Pinot Noir | Highlands Ranch

Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey 

At the foothills of the Los Padres Mountains – abundant sunshine and cool afternoon breezes combined with the gravel laced sandy loam soils come together to create a classic expression of California Pinot Noir. This bottling has quickly become a crowd favorite. The season started six weeks earlier than normal and harvest was 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule. Harvested on September 6th and September 12th – the fruit was well balanced and arrived at the winery in beautiful small Pinot Noir clusters.

Our Highlands Ranch Vineyard is located in the world renowned Santa Lucia Highlands, also referred to as SLH; a sub-appellation that is part of the larger Monterey County, California AVA (American Viticultural Area). Sitting at the foothills of the Los Padres Mountains this cool weather location is home to the perfect terroir for growing Pinot Noir.

Seductive and intriguing aromas of cherry tomato, chopped oregano, thyme, tomato lead, incense, rose petals and hibiscus. There's iron and cherry pit at the tip of the sip, which settles into mace, allspice and cinnamon, ever evolving throughout the plum fruit flavors in the glass.

Native Yeasts, 50% whole cluster, very little additions and barrel age with no racking until bottling. Aged ten (10) months in French Oak (20% new).