2022 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. Scents of cherry cola, orange-zest, roasted strawberry, anise, and sage offer an enchanting start. The flavor profile mimics the aromas and flows into a plush and soft mouthfeel. This Pinot Noir blend finishes with velvety texture and a refreshing persistence. Enjoy now through 2030.”

~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
December 2023

“Fruity and succulent pinot with red berries, blueberries, spices and herbs on the nose. Mellow and delicious on the palate with a medium body and glossy, silky tannins. Supple finish. Drink now.”

JamesSuckling.com
April 2024

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Viticulture Practice: Sourced from Certified Sustainable vineyards
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 13 months in  French oak, 41% new
Production:  125 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.71 pH, 6.46 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: September 9 – 16, 2022, hand harvested
Wine Release: January 2024
Release Price
: $57

Drink now through 2030

Past Vintage Wine Scores

“Notes of ripe strawberries and cherries with spicy herbs, hibiscus and crushed rocks. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and concentrated with red fruit character and savory juiciness. Bright finish. Drink or hold.”

JamesSuckling.com
May 2023

“Fresh juicy and crisp, ripe cherry and cassis, smooth, bright and charming.”

Anthony Dias Blue
May 2021

“Muddy clay and foggy fennelfrond aromas met with wild, dark and dry berries on the nose of this solid appellation blend. The palate begins on the ripe front, showing berry and cherry before the sagebrush and menthol character comes through.”

Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast

“Light ruby-red. Bright and energetic on the nose, displaying fresh red fruit and floral scents and a spicy top note that builds with aeration. In a lively, penetrating style, offering appealingly sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of vanilla. A smoky nuance appears on the long, subtly tannic finish, which leaves sappy red fruit, mocha and allspice notes behind. 36% new French oak.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
May 2022

“Ripe cherry nose, bright, crisp, fresh and juicy; sweet red cherry fruit and snappy acidity, tangy, silky and amiable, long and balanced.”

Anthony Dias Blue
April 2020

“Limpid ruby-red. Fresh cherry, black raspberry and a hint of mocha on the fragrant, spice-tinged nose. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering gently sweet red and dark berry flavors sharpened by peppery spice and cola nuances. Shows very good energy and seamless texture on the gently tannic finish, which clings with tenacity and lingering spiciness.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
October 2020

“Earthy nose; lush and ripe with smooth texture and juicy cherry fruit; crisp and long, balanced.”

Anthony Dias Blue
April 2019

“Bright red. Spice-accented aromas of fresh red fruits, pungent flowers and blood orange carry a smoky mineral topnote. Silky and expansive in the mouth, offering appealingly sweet strawberry and cherry liqueur, spicecake and rose pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. Delivers a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes very long and silky, with repeating florality and subtle, slow-building tannins.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2019

“Lush, juicy and bright with tangy cherry and raspberry fruit; smooth, juicy and balanced, long and stylish.”

Anthony Dias Blue
June 2018

“Deep red. Smoke-tinged red berries and cherry cola on the perfumed nose. Pliant and seamless in the mouth, offering sappy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors complemented by vanilla and allspice flourishes. Silky and open-knit, offering an appealing interplay of richness and vivacity. Smooth tannins frame the nicely persistent finish, which leaves sweet mocha and cherry preserve notes behind.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni Vinous
November 2017

“Complex and generous, offering a mix of smoky currant, blueberry and wild berry flavors, with baking spice aromas and fine-grained tannins. There’s much to be admired in this effort. Drink now. 2,400 cases made.”

JL
Wine Spectator

“Fresh and vibrant, with a rich mix of mineral, red and dark berry, plum and raspberry most evident. Reveals depth and persistence on the finish, showing fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2021. 1,320 cases made.”

JL
Wine Spectator

“This new line from the well-regarded Testarossa Winery is a barrel selection emphasizing richness. The wine floods the mouth with succulent raspberries and cherries, with tarter notes of cranberries and red licorice. Earthiness provides extra complexity, and it could age well through 2020.”

Wine Enthusiast

“Kicking off the Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County, the 2011 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands is a knockout AVA blend. Showing a darker fruit slant, with plenty of currants, blackberry, toasted spice and earth, it’s beautifully rich and balanced on the palate, with clean acidity and ripe tannin. It’s loaded with character and should drink nicely through 2019. Drink now-2019.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
August 2013

Santa Lucia Highlands

Working closely with the top vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands’ appellation, Testarossa has produced yet another distinctive vintage of this highly anticipated Pinot Noir. The Highlands is one of the state’s best known regions for world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The area’s close proximity to Monterey Bay makes for a very cool climate, with one of California’s longest growing seasons. The resulting slow, gentle ripening allows for full flavor development on the vine. Testarossa’s production team’s partnership with the best estates in the Santa Lucia Highlands ensure only the highest quality fruit makes it to the winery.

