2019 WALT Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir
Critic Review
"Intense aromas of dark raspberry, black cherry, vanilla, allspice, clove and smoke swirl into a very heady nose on this bottling. The palate is hearty as expected, with dark red fruit, layers of floral elements and a cardamom spice. A big, impressive wine."
94 Points | Owen Bargreen
"The nose delivers high-toned red florals alongside guava and pomegranate seed tones with salty tilled soils. Dense and rich saline dusted red fruits mingle with tobacco leaf, leather and a bright veil of tension on the palate. Exceedingly good now, this has another decade or more to go."
94 Points | Vinos, Josh Reynolds
"Limpid violet color. Spice-accented cherry, raspberry and potpourri scents are complemented by suggestions of savory herbs and smoky minerals. Shows superb depth as well as energy to its Chambord, cherry-cola, candied rose and allspice flavors, which pick up a minerally aspect on the back half. Polished tannins frame the persistent finish, which leaves repeating red berry and floral notes behind."
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. Aromatically complex, a perfume of ripe strawberry and pomegranate fruits is interlaced with graceful notes of dried flowers, wild sage and barrel spice. There is a seamless texture to the wine, with a plush midpalate brought in to focus with lifted acidity. The well-integrated oak barrel influence respects the fruit, supporting a long finish that confirms the fragrance of the nose.
Strawberry
Pomegranate
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 it's 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 40% new French oak barrels |
| Appellation | Santa Lucia Highlands |
| Vineyard | Rosella's Vineyard |
| Vintage Notes | The 2019 vintage began with a wet spring bringing three inches of rain in May. In response to the late rains our vineyards received diligent attention to control vigorous vine growth. A long Indian summer followed with mild weather, allowing the fruit to ripen at slow, even place. The long picking windows bore fruit with beautiful freshness at optimal ripeness. The resulting wines are exceptionally elegant. |
Mile 203-211, Sierra Mar and Rosella's, Santa Lucia Highlands
