Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of crushed rosebuds and carnations mix with intense raspberry and a touch of eucalyptus on the nose of this single-vineyard expression that's made from organic grapes. It's fresh and lively on the palate, with a pristine raspberry flavors that's enhanced by touches of wild thyme and sage.
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Wine Spectator
Pure and focused, featuring well-structured red currant, raspberry and plum flavors. Crisp midpalate, with a velvety finish that is vibrant and filled slate and crushed stone notes.
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.