Another unplanned stop on the tour...we decided to bottle this rosé from Peterson vineyard again. While the same fruit, the finished wine is so different because of the cool and long growing season. This light and refreshing rosé of Pinot Noir is what we desired from the beginning! Enjoy it chilled for a nice summer time.
Vintage: 2023
Varietal: Rosé of Pinot Noir
Clones: Pommard, 828, and 667
Vineyard: Peterson Vineyard
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California
Alcohol: 13.0%
Oak Treatment: Aged 5 months in neutral French oak
Other Stylistic Details: Saignée method with partial malolactic fermentation
Tasting Note
Light, under-ripe tropical fruits on the nose with light red fruits on the palate. Fresh acidity is integrated into the finish to make this rosé very refreshing. Serve at refrigerator temperature as a fun starter on a warm day.
From our good friends' George and Laurie's vineyard in Sonoma, it feels so good to get this one right. Harvested at ideal ripeness with minimal intervention, this Merlot made in a Burgundian style is elegant, but with broad and complex flavors. All we are saying is give Merlot a chance!
Vintage: 2022
Varietal: Merlot
Clones: 50% Heritage, 50% 181
Vineyard: Peterson Vineyard
Appellation: Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
Alcohol: 14.6%
Oak Treatment: Aged 10 months in twice used French oak
Tasting Note
While made in a style that produces a more elegant wine, the aromatics of red and black fruits shine. Darker fruits continue on the palate, but the mouthfeel is light with tannins and acidity nicely integrated. This is a wine that is enjoyed by a wide audience and pairs well with lighter cuisine to grilled ribeye steaks. Hopefully makes you think differently about Merlot.
The Captain is back, but this time bringing a finesse game to the court. The 50 year old vines in block F at Bien Nacido give us floral aromatics, complex flavors, and an elegant finish. We liked a little whole cluster in 2021, so increased to 25% this year.
Vintage: 2022
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Clones: 50% Wädenswil 2A, 50% Pommard
Vineyard: Bien Nacido Vineyard, Block F
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California
Alcohol: 13.0%
Oak Treatment: Aged 10 months in twice used French oak
Other Stylistic Details: 25% whole cluster fermentation
Tasting Note
In 2022, this wine is more structured and elegant than the previous vintage, but California Pinot lovers will still enjoy. It starts with an pleasant bouquet of red fruits, spices, and light flowers. The sweet red fruits continue on the palate with earthy notes you often get from the central coast. The finish has well-integrated acidity and tannins, helping it pair great with food or be enjoyable on its own. Pair with roasted and grilled meats like a lamb shank or double cut pork chop.