2022 La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir

Santa Rita Hills AVA

Tasting Notes

“Medium red hue. Aromas of sage, blackberry, boysenberry, and cherry cola unite for an interesting sensory experience. With time, notes of papaya, orange sorbet, and chokecherry add even more complexity. Once this lands gently on the palate, the flavors sway towards red fruits, citrus, and cola. Modest acidity, precise tannins, and undulating textures crescendo into an intricate and persistent finish. Enjoy now through 2031.”

~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
March 2024

“This expressive red’s engaging notes of kirsch and steeped mulberry are given a suave gloss of toast, adding a fun flurry of licorice, singed vanilla and fruitcake on the finish. Drink now through 2031. 360 cases made.” James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, June 2024

“The complex and compelling La Rinconada Pinot Noir is the best we’ve yet had from this vineyard, which sits just to the west of the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. The wine opens with dark cherry skin and herbal, tea-like notes. It’s soft with dark red fruit on entry and earthy, briar and tobacco notes entering on the mid-palate. Finishes long with firm, gracious tannins. The 25 year old vines of La Rinconada are Clones 4 and Mount Eden. Matured 15 months in 67% new French oak. Give this wine some cellar time. 14.2% alc.” Don Winkler, International Wine Review, June 2024

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 235 feet; Northwest
Soil: Bayshore silty, clay loam
Vineyard Age: 25 years
Viticulture Practice:
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 15 months in French oak, 67% new
Production:  15 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (Clone 4 & Mount Eden Clone)
Acidity: 3.36 pH, 7.08 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 26, 2022, hand harvested
Club Release: April 2024
Release Price: $79

Drink Now through 2031

Past Vintage Wine Scores

“Delivers warmed raspberry and blackberry compote notes laced with a racy bramble streak, along with light red tea, licorice and wood spice notes on the finish, which has nice underlying freshness. Drink now through 2027. 456 cases made.”

James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
June 2023

“Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Very alluring perfume of warm cherry pie with spicy a la mode. The essence of red and dark red cherry and raspberry is long in the mouth and infused with tasty spice. Refined in character with bright acidity, agreeable tannins, and a compliment of oak. This wine is simply outstanding.”

Rusty Gaffney
PinotFile
December 2022

“Soft aromas of black-raspberry jam meet with a crushed-rock note on the nose of this bottling, which offers savory notes of soy and herbal touches of thyme. Fresh black-plum-juice flavors on the palate are lifted by sandalwood and light herb.”

Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast

“Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of blackberry fruit, dark rose petal and wine cave. An exceptional wine with midweight flavors of black cherry and blueberry-pomegranate accented with welcome spice. Quite forward and giving with impressive purity of Pinot extract and gracious balance. There is a hint of earthiness that I find common in Pinot Noir from this vineyard. Even better when tasted several hours later and the following day from a previously opened bottle. The best La Rinconada Pinot Noir I have ever tasted.”

Rusty Gaffney
PinotFile
June 2021

“The La Rinconada Pinot Noir is high toned with a floral/fruity nose of dark rose petals and perfumed cherry and exotic spice nuances. On the palate, it’s refined and silky but also racy with excellent freshness and vibrancy and significant intensity. Vibrant and long on the finish with well-knit tannins.”

Don Winkler
International Wine Review
December 2021

“Red plum, cranberry, fennel pollen and a hint of roasted fruit show on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate’s tart berry and plum flavors are complemented by light pepper and crushed herb, making for a clean, focused and cohesive sip.”

Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
December 2021

“Medium ruby color, fresh and layered, silky and subtle with elegant style and fine acid structure, smooth and quite lovely, long and lovely.”

Anthony Dias Blue
September 2020

“It may be but two-and-a-half years old, yet this wine boasts a surprising amount of very accessible fruit along with a hard-to-miss element of oaky sweetness that makes it oh-so-attractive right now. It is broad and very supple in feel on the palate, and, while its comparatively fine-grained tannins do afford it the spine and structure to age, it is a wholly delicious Pinot Noir at present whose considerable fruity virtues require no further cellaring to fully appreciate.”

Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
June 2021

“Medium ruby color; crisp, bright and tangy, fresh and long with cherry fruit.”

Anthony Dias Blue
July 2019

“Coming from a mix of sites in the Sta. Rita Hills and all destemmed and brought up in 54% new French oak, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills reveals a medium ruby color as well as incredibly charming notes of ripe raspberries, strawberries, spice, and white flowers. Rounded, supple, and elegant on the palate, with bright acidity, this is a beautiful, classy Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming 5-6 years.”

Jeb Dunnuck
October 2019

“Vivid red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and blue fruits, potpourri, vanilla and smoky minerals. Energetic and focused on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry, boysenberry, spicecake and rose pastille flavors and an exotic touch of blood orange. Shows excellent clarity on the long, sweet, floral-driven finish, which features velvety, well-knit tannins.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2019

“Slightly better than the La Encantada, the 2016 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard reveals a medium ruby/translucent color as well as complex notes of dried cherries, strawberries, dried flowers, and spice. Elegant, ethereally textured, and balanced, drink it over the coming 5-7 years.”

Jeb Dunnuck

“This is a lovely fresh wine, very fruit forward with dark cherry fruit flavors and toasted oak and smoke on the nose . It is soft on the palate and mouth filling with good intensity of ripe fruit flavors, and concentrated with a long finish. ”

International Wine Review
October 2017

“A plush and focused red, filled with creamy cherry, plum and currant flavors that are supported by cilky tannins. The elegant finish is rich and persistent with notes of chocolate and savory spice that linger with velvety accents. Drink now through 2021.”

Kim Marcus
Wine Spectator
September 2017

“A savory, slightly herbal nose with underlying dark red pomegranate fruit. This Pinot has a silky mouth feel, intensely flavored with layers of red and black fruit. Very dense, slightly earthy and dry on the palate. finishes long.”

International Wine Review

The La Rinconada Vineyard

Planted in 1997, La Rinconada sits adjacent to the famed Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, the cornerstone of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation in Santa Barbara County. The same soil and climate conditions that make Sanford & Benedict an ideal spot for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay exist in the neighboring La Rinconada Vineyard.

The vineyard is made up of 11 acres of Pinot Noir and 9 acres of Chardonnay. Testarossa has been making both since 2012.

Past Vintages

Wine Production Data

Tasting Notes

“Dark red color. Aromas of pomegranate, plum, cherry, and sage enchant your senses and are met with secondary notes of anise, cola, and blackberry transforming perfectly into the palate. The texture is exquisite with bright acidity, fine grained tannins, and full of dimension. With a silky, smooth, and persistent finish, expect many wonderful days ahead from this Pinot Noir. Enjoy now through 2032.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
March 2023

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 235 feet; Northwest
Soil: Bayshore silty, clay loam
Vineyard Age: 24 years
Viticulture Practice: 
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 16 months in 100% French Oak, 63% new
Production:  19 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (53% Clone 4, 47% Mount Eden Clone)
Acidity: 3.18 pH, 7.78 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: October 6, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: April 2023

Drink Now through 2032

Tasting Notes

“Dark red color. Scents of red cherry, ripe pomegranate, plum, jasmine, blueberry, and blackberry concentrate the aroma profile of this abundant Pinot Noir. Once on the palate, flavors stay true to the aromas and are met with juicy tannins and modest acidity. With a plethora of pleasing features, this wine delivers hedonism in its youth while boding well for extended aging potential. Enjoy now through 2032.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
April 2022

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 235 feet; Northwest
Soil: Bayshore silty, clay loam
Vineyard Age: 23 years
Viticulture Practice: 
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 19 months in 100% French Oak, 57% new
Production:  15 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (67% Clone 4, 33% Mount Eden Clone)
Acidity: 3.27 pH, 6.44 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 23, 2020
Club Release: May 2022

Drink Now through 2032

Tasting Notes

“Medium red hue. Aromas of pomegranate, sage, dried cherry, and boysenberry followed by hints of currant, vanilla bean, and gray earl tea. Upon taste, the flavors continue the aromatic experience and are framed by a nice brightness. Fine tannins, structured mouthfeel, and vibrant acidity make for a lively experience. This wine ends with a youthful and playful tension, lending it to aging gracefully until 2030.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
May 2021

