Winemaker Notes
A blend of five different clones from seven vineyard blocks within Olsen Ranch Vineyard, winemaker Gina Gallo uses each lot’s distinct and unique qualities to craft this complex, confident Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, rose petal, pomegranate and lavender are hallmarks of this Pinot Noir, with the wine’s lingering finish highlighted by notes of ripe boysenberry and black spice. Well-integrated notes of oak and vanilla from barrel aging complement a soft, silky mouthfeel and frame this rich expression characteristic of this renowned Central Coast region.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Spice, lavender and iron with hints of rust. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a savory finish. Layered tannins give this tone and texture. Some slate undertones on the palate. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a bold, hedonistic and appealling take on Pinot Noir, starting with smoky and rich aromas of earth, sagebrush, black raspberry and eucalyptus. The palate explodes with flavor, from ripe berries and earthy herbs to cedarlaced smoke.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.