2021 Brosseau Vineyard Pinot Noir
Chalone AVA
Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Aromas of sage, anise, jasmine, and black truffle initially leap out of the glass. Upon aeration, notes of pomegranate, cherry cola, roasted strawberry, crushed rock, and caramel unite for a unique collaboration of pleasure. These qualities sail seamlessly through the palate and are met by plush, savory tannins in a dense mouthfeel of concentration. This Pinot Noir finishes with intricacies and persistence. Decant for immediate enjoyment or enjoy through 2036.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
November 2023
“Medium ruby red. The Brosseau Vineyard Pinot Noir shows plenty of red and black fruit, but it’s the savoriness that sets it apart with earthy spices and underbrush dried fruit notes. The mouthfeel is also different, straighter and laser-focused. Although this wine is from the 2021 vintage, it would still benefit from additional cellaring. Sourced from 42-year-old vines grown at 1700′ elevation on the limestone soils of the Chalone AVA and matured 20 months in 64% new French oak. pH 3.4, 14.1% alc.” Don Winkler, International Wine Review, June 2024
“A complex nose of ripe and fresh black and red berries, plum and spice displays a violet top note. There is both good verve and volume to the delicious and beautifully textured medium weight flavors that conclude in a dusty, moderately austere and decidedly compact finale that displays fine length. This is very good with excellent development potential. At least some patience is advised.” Allen Meadows, Burghound, April 2024
Production Data
Growers: Brosseau Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Chalone AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 1,660 – 1,700 ft./South, West, and East
Soil: Heavy limestone soils with lesser influence of decomposed granite
Vineyard Age: 41 years
Viticulture Practice: Certified Organic
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Barrel Ageing: 20 months in French oak, 64% new
Production: 18 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.4 pH, 6.99 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: September 24, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: December 2023
Release Price: $76
Drink Now through 2036
Past Vintage Wine Scores
The Brosseau Vineyard
The Brosseau estate in the Chalone appellation is arguably the most unique vineyard source in the Testarossa line-up. Standing 1,600 feet above sea level in Monterey County’s Gabilan Mountains, you can actually see the Brosseau Vineyard’s terroir. The rocky crags and peaks of nearby Pinnacles National Monument loom over the almost moonscape-like panorama. This is the heart of the historic Chalone appellation, where you can literally taste the district’s ancient decomposed granite and limestone soils in every drop of wine. Owned by Testarossa Director of Winemaking, Bill Brosseau’s family, the property was originally planted in 1980. Brosseau manages the entire process from the dirt to the bottle and the results are stunning.