2022 Tolosa Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
The 2022 Tolosa Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands is a testament to the unique terroir of this elevated region.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Light ruby red with a pinkish rim.
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Aromas: Ripe raspberry liqueur, cherry, and red currant, complemented by hints of caramel, graham cracker, roasted mushrooms, and sage.
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Palate: Medium-full bodied with rich flavors of ripe black cherry and red currant, layered with nuances of new leather, toffee, and fresh tobacco. The texture is smooth and refined, culminating in a lingering finish that balances fruit and earthy undertones.
Food Pairings with Caribbean Cuisine
This Pinot Noir’s vibrant fruit profile and balanced acidity make it a versatile companion to various Caribbean dishes:
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Grilled Meats: Pairs excellently with jerk-seasoned chicken or pork, where the wine’s fruitiness complements the spicy and smoky flavors.
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Seafood: Enhances dishes like grilled snapper or mahi-mahi, especially when accompanied by fruit-based salsas, aligning with the wine’s berry notes.
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Vegetarian Fare: Complements roasted vegetable dishes, such as plantain and root vegetable medleys, where the wine’s earthy undertones harmonize with the dish.
Vineyard Technical Notes
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Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, located west of Salinas, California, stretching 18 miles long and one mile wide along a raised plateau at 1,250 feet elevation.
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Soil and Climate: Features gravelly loam soils with southeastern exposures. The region benefits from cool ocean breezes from Monterey Bay, extending the growing season and promoting slow, balanced ripening.
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Clonal Selection: Grapes sourced primarily from Dijon clones 777 and 115, known for their aromatic complexity and depth in Pinot Noir.
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Vintage Conditions: The 2022 growing season began with a dry winter and cool spring, delaying bud break and slowing bloom and fruit development. Warmer weather in summer allowed vines to catch up, but an unexpected eight-day heat wave in early September, combined with reduced yields due to ongoing drought conditions, led to multiple pickings across the vineyards. These dynamic conditions resulted in a wine with expressive, ripe, and concentrated flavors.
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Winemaking: Aged for nine months in 100% French oak barrels, with 27% being new oak.
This 2022 Pinot Noir exemplifies the distinctive characteristics of the Santa Lucia Highlands, offering a harmonious blend of fruit and earthy flavors that reflect its unique origin.