VINEYARD Garys’, Rosella’s, Sierra Mar, and Soberanes
FERMENTATION 65% Stainless Steel open tops / 23% Wood open tops / 10% Concrete / 7% Whole cluster
OAK 40% New French Oak for 11 months
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.65
TA 6.53 g/L
AROMA
Lemon zest, dried cherry, cranberry and subtle fresh basil. Hints of toasted oak, sage brush and caramelized blood orange.
PALATE
Balanced, rich and intricate, with well-integrated tannins and seductive tension. A long, lingering finish.
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 1970s. 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.
During the 2017 vintage, the Santa Lucia Highlands was not impacted as much by the California heat as other areas due to the legendary driving winds traveling south from the Monterey Bay. Like no other vintage before, we methodically picked our way through the appellation, one by one, harvesting fruit at its optimal ripeness.
Fact of Note: 10% fermented in concrete.
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.
