Palate
Ripe black and red fruit flavors are enhanced by soft tannins and a velvety mouth feel.
Growing Conditions
We sourced the fruit for this year's Pseudonym from the Tondre Grapefield Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Just like his father Tondre, grower Joe Alarid is passionate about his vines and grows several different pinot clones. The southeast facing slopes provide ample sunlight and even ripening throughout the long growing season. A strong coastal influence from the Monterey Bay ensures cool nights, preserving acidity for firm structure.
Bottling
The wine was racked and bottled unfiltered to allow the purest expression of the fruit.
Winemaking
For this single vineyard offering, we chose 777, 667 and 115 clones. Incorporating these three classic pinot clones gave us the potential for the development of complex flavors and aromas.
Aging
The wine was aged for 20 months in both new and neutral barrels. We used 1/3 new French cooperage to impart oak influence that is both subtle and nuanced.
