VINEYARD Rosella’s, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
CLONES 777, 828, Pisoni
ORIENTATION North West / South East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Arroyo Seco sandy loam
FERMENTATION 38% stainless steel, 33% wood, 29% concrete
ÉLEVAGE 50% new French oak for 15 months, prior to bottling 100% stainless steel for 1 month
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.66
TA 5.38 g/L
AROMA
An enchanting floral fragrance harmonizes with alluring red cherry and blood orange.
PALATE
Dynamic and graceful with well-integrated tannins. An ethereal presence with quiet strength and depth.
Planted by legendary winegrower Gary Franscioni in 1996 and named after his wife, Rosella’s Vineyard features the coveted Pisoni clone, located in the northernmost part of the Santa Lucia Highlands, gracefully nestled amidst lemon groves above the picturesque Salinas River Valley. Strong wind and fog off the Monterey Bay ensure this region’s long, temperate growing seasons.
This vintage, our Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, was fermented in a trifecta of stainless steel, concrete, and wood tanks, then aged in a combination of new French oak and stainless steel. As this Pinot Noir unfolds, enchanting aromatics of red cherry, blood orange, and delicate floral notes intertwine. A quiet presence and profound structure define the palate, seamlessly woven with well-integrated tannins for a long, thoughtful finish.
Fact of Note: Rosella’s Vineyard had four individual small-lot fermentations.
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.
