2019 Testarossa Tondré Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.709, 480 cases, $74. Released December 2021. The Alarid family farms this vineyard with sandy, gravelly loam soils. Testarossa sources Dijon 777 and Pommard 4 planted in 2009. Testarossa’s first vintage Pinot Noir from this vineyard was 2012. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Initially reserved but opening with time, revealing aromas of blackberry, cardamom and ash. There is no shortage of purple and black berry fruits in this mid-weight plus offering showing a slight smoky imprint not experienced in the other Testarossa 2019 lineup. The robust, fruit-packed finish makes quite a departing impression. Score: 92. Reviewed October 10, 2021

Winery: Testarossa Vineyards
From article: Winemaker Bill Brosseau Works Magic at Testarossa Winery: Part II