Vintage Notes
The grapes for this Pinot Noir were sourced from vineyards in Monterey County, where high winds, dry days, and bay fogs create a cool, but very long, growing season. These growing conditions are ideal for cool-climate grapes such as Pinot Noir, and lead to full, forward fruit flavors and ideal acidity. Grapes were harvested at an ideal balance of sugar and acid, and the wine was fermented in small open-top tanks. The wine completed malo-lactic fermentation in French oak barrels, where it aged for 18 months prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
With its maritime influence, California’s Monterey region has an extended growing season that yields wines with full flavor development and great acid balance. Mandolin Pinot Noir has spice, ripe cherry, and savory tones on the nose. It is medium-bodied with polished tannins, showing strawberry and mineral notes.
Press & Acclaim
2012 Vintage
85 points - Best Buy
"For this everyday price, you'll get a delicate, lightbodied, dry wine, with bright acidity and subtle cherry and tobacco flavors. Despite the county-wide appellation, the grapes were sourced ro vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA."
- Wine Enthusiast, March 2014 Download PDF
87 points
"Smooth and mature with earthy, leather notes and soft cherry fruit; decent and balanced."
- Anthony Dias Blue, The Tasting Panel, December 2013 Download PDF
Wine Data
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: .63
pH: 3.51
Oak Cooperage: French oak, 18 months
Residual Sugar: 0.08g/100ml
Cases Produced: 2,083