Pinot Noir
It is said that top-quality Pinot Noir only grows in special pockets of the earth where particular combinations of soil & climate coax magic from this delicate grape. The Santa Cruz Mountains contain such a place & this mountain vineyard garners top awards each year.
Our very first vintage of Pinot Noir was 2013, for which we used a blend of two different clones: Dijon & Pommard. Since then, we have experimented with different blends of the Dijon, Martini, & Pommard clones.
2018 SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS PINOT NOIR
750 ml
12.6% Alcohol by Vol
With less than 100 cases produced of each, these wines are as rare as they are wonderful. After a cool fermentation, this wine spent 16 months in a combination of new & used French oak to enhance notes of vanilla & spice, but also to allow the crisp fruit to shine through.
The Dijon clone of the grape, which is used for this wine, has a floral hibiscus aroma with an herbaceous, strawberry rhubarb character. A soft palate is driven by a bright cranberry acidity that leaves the mouth watering for another taste.
You've probably already guessed from our description that we love this wine with Thanksgiving food! It is a sublime pairing for turkey, pumpkin, cranberry sauce, you name it! But you don't have to wait until November to enjoy it, try it with your favorite roast poultry recipe, or next time you're grilling portabellas.
2018 SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS PINOT NOIR RESERVE
750 ml
13.4% Alcohol by Vol
After a cool, partial whole-bunch fermentation, this wine was aged in tight-grained French oak for just under a year. This is the first time we have gotten grapes from this particular section of the vineyard, and, we have to say, we're thrilled with the result!
Our Reserve version of our Pinot Noir comes from the Pommard clone of the grape which has a slightly fuller, strawberry jam texture, with a spicy clove & vanilla character giving an overall effect similar to a holiday pastry.
We always love this wine with Thanksgiving food! It is a sublime pairing for turkey, pumpkin, cranberry sauce, you name it! But you don't have to wait until November to enjoy it; try it with your favorite roast poultry recipe, or next time you're grilling portabellas.