2018 Sinor-Lavalle Ancestrale San Luis Obispo County Sparkling Pinot Noir

10.5% alc., 263 cases, $26. The front label shows an original oil painting done by Teddi Fuller of a bison skull that Mike’s late father shot and hangs at the winery. Fourth vintage for this “Pet Nat” sparkling wine created by “Methode Ancestrale.” Harvest Brix 17.8º. !00% clone 2A. Whole cluster pressed day of harvest. No SO2 or commercial yeast added. Pied de Cuve technique used to start fermentation. Tank fermented at about 55º F. Bottled 26 days after harvest. No SO2 or sugar added at bottling. Not disgorged. · Wine is under high pressure and bottle cap must be removed slowly as abundant bubbles emerge. White gold color in the glass. Very fragrant with aromas of apricot, nectarine, apple and botanical notes. Bubbles dissipate quickly. Quite enjoyable on the palate, with flavors of pineapple, lemon and white peach. A bone dry wine that has a little Muscat, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir Blanc character. Not scored as I have never had a comparable wine, but I recommended it. Reviewed March 23, 2019

Winery: Sinor-LaVallee
From article: California Pinot Noir to Swoon Over