![Belle Glos Pinot Noir "Las Alturas Vineyard" 2021 (Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [WE 91]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/files/BelleGlos-PinotNoir-LasAltruas-2022_{width}x.png?v=1714084928)
Belle Glos Pinot Noir "Las Alturas Vineyard" 2021
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [WE 91]
Regular price $55.00 Sale price $49.99 Save $5.01
About the Vineyard:
The Spanish term Las Alturas means the heights, a fitting name for this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA up to 1,200 feet. At this elevation, the sunny but very cool climate creates a wine bearing all the hallmarks of this coastal region: robust, expressive, full-bodied, and balanced by a firm acidity. Nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the western side of Salinas Valley, Las Alturas benefits from early morning fog which rolls in most days from Monterey Bay then burns off within a few hours. Gusty winds funnel in from the bay throughout the afternoon, moderating the overall temperature and contributing to one of the longest growing seasons in California. The high winds also result in smaller berries with very thick skins, giving us more color concentration. Another attractive characteristic of this vineyard is the low-vigor, free-draining sub-soil made up of a calcareous base underneath a layer of sandy loam. This complements our farming techniques to further reduce our yields per vine and augment the fruits intensity.
Tasting Notes:
The Spanish term Las Alturas means the heights, a fitting name for this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA up to 1,200 feet. At this elevation, the sunny but very cool climate creates a wine bearing all the hallmarks of this coastal region: robust, expressive, full-bodied, and balanced by a firm acidity. Nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the western side of Salinas Valley, Las Alturas benefits from early morning fog which rolls in most days from Monterey Bay then burns off within a few hours. Gusty winds funnel in from the bay throughout the afternoon, moderating the overall temperature and contributing to one of the longest growing seasons in California. The high winds also result in smaller berries with very thick skins, giving us more color concentration. Another attractive characteristic of this vineyard is the low-vigor, free-draining sub-soil made up of a calcareous base underneath a layer of sandy loam. This complements our farming techniques to further reduce our yields per vine and augment the fruits intensity.
Tasting Notes:
Scarlet red in color with an aromatic medley of gooseberry, raspberry, and cranberry with hints of ginger, black pepper, and shaved milk chocolate. Dark fruit on the palate with fl avors of wild berries, milk chocolate, toffee, black cherry, and ground nutmeg. Rich and structured, this wine has beautiful acidity that lingers through to a long, mouthwatering finish.
Ratings & Reviews
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This is an extremely ripe and bold style of Pinot Noir that will please those seeking such lushness. Dark in the glass, it begins with black cherry, toasty caramel and cola milk shake aromas. The palate is hefty and heavy, carrying ripe berry but also tart red plum skin flavores, as licorice adds spice.” – Matt Kettmann (Mar 2023)