Wine Enthusiast 95
"Snappy red-cherry aromas meet with tarragon and other fresh garden herbs on the nose of this appellation bottling. The palate is vibrant and fresh with red fruit as well as prominent spices like mace and cinnamon, but that minty tarragon tone is what ups the uniquely delicious quotient."

Wine Spectator 93
"Very alluring, with damson plum, griotte and mulberry fruit seamlessly layered with black tea, sous-bois and sandalwood. The long, refined finish lets all the perfume linger prettily. Drink now through 2029. 4,800 cases."

Tasting Notes
"Bright, fresh notes of pomegranate, rhubarb, orange, and raspberry complement a touch of subtle toast. In the mouth it's approachable and commanding entry with a pleasurable mid-palate and a long, rich, thorough finish."

The Wine
With idyllic weather from start to finish, 2018 was one of the finest growing seasons of the past decade. Each wine within the Appellation Series embodies the unique qualities we cherish from the regions we work with.

Located on the eastern slopes of the coastal range that shelters the fertile Salinas Valley from Big Sur, this appellation is relatively new with the first vineyards being developed only in the 1970s. Surprisingly, these central coast slopes are generally cooler than the Russian River Valley, largely as a result of the ocean breezes and fog coming in from Monterey Bay. The vineyards are sheltered by the coastal peaks that limit rainfall. Pinot Noir excels on these hillsides - which is why our travels took us here.

During the 2018 vintage, the Santa Lucia Highlands had the lowest highs seen in a long time which resulted in being a week or two behind normal. This allowed for significant hang-time and thus, phenolic development, higher acids and a burst of red fruit notes like pomegranate, raspberry, and rhubarb. This Pinot Noir is commanding yet, approachable.