VINEYARD Rosella’s, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
CLONES Pisoni, 777, 828
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Chualar loam
FERMENTATION 36% stainless steel, 64% concrete
ÉLEVAGE 42% new French oak & 58% neutral oak for 15 months,
then 100% of the blend was aged for 1 month in stainless steel
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.61
TA 5.61 g/L
AROMA
A captivating bouquet of cherry, raspberry, violet, and cedar accented by orange peel and a hint of black tea.
PALATE
Dynamic and balanced with vibrant red fruit, well-integrated tannins, and a touch of spice. Bright acidity enhances the palate, leading to a long, elegant finish.
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 winds and fog off the Monterey Bay ensure this region’s long, temperate growing seasons, contributing to the unique character of the vineyard. Fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tanks, then aged for 16 months, the 2023 Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir embodies a perfect coalesce of sophistication and complexity. This wine opens with an alluring bouquet of cherry, raspberry, violet, and cedar accented by orange peel and a hint of black tea. Balanced acidity enhances the vibrant red fruit, while
well-integrated tannins lead to a long, elegant finish.
Fact of Note: Rosella’s Vineyard was fermented solely in concrete and stainless steel.
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.
With soaring aromas and pure, exquisite flavors, these are incredible wines from a not-to-be-missed vintage.
– Julien Howsepian
