2021 WALT Sierra Mar Pinot Noir
Critic Review
"Lovely, lively and fresh aromas of strawberry sorbet and raspberry jam are elevated with hints of rosewater, hibiscus tea and lilac on the incredibly inviting nose of this bottling. The joyous, hedonistic palate is entertaining from start to finish, showing ripe plum, strawberry, mace and star-anise flavors."
94 Points | The Wine Independent, Lisa Perotti Brown
"The 2021 Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir is pale to medium ruby-purple in color. Scents of black cherries, cranberry sauce, and fresh blackberries soar from the glass, plus hints of mossy tree bark, orange peel, and charcoal. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock full of black and red berry layers supported by fine-grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering minerally note."
Central Coast AVA
Roughly 250 miles along the coastline of California
from Santa Barbara County to San Francisco County
Sierra Mar
Translates to “mountain sea” in English, a fitting name
for a site that represents the best of extreme mountain
coastal terroir.
High-Altitude Vineyard
Site with decomposed granite and gravelly loam soils
Vibrant garnet in color. Alluring, lifted aromas of red plum, raspberry, blood orange and black tea leaves fill the glass. Bold and taut, the well-built tannic structure supports deep fruit flavors on the palate and will age beautifully over time. The finish is firm and coiled with uplifting energy, like the soaring mountain slopes of this special site.
Red Plum
Raspberry
Blood Orange
Black Tea Leaves
Sierra Mar vineyard is owned by Gary and Rosella Franscioni, famed pioneers of the Santa Lucia Highlands. This incredible vineyard site reflects the best of the appellation. The vineyard produces rich, lush, unctuous fruit that is balanced by the natural acidity of the site.
| Bottle Size | 750mL |
|---|---|
| Varietal Composition | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Barrel Aging | 10 Months in 45% New French Oak |
| Appellation | Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County |
| Vineyard | Sierra Mar |
| Vintage Notes | The alluring 2021 vintage is remarkable for its low yields, which resulted in an extra degree of concentration in our wines. In a second year of drought, the vines grew quickly in the warm spring weather while our team judiciously managed watering block by block. By summer, the vines had set a lighter than average crop, and cooler weather in August allowed time for vineyard passes to finetune the fruit load and manage the canopy. After a smooth harvest season, we are excited about the flavor-packed 2021's. |
