Santa Lucia Highlands is notable for its cooling fog and the afternoon breezes that sweep from Monterey Bay across the vineyards. Soil is Arroyo Seco Sandy Loam. This wine is produced from some of the most renowned vineyards in the appellation, including Rosella's Vineyard, which is owned and farmed by Gary and Rosella Franscioni. The growing season here is one of the longest in California, allowing for full flavor development on the vine. In the winery, whole cluster Pinot Noir was carefully pressed upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation initiated spontaneously in a combination of oak and stainless steel fermenters, followed by gravity racking to new and neutral French oak barrels for 10 months of aging, with elevage occurring in a gentle manner. The 2014 Noiro Pinot Noir possesses a brilliant dark ruby red color and very exotic aromas of damson plum, potpourri, melon, orange peel, and mulling spices. A burst of ripe cherry fruit flavors moves smoothly to secondary flavors of mandarin orange, framed by a complex oak spice note. Decidedly medium-bodied, with a lush mouthfeel, dusty tannins, and fresh acidity. The many layers of this rich wine emerge independently, then refocus, leading to a lingering, succulent finish.