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 235 feet; Northwest
Soil: Bayshore silty, clay loam
Vineyard Age: 22 years
Viticulture Practice: 
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 17 months in 100% French Oak, 57% new
Production:  23 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.21 pH, 7.08 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 26, 2019
Club Release: May 2021

Drink Now through 2030

Tasting Notes

“Brick red hue. Engaging notes of maraschino cherry, roasted strawberry, sage, and blackberry leap out at first scent. With some aeration, additional notes of blueberry jam, vanilla bean, and jasmine unite in this complex Pinot Noir. Flavors of red cherry and orange show off in the palate while the other characters remain in the background. Precise texture, along with fine tannins lead to some youthful tension. Modest acidity along with the tannins exhibit a bright, fresh, and youthful portrayal of an exciting vineyard. Enjoy now through 2028.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:  19 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 53% new
Production:  19 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.38 pH; 6.75 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest: September 26,2018
Club Release:  September 2020

Drink Now through 2028

Tasting Notes

“Medium red hue. Pleasing scents of roasted strawberry, cherry, apple chutney, pomegranate, and marionberry unite in this wonderful Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. The flavors only intensify the sensation of the aroma profile and show off lush, dense tannins and modest acidity. This concentrated wine continues to deliver over a long, rewarding finish. Enjoy now through 2027.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:  18 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 42% new
Production:  19 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 7.2 TA (g/L) – 3.26 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 7-20, 2017
Club Release:  October 2019

Drink Now through 2027

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. This Pinot Noir opens up nicely with ripe pomegranate, bing cherry, roasted strawberry and sage. After some aeration, notes of vanilla bean, orange peel, and mandarin orange round out this complex and distinct offering. Upon taste, there is a focus towards red fruit and citrus. As to be expected, this site delivers incredible density and richness alongside the unctuous, polished tannins. The finish is full, complex, and lively. Enjoy now through 2025.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:  18 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 62% new
Production:  20 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.14 g/L – 3.44 pH
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest: September 9-21, 2016
Club Release:  January 2019

Drink Now through 2025

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. Lovely aromas of cranberry, cherry, pomegranate, boysenberry and blueberry unite with notes of anise, black pepper, nutmeg, vanilla bean, papaya, and a touch of lemon. Upon taste the fruit notes concentrate and the spice notes fade a bit. Wonderful fine grain tannins and lively acidity are tamed by the rich and dense concentration of flavors. This vibrant and fresh Pinot Noir lingers and lingers. Enjoy now through 2026.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:  10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 50% new
Production:  7 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.41 g/L – 3.49 pH
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest: August 26, 2015
Club Release:  January 24, 2018

Drink Now through 2026

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. Aromas of red cherry, boysenberry, blackberry, papaya, and crème brulee make for an irresistible experience. Once tasted, this wine engulfs all senses and is oozing with concentration. While it boasts amazing depth and richness, there is a sophisticated complexity laying beneath the surface. The wine showcases great intensity and poise, a combination rarely seen in Pinot Noir. This beauty should continue to be breath-taking for many more years to come. Enjoy now through 2025.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:   10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  59 % new
Production:   13 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:   5.87g/L –   3.67pH
Alcohol:  14.5%
Harvest: September 24, 2014

Drink Now through 2025

 

Tasting Notes

“Deep brick red color. Aromas of ripe cherry jam, cinnamon, lemon thyme, marmalade, white peach, and vanilla bean. While swirling in the palate, the characteristics focus into red cherries, cranberry, raspberry, and white peach. Lush, silky tannins are tamed by lively acidity and subtle oak infusion. The smooth and lingering finish make this wine quite tasty right now but should continue to deliver greatness with some age. Enjoy now through 2022.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Terlato Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Barrel Aging:   10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak,  46 % new
Production:   9 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:   5.79 gL / 3.54 pH
Alcohol:  14.3%
Harvest: September 23, 2013

Drink Now through 2022

 

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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