Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Twelve Clones demonstrates the finesse typical of Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Aromas of raspberry hard candy, bay laurel, and bergamot tea are complemented by flavors of red fruits, potpourri, and a hint of sweet and savory spices. Perfectly poised, this medium plus bodied wine is supported by elegant tannins.
A wonderful accompaniment to roasted chicken and grilled salmon, as well as almost any duck, beef, or lamb preparation.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Light in the glass, this clonal blends pops on the nose with crisp raspberry and cranberry as hints of crushed slate and red rose petal add complexity. The landing on the palate is clean and bright, showing joyously ripe berry flavors but also elegant floral tones deep into the finish.
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.