Estancia Estates
2011 Stonewall Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir •Stonewall Vineyard
California: Monterey County: Santa Lucia Highlands
Mission Briefing
All the King's Pinot
Of all the varietals we taste, Pinot Noir is by far the biggest wild card. Pinot can be dark and brooding or light and refreshing - we just never know until we give it a try. Well, we happened to strike gold with today’s Estancia Estates 2011 Stonewall Vineyard Pinot Noir. This wine was the smash hit of our most recent tasting panel (and a sure-fire crowd pleaser).
Sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of the premier Pinot growing areas in California, today’s wine is soft and elegant, with robust and deep flavors that beautifully coat the palate. Don’t miss out!
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Deep scarlet with flecks of magenta in the glass, with the faintest hint of a lighter red rim. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Lush and concentrated aromas of dark cherry and strawberry greet you initially and are quickly trailed by aged cedar wood, cigar box, clove, and a touch of white pepper. |
| Taste: | Robust and concentrated, with dark fruit flavors of baked black cherry, boysenberry, and sweet plum coating the initial palate. These flavors are trailed by sweet tobacco leaf, earthy mushroom, anise, and subtle dark baking spices. |
| Finish: | This Pinot is best decanted. Give the wine a chance to breathe, and you will be greeted by a silky, luxurious finish highlighted by dark cherry and subdued hints of terroir and spice. |
| Pairing: | A homemade, rustic whole wheat pizza, topped with fresh mushrooms, prosciutto, and provolone cheese. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Clay Brock
- Appellation
- Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California
- Vineyard
- Stonewall Vineyard
- Fruit Variety
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Cooperage
- 14 months in 30% new French oak
- ABV
- 14.2%