2018 WALT Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir
Critic Review
"Deeply aromatic aromas of blackberry and black currant meet with unending layers of violet, lavender, rose petals, loamy soil and piles of herbs on the dynamic nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate expertly balances ripe pomegranate and cranberry flavors with zesty acid and precise tannins, bolstered by thyme, oregano and light pepper spices."
94 Points | Vinous, Josh Raynolds
"Limpid magenta. Expansive aromas of fresh red and blue fruits, incense and baking spices are complemented by smoky mineral and floral overtones. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering appealingly sweet raspberry, cherry, boysenberry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen slowly with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and finesse, finishing with even, polished tannins, sharp clarity and emphatic, floral-driven persistence."


Central Coast AVA
Roughly 250 miles along the coastline of California from
Santa Barbara County to San Francisco County
Santa Lucia Highlands
Maritime climate with strong coastal winds from
Monterey Bay
Sandy Loam Soils
Cause vines to produce grapes with powerful
varietal character
Delicate garnet in color. Perfumed aromas of sun warmed raspberry, ripe strawberry, chaparral and dried flowers lift from the glass. The palate is plush and beautifully fresh with a well-balanced weight to the structure. Seamlessly integrated oak barrel spice and vibrant acidity come together for a long, finessed finish.

Raspberry

Ripe Strawberry

Dried Flowers

Oak Barrel Spice
This vineyard, named for Gary Franscioni's wife Rosella, was planted in 1996 and was the first in their portfolio. Rosella's vineyard is characterized by its maritime climate with strong coastal winds coming off of the Monterey Bay. Foggy mornings and sunny, breezy afternoons keep the site cool and ideal for Pinot Noir. We work with Pisoni, 777, 667, and 828 clones at this site which bring complexity and nuance to the finished wine.
Bottle Size | 750mL |
---|---|
Varietal Composition | 100% Pinot Noir |
Barrel Aging | 10 Months in 45% New French Oak (François Frères) |
Appellation | Santa Lucia Highlands |
Vineyard | Rosella's Vineyard |
Vintage Notes | Following a series of warm, early harvests, this year’s growing season returned to a slower rhythm, allowing grapes to ripen gently with deep flavors. Our growers spent the summer and fall manicuring the vine canopies to provide the grapes enough shade from the sun while also preparing adequate airflow to deter mold. When Mother Nature did throw a couple of unpredictable systems at us, we were able to weather the storms and harvest exceptional fruit! |
