful notes of blood orange and homemade marshmallow.
MOUTH Explosive, yet gentle with profound balance and integrated tannins followed by a long finish.
THE STA. RITA HILLS IS located between the towns of Buellton and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. A critical component for this region’s success is its cool climate and the purely East/West mountain range, whose maritime mouth funnels coastal fog and wind to the vines. This unique orientation, coupled with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces wines that are as focused and bright as they are alluring.
Before you hit the Sta. Rita Hills, stretch your legs and explore the various hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops of the quaint town of Buellton. Now famous after making its silver screen debut in the movie Sideways, you can relive the film by visiting one of the many charming eateries and must-go spots when in the area.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 2001
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 2,700
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE The Pacific Ocean acts as a cooling influence through fog, wind, and moderating summer heat.
