VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Rosella's

OwnerGary Franscioni
AppellationSanta Lucia Highlands
StoryPlanted by Gary Franscioni and named for his wife. Among the most clonally diverse sites in California: 7 Pinot Noir, 3 Chardonnay and 2 Syrah clones. Cooling afternoon winds ("howlers") literally roar through the rows each afternoon.
Dates Planted1996
Acres50
Location1.5 miles north of Garys' Vineyard in benchland of Santa Lucia Highlands.
AspectSoutheastern exposure.
SoilsDeep Arroyo Seco.
VarietiesPinot Noir
ManagersGary Franscioni

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2019 Testarossa Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.70, 474 cases, $74. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved aroma of dusty cherry leads to a middleweight styled wine with dark cherry and boysenberry fruit flavors that stick to the palate. Elegant in manner with good harmony and noticeable persistence on the pleasing spiceendowed finish. Score: 93. Reviewed June 13, 2021 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Clarice Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.05% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.64. 80.8% whole cluster fermented. Aged in French oak barrels, 72.7% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The most appealing and seductive aromatic profile among the 2017 and 2018 wines. Whole cluster inspired aromas of dark cherry, burnt tobacco, pine sap and spice. Engaging core of mid weight plus dark red fruits framed by fine-grain tannins. This wine is bursting with fruit goodness, yet there is a compatible contribution of tannins to hold the wine in perfect balance. Absolutely glorious when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle 5 days later. The finish seems to stick like glue to the palate. Score: 97. Reviewed June 18, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Clarice Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.98% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.62,. 62.5% Garys’ Vineyard and 37.5% Rosella’s Vineyard. 77.9% whole cluster fermented. Aged in French oak barrels, 37.5% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry and berry with exotic spices. A mid weight assortment of dark fruits saturate the mid palate and carry over through a generous finish. A tad more tannin than the 2017 bottling presumably due to the increased whole cluster but when tasted on the fifth day after opening, the tannins had modulated. Score: 94. Reviewed June 18, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Clarice Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.72. Screw cap. 58% whole cluster fermented. Aged in French oak barrels, 83.3% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass Deep aromas of red cherry and berry, cola, spice and sweet pipe smoke. A terrific wine with a plethora of dark red and blue fruits and a savory thread in a soft, sleek and satisfying package. The wine has impressive energy, merged tannins and a very lengthy finish. Wonderful now, but will age beautifully. Still grand when tasted 4 days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed June 18, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Clarice Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.44% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.72. Screw cap. 85.7% Rosella’s Vineyard and 14.3% Garys’ Vineyard. 57% whole cluster fermented. Aged in French oak barrels, 42.8% new. Combines the structure of Garys’ Vineyard with the fruit-forward character of Rosella’s Vineyard. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Lovely perfume of cherry, blueberry, rose petal, mushroom and dusty oak. Suave in the mouth with good energy, offering mid weight flavors of black cherry and spice. The explosion of fruit raises the senses. Nicely composed with a memorable finish. Re-tasted 4 days after opening the bottle with similar results and the finish again making an impression. I agree with Adam on this wine in that it is not a lesser appellation wine but rather a different expression of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Score: 94. Reviewed June 18, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.63, $35. Sourced from Double L, Rosella’s, Boekenoogen, KW and Tondre vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, native and cultured yeast fermentation in small, open-top tanks. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers primarily oak-driven aromas of toast, nuts and smoke, and more delicate secondary aromas of cherry. Light in weight, with oak-embellished flavors of cherry and raspberry. Fresh and juicy, with easygoing tannins and a short finish. Score: 88. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.62, 200 cases, $54, screw cap. Clones 667 and Pisoni. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Grand aromas of purple grape, boysenberry and sandalwood. My first word after taking a sip was Wow! An ephemeral wine with flat-out delicious, well-spiced, dark red cherry fruit that really captures the palate with goodness. Wondrous harmony with endless aromatic pleasure on the finish. Praise the Lord! Gary Franscioni really knows how to raise wine grapes! Score: 95. Reviewed February 23, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Morgan Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.62, 94 cases, $65. “Pisoni clone.” 100% de-stemmed, fermented in open-top tanks. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Dark red cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors fuel this lighter weighted wine that is rather demure. The fruit just doesn’t pop and the wine is a bit shallow on the follow through and finish. Score: 89. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.63, $60, screw cap. 30% whole cluster. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of turned earth, oak cask and black cherry. A muscular, full-bodied style offering thick flavors of dark red and black cherry, blackberry, black tea, and espresso. There is sprightly acidity that keeps the fruit load upbeat. Highly atypical for this vineyard showing unusually prominent tannins, dark rather than red fruits, and sappy rather than demure fruit character. Score: 89. Reviewed November 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Morgan Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.59, 99 cases, $64. Pisoni “clone” and Dijon 777. Vineyard planted in 1996 and benefits from the fog and breezes from its eastern exposure at the Santa Lucia Highlands bench land location. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in opentop tanks. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Complex aromatic profile that includes scents of dark cherry, spice, and fertile earth. Forward-drinking in a middleweight style featuring dark red and blue toned fruits and spice. The wine sports non obtrusive tannins and a lip-smacking finish. I prefer versions from this vineyard that are more feminine and red fruited, but this wine has class. A little more giving when tasted on the second day after opening. Score: 92. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.44, 100 cases, $44, screwcap. Released September 2016. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon wafer, white orchard fruits and flint lead off in this appealing wine with alluring flavors of lemon, pineapple, yellow apple and brioche. Slightly creamy in the mouth, with a deft touch of oak and an uplifting, juicy finish. Score: 90. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 314 cases, $55, screwcap. Released September 2017. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Comforting aromas of dark berries and sandalwood. Sleek and polished on the palate, with middleweight flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and spice with an earthy undertone. More darkly fruited than usual for Rosella’s. The tannins are woven in nicely and the sweet fruited finish satisfies. There is the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Morgan Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.68, 62 cases, $64. “Pisoni clone” and Dijon 777. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Plenty of interest in this wine that is typical of this vineyard. The perfume of red cherry, violets, green tobacco and baking spices are attractive. Light to mid weight in style, the wine offers a delightful mix of well-spiced red fruits with a notable candied cherry character. Elegant, with a cashmere texture, juicy acidity, and a compliment of tobacco oak in the background. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Bernardus Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.7% alc., 392 cases, $40. Released April 1, 2016. · Moderate golden straw color in the glass. Very clean and fresh scent of yellow orchard fruits and freshly peeled apple. Slightly viscous on the palate, with vibrant flavors of yellow peach, nectarine, lemon and pineapple. The finish is seductively silky and refreshing. Score: 93. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.3% alc., pH 3.48, 125 cases, $40. Released September 2015. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Apple aromas dominate the nose which is quite generous. Lighter weighted, but flavorful, featuring tastes of lemon and white peach in a classic style with uplifting acidity, a delicate touch of oak, and welcome harmony. This wine gathers sneaky appeal over time in the glass. Score: 90. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.71, 400 cases, $50. Released September 2015. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of berry mash, cherry syrup, and oak vanillin lead to a satisfying marriage of cherry and strawberry fruit with oak driven mocha and vanilla. The suave tannins make for easy drinking, and the juicy finish, although not lengthy, is quite flavorful. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Furthermore Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 285 cases, $55. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Attenuated aromas of cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry touched by nutty oak. Light to mid weight engaging flavors of red cherry and red berry with plenty of spice in a seamless and forward drinking style, with some finishing length. A very typical wine from this pedigreed vineyard. Score: 91. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 2,764 cases, $32, screwcap. 30% of blend from Pisoni Vineyard, the oldest vines that Siduri sources in the region. Also Rosella's, Soberanes, Sierra Mar and Garys' vineyards. 63% of wine comes from vines that are at least 14 years old. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very ripe scented nose with aromas of blackberry, spice and conifer. Silky and juicy on the palate with alluring flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and black currant with a substantial, but not imposing tannic backbone. The lengthy finish is especially noteworthy for an appellation blend wine. Score: 90. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Bernardus Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

