Mindego Ridge - Santa Cruz Pinot Noir 2016
Price: $49.96
| Producer | Mindego Ridge |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 794003 |
| Size | 750ml |
The Santa Cruz Mountains are not the first place one might think of for excellent Pinot Noir but the special vineyard site selected by David and Stacey Gollnick proves that it well could be. Their 10ha vineyard, is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco bay. Bodies of water that protect the vineyard from the late summer heat spikes that California is known for according to owner Dave Gollnick. The vineyard captures a bunch of son as it's south facing with steep gradients up to 35%. Being at an elevation between 675 to 935ft in elevation further tempers the climate. Within 10 minutes of visiting the site in 2013, Winemaker Ehren Jordan (Failla) was convinced of the potential of this site and signed on to be the winemaker. Ehren's deft touch, no additives, no filtration, no fining, hand punch downs, with their Pinot Noir has garnered rave reviews. Antonio Galloni calls it "one of the most exciting new properties in the Santa Cruz Mountains." The quality here is high.
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 Points
The 2016 Pinot Noir comes from a great site on the western side of the SCM and was fermented with 40% whole clusters and spent 11 months in 25% new French oak. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a rocking bouquet of ripe cherries, mulberries, leafy underbrush, blood orange, and spring flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, layered, and textured. With good acidity, present tannins, and a great finish, it has everything you could want from a Mountain Pinot Noir. Give bottles a year or two and enjoy through 2028 JD
