2021 PINOT NOIR
Montañita de Oro
MONTEREY COUNTY
$39
Terroir
Montañita de Oro highlights the best of Monterey County’s mountain pinot sites. At an average elevation of 1400 ft, high-toned aromatics are framed by elegant mountain structure.
Cortada Alta Vineyard (43%) was planted in 2014 by the late John Peterson, and at 1100-1600 ft is the highest elevation site in the Santa Lucia Highlands. On many days this stunning site is right at the fog line, and its well drained mountain soils are composed of granitic sandy loam with some calcareous content. Organically farmed.
Pelio Vineyard (36%) is located just west of Laureles Grade in Carmel Valley, in what will soon be the Carmel Coast AVA. At 1,000 ft and six miles from Monterey Bay, this site is truly on the edge of viticulture. Clay loam is littered with diatomaceous shale, evidence that this area was under the sea until about 12 million years ago. Organically farmed.
Rodnick Vineyard (21%) was first planted in ‘86, in the Chalone appellation of the Gabilan Mountains at 1600-1900 ft. Decomposed granite and limestone soils in this high desert climate create a compelling terroir for growing earthy, structure-driven wines. Organically farmed.
Tasting
Deep red. Wild strawberries, damp earth, bay laurel, sweet spices, and bergamot tea on the nose are followed by red fruits and savory spices on the palate. A medium body is framed by elegant tannins and a long finish.
Tech Info
Alcohol 12.7%
pH 3.66
TA 6.2
45% whole cluster fermentation
Native alcoholic and malolactic fermentations
10 months élévage in 28% new, 8% second-fill, and 64% neutral French oak barrels
Fourteen barrels • 336 cases produced
Unfined & lightly filtered
Press
93 pts Wine Enthusiast