Gracious complements. This year's Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir comes from a combination of three different vineyards. The majority is from Paraiso Vineyard, which lies at the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands bench and is certified sustainably farmed. Comprising about 61% of the wine, it provides rich plum, dark cherry fruit, and licorice characters. <p>
The second piece, Tondre Vineyard, sits about one mile south of Rosella's Vineyard on River Rd, in the center of the appellation and provides 26% of the cuvee. The bright, cherry-raspberry inflected aspects of this wine are from the clone 115 and 777 Pinot Noir Joe Alarid grows for us, and for several other notable wineries. The third vineyard, Fairview Road Ranch, is likewise in the cooler middle-north area of the SLH and contributes the final 13% of the blend. Kirk Williams' fruit adds floral and strawberry-rhubarb like aromas and flavors, along with the focusing acidity and structure that extends the finish.
The 2008 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir offers a classic range of cherry, floral and spicy aromas and flavors, accented by subtle notes of licorice and vanillin. Possessing a rich and full mouthfeel, the lively fruit flavors show the structure for moderate aging on the finish.