VINEYARD Garys’, Rosella’s, Pisoni, Sierra Mar, Soberanes
CLONES Pisoni, 777
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Arroyo Seco and Chualar fine sandy loam
FERMENTATION 66% stainless steel, 20% concrete, 14% oak; 4% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 40% new French oak & 60% neutral oak for 12 months, then 100% of the blend was aged for 2 months in stainless steel.
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.65
TA 5.19 g/L
AROMA
An expressive bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, and juniper.
PALATE
Beautifully composed, this wine unfolds vibrant blood orange and cranberry layers, delicately structured with a hint of chaparral.
Our Appellation Series wines embody our unwavering commitment to exploration and the artistry of crafting soulful, thought-provoking wines that pay homage to the world’s extraordinary terroirs.
Located on the eastern slopes that shelter the lush Salinas Valley from Big Sur, the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA neighbors Monterey Bay’s infamous Blue Grand Canyon, a 300-mile submarine canyon that provides a climatic pathway from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Lucia Highlands, significantly impacting atmospheric conditions. The cool air rolls off the ocean and funnels wind throughout the Santa Lucia mountain ranges, mitigating temperature spikes from north to south, elongating the growing season, and enabling slow, gentle ripening.
The 2022 vintage is nuanced with black cherry, raspberry, and blood orange fruit flavors, complemented by a subtle essence of chaparral. Fermented in both concrete and oak tanks, this expressive Pinot Noir boasts intriguing layers that unfold with a beautifully composed structure.
Fact of Note: The picking window was two weeks longer than the previous vintage.
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.