Past Vintages

Wine Production Data

Tasting Notes

“Dark red hue. Scents of cherry cola, roasted raspberries, and vanilla bean unite in this blend of our finest Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir vineyards. In the background there are some notes of grapefruit and orange-zest which provide an element of freshness. Once on the palate, these qualities continue and are accentuated by dried cherry notes. Fine tannins with incredible depth and richness offer a pleasing experience while the modest acidity maintains a youthful, lively, and refreshing finish. Enjoy now through 2030.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
September 2022

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Viticulture Practice: Sourced from Certified Sustainable vineyards
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 10 months in 100% French Oak, 39% new
Production:  148 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.58 pH, 6.45 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: September 22 – October 6, 2021, hand harvested

Drink now through 2030

Tasting Notes

“Dark red hue. Complex scents of ripe cherry pie, orange, sage, marmalade jam, and vanilla bean leap out of the glass. With aeration, notes of roasted strawberry, chokecherry, and ripe cranberry continue the excitement of this Pinot Noir blend. As the aromas continue to get more complex, the flavors become more focused once on the palate with red fruits and citrus elements. Fine tannins provide precise texture, while the modest acidity reinforces the fruit profiles. This wine ends with an intricate, vibrant, and persistent path. Enjoy now through 2030.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
May 2021

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Viticulture Practice: Sourced from Certified Sustainable vineyards
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 11 months in 100% French Oak, 36% new
Production:  2,544 cases
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.43 pH, 6.47 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: Various

Drink now through 2030

Tasting Notes

“Deep red color. Complex aromas of cherry, ripe cranberry, pomegranate, lemon-zest, papaya, and strawberry leap out of the glass. Secondary notes of jasmine, sage, and lemon thyme dress this Pinot Noir blend nicely. The flavor profile remains true to the aromas and exhibits juicy tannins and balanced acidity. The finish continues its pleasure streak with a complex and long adventure. Enjoy now through 2027.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:  11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 30% new
Production:  3,070 cases
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.21 TA (g/L) – 3.88 pH
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: Various

Drink now through 2027

Tasting Notes

“Brick red hue. Aromas of ripe cranberry, red cherry, orange peel followed by notes of boysenberry jam and ripe blackberry. Upon taste, these characters focus towards red fruits and citrus. This wine is lively on the palate with bright acidity and polished tannins. As this wine lingers, it continues a fresh and pleasing journey. Enjoy now through 2024.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers:Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:  10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 23 % new
Production:  2,000 cases
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.32 g/L – 3.48 pH
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: Various

Drink now through 2024

Tasting Notes

“Medium red hue. This Pinot Noir blend from the Santa Lucia Highlands showcases classic aromas of pomegranate, cranberry, orange zest, sage and dried herbs as well as some underlying notes of chokecherry and vanilla bean. Upon taste, the red fruits and dried herbs intensify in the palate. Modest acidity and a full range of tannins make for a wine with great depth and versatility. The finish continues with an abundance of fine grain tannins, red fruits, and youthful characters. Enjoy now through 2025.

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers:Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:  9 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 22 % new
Production:  3,584 cases
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 5.6 g/L – 3.54 pH
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 2016

Consume Now through 2024

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. Engaging scents of ripe cherry, pomegranate, and orange zest jump out of the glass and are followed gently by notes of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and anise.  Upon taste, the flavors focus more on red cherry and chokecherry profiles, with spice notes in the background.  There is great concentration of fine grain tannins, which provides dimension yet good polish as well.  This wine ends with a bright, fresh, and vibrant taste, then fades gently to a smooth and lush finish. Enjoy now through 2025.

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:   11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  56% new
Production: 86  barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:   6.42 g/L –  3.54 pH
Alcohol:  14%
Harvest: September 2015

Consume Now through 2025

 

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. This engaging Pinot Noir opens up with vast arrays of fruit and spice. Notes of red cherry, ripe raspberry, boysenberry, pomegranate, and orange blossoms are paired distinctly with anise, sage, and cloves. As the wine envelopes the palate, flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, orange, red cherry, and cloves focus more deeply. The texture of the wine is vibrant with very focused tannins, lending this wine to some wonderful years ahead. This wine finishes nicely with hedonistic layers and multi-dimensional nuances. Enjoy now through 2022.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:   10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  12% new
Production: 214  barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:   5.6 g/L –  3.53 pH
Alcohol:  14.6%
Harvest: September 2014

Consume Now through 2022

 

Tasting Notes

“Deep red color.  Tightly woven nose, yet releases hints of pomegranate, orange blossoms, red cherry, and vanilla bean.  Flavors of cherry, pomegranate, and citrus persist deep into the palate.  Very expansive mouth-feel with vibrant acidity and lush tannins.  The wine finishes with a firm ending but should soften and lengthen over the coming years.  Drink now through 2019.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:   11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  31% new
Production: 3,633 cases
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:    g/L –  3.61 pH
Alcohol:  14.3%
Harvest: September 2013

Consume Now through 2019

 

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. Vibrant notes of anise, vanilla bean, orange blossom, dark cherry, cranberry, strawberry preserves swirl nicely in the nose. Flavors of cherry, cranberry, and citrus transition nicely into a refreshing palate, balanced with crisp acidity and silky tannins. Finish is multi-layered, complex, and hedonistic. Drink now through 2018.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:   11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  45% new
Production: 2,488 cases
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:    g/L –   pH
Alcohol:  14.3%
Harvest: September 2012

Consume Now through 2018

 

Tasting Notes

“The 2011 SLH release is a classic example of Pinot Noir from the Highlands – ripe black cherry and plum flavors, with a full mid-palate and a light touch of spicy oak on the finish. The trademark bright acidity makes the wine incredibly versatile for food-pairing. Traditional pairings include roast chicken, duck, or salmon. But this wine will stand up to just about anything off the grill, as well.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:   11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  % new
Production: 2,831 cases
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:    g/L –   pH
Alcohol:  %
Harvest:

 

WEATHER HOLD ADVISORY: Please note that due to the fragile nature of wine and the impending winter/summer season, we are unable to ship wines to states whose temperatures have dropped below 32  / risen above 90 degrees on average. Orders will be kept in our temperature controlled cellar until more moderate temperatures are reached. If you feel your area might be impacted, please contact us at clubt@testarossa.com to inquire about shipping options.

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