VINEYARDS Garys’, Pisoni, Rosella’s, Sierra Mar and Soberanes.
HARVEST August 27 – September 25 2014
FERMENTATION 5-ton open tops & wood open-tops / 5 day cold soak / 14 day average ferment / 2% whole cluster
OAK 49% new French oak / 15 months
ALCOHOL 14.5%
pH 3.59
TA 5.9 g/L
BOTTLING DATE December 14 – 15, 2015
AROMA
Game, savory notes, dried fruits, olives, pretty and playful.
PALATE
Deeply structured, spice, game and meat, savory, sour cherry, tangy acidity, richly textured with layered red fruits with dark notes.
Located on the eastern slopes of the coastal range that shelters the fertile Salinas Valley from Big Sur, this appellation is relatively new with the first vineyards being developed only in the 1970’s. Surprisingly, these central coast slopes are generally cooler than the Russian River Valley, largely as a result of the ocean breezes and fog coming in from Monterey Bay. The vineyards are sheltered by the coastal peaks that limit rainfall. Pinot Noir excels on these hillsides, which is why our travels took us here.
The five vineyards that help make up this wine are farmed by two incredible grape growing families—Pisoni and Franscioni. Their friendship spans three generations and we’ve been fortunate to work together for almost our entire career. They have shaped this appellation and their efforts are reflected in this wine. A taste of the Santa Lucia Highland chaparral. Wild.
THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS IS recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.
Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.
