2020 - Pinot Noir - Santa Cruz Mountains
It is said that top quality Pinot Noir only grows in special pockets of the earth where the soil and climate coax magic from this delicate grape. The Santa Cruz Mountains contains such a place and this sunny knoll vineyard overlooking the Monterey Bay garners beautiful fruit character each year.
This is our favorite Thanksgiving wine, and makes a versatile pairing with a range of dishes—but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying it all on its own year-round!
WINEMAKER'S TASTING NOTES:
The 2020 Pinot Noir from Santa Cruz opens with a delicate yet vibrant bouquet of fresh cranberry and bright orange peel, offering an enticingly aromatic start. These lively fruit notes are complemented by a hint of baking spice, adding a subtle warmth and complexity to the nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant and well-balanced, with flavors of cherry and cranberry that evolve into a soft, layered texture. The baking spice continues to weave through the fruit, enhancing the wine’s depth without overpowering its finesse. The finish is smooth and refined, with lingering notes of cherry and a touch of spice, making this Pinot Noir a perfect reflection of the Santa Cruz terroir.
VINEYARD:
This sunny knoll overlooking the Monterey Bay consistently receives cooling ocean breezes that extend the growing season and allow the grapes plenty of time for flavor development. Aged for 15 months in used French oak barrels before bottling.
89 POINTS, WINE ENTHUSIAST::
“Dark cherry and rhubarb aromas meet with smoky spices on the nose of this bottling. The palate's tart red fruit, pepper and herb flavors are wrapped in a decent grip.”
