VINEYARD Garys’, Rosella’s, Pisoni, Sierra Mar, Soberanes
CLONES Pisoni
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Arroyo Seco and Chualar fine sandy loam
FERMENTATION 40% wood, 31% concrete, 29% stainless steel, 2% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 49% new French oak for 14 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.61
TA 5.5 g/L
AROMA
Very expressive with aromas of ripe raspberry, black cherry, and wet stone.
PALATE
Elegant and composed with balanced tannins, orange citrus, and black pepper with a lingering finish.
Our Appellation Series wines exemplify our commitment to exploration and passion for crafting soulful and thoughtprovoking wines that celebrate some of the world’s great terroirs.
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 due to the ocean breezes and fog coming in from Monterey Bay. The vineyards are sheltered by the coastal peaks that limit rainfall—an ideal hillside for Pinot Noir to excel.
The 2021 harvest lasted two weeks longer than the previous vintage, and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with new blocks from the Sierra Mar Vineyard. A very expressive wine with aromas of ripe raspberry, black cherry, and orange citrus, the Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is elegant with balanced tannins and an impressive finish.
Fact of Note: Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir had the highest percentage of concrete and wood tank ferments of all the Appellation wines.
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.
