Every year we have a fresh opportunity to explore the terroir of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The 2017 SLH Pinot Noir owes much of its success to superior terroir & diligent, sustainable farming. It combines the Swan clone from the Escolle Road Vineyard & two clones from our McIntyre Estate Vineyard: 115 & ‘Old Vine.” The ‘Old Vine” block was planted more than four decades ago, making it the oldest plantings of Pinot Noir in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: The 2017 SLH Pinot Noir is a benchmark example of what to expect from Santa Lucia Highland Pinot Noir. The nose is deep, dark and powerful with notes of cola, loganberries, plums & spice. The palate is full, yet lush as it opens to intense dark berries, fig compote, and a touch of herbaceousness. In the finish, the subtle French Oak lends a touch of nutmeg & cardamom to balance the palate.
Pairings: Veal osso-bucco, grilled asparagus, NY Strip, rotisserie chicken, cedar plank salmon, and even mom's meatloaf.
Winemaking: The grapes for this Pinot were harvested and hand-sorted in the early morning hours. Primary and malolactic fermentations were managed naturally using the wild, indigenous yeast strains that thrive in our vineyards. The vines are oriented North-South, ensuring the grapes received even ripening and sun exposure daily.
Case Production: 616 cases
Winemaker: Byron Kosuge
