2023 Pinot Noir

Santa Lucia Highlands

Monterey County
Not a historical or directOnly product
BROWSING ONLY

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DESCRIPTION

The Santa Lucia Highlands is usually cool and windy, and 2023 was the coolest we've seen for a long while. The Winter and Spring provided more rain than SLH has seen for well over two decades, delaying bud break by an entire month. Thus, the vines tracked later the entire season and harvest was three to four weeks later than average, with harvest beginning in October. The signature of 2023 is impeccable balance. Bright flavors, soft tannins, fresh acid and loads of personality derived from their place of origins. After a warm 2022 vintage, the 2023 wines are a textbook counterpoint that is representative of a long, cool season. The vintage was certainly a test of patience, but our team is thrilled with the quality of the 2023 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs!
93 points
Virginie Boone, JebDunnuck.com,
Apr 2025
"
The 2023 Pinot Noir is defined more by acidity than tannin, displaying an elegantly light, bright and broadly appealing degree of freshness and breadth. A little more whole-cluster fermentation (15-20%) was used than in warmer vintages, adding spice and complexity. It should age well 5-7 years"
93 Points Virginie Boone, JebDunnuck.com Apr 2025
Sunburst
"
The 2023 Pinot Noir is defined more by acidity than tannin, displaying an elegantly light, bright and broadly appealing degree of freshness and breadth. A little more whole-cluster fermentation (15-20%) was used than in warmer vintages, adding spice and complexity. It should age well 5-7 years"
93 Points Virginie Boone, JebDunnuck.com Apr 2025
Sunburst
Map of Sonoma County

Santa Lucia Highlands

WINDY, SANDY, AND ROCKY FOOTHILLS

Winemaker’s Favorite Aspect:

The wind shortens the daytime high temps and holds the acid in the fruit amazingly well.

Climate:

Windy – brief daytime highs shrouded in fog in the mornings and evenings from the Monterey Bay

Regional Overview:

Santa Lucia Highlands sits at the nexus of ripe flavors with weight and soft tannins but still has an electric undercurrent of acidity due to the long hang time. It’s an awesome new-world flavor profile that doesn’t sacrifice acid and freshness at all.

FOOD PAIRINGS:

I really love pulled pork sliders and SLH Pinot Noirs, it’s a relatively simple dish but the acid and weight that SLH Pinot Noirs possess really compliment the richness of the pulled pork. It’s a great dish in the smoker during the summer or with a slow cooker in the winter.

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