Testarossa Pinot Noir 2021
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [JS 93] [VM 92]

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.

Winemaker 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

Technical Data

Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Viticulture Practice: sourced from sustainably farmed 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% 
Club Release: September 2022

Drink Now through 2030

93 Points - James Suckling:
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.

92 Points - Vinous:
The 2021 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a terrific introduction to this range. Bright red-toned fruit, cedar, pipe tobacco and dried herbs all open effortlessly. There's lovely savory/earthy complexity to play off the bright fruit. This is a very complex, nuanced appellation-level bottling.