15.4% alc., 412 cases, $40. Bottled August 2014. Vineyard owned and farmed by Gary and Rosella Franscioni. Dijon clone. Whole cluster pressed, fermented using a variety of specially selected yeasts. 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirring every two weeks until shortly before blending and bottling. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, tropical fruits and kiwi lead to a rich and creamy palate displaying ripe yellow orchard fruits with a hint of lemon and pineapple, and a tug of buttery oak that shows up for an encore on the strong finish that is flush with generous fruit concentration. Nicely done in this style. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.7% alc., pH 3.42, 150 cases, $40, screwcap. Released September 2014. · Light golden yellow color and clear. Aromas and flavors of lemon tart, white-fleshed fruit, and oak-driven brioche, baking spice, and toast. Creamy and slightly lush, with a dry, thirst-quenching finish. Score: 89. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.75, 400 cases, $50, screwcap. Released September 2014. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of cherry, raspberry, spice and herbs. Flavors of red cherry, cranberry and pomegranate are featured with an overlay of oak. On the feminine side which is typical of Rosella’s, with modest tannins and a sweet cherry finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, the oak dominated the fruit. Score: 89. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 378 cases, $54, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. A little riper profile in this vintage, offering an array of red and purple berry and stone fruits. Inviting attack with impressive fullness on the palate, with immersed tannins, finishing with a charge of fruit excellence. This wine also has textural interest to compliment its refined character. Always the most feminine wine of the Rosella’s-Garys’-Pisoni trilogy. Score: 92. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Furthermore Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.60, 151 cases, $55. Harvest Brix 28.0º. Pisoni and “828” clones. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Very savory nose featuring aromas of earthy flora, tobacco, mushroom, black cherry, strawberry and vanilla. Silky on entry, with mid weight flavors of plum, black cherry, black raspberry, mocha, herbs and spice. Elegantly composed with a generous dollop of oak and some dry tannin on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Saxon Brown Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 226 cases, $68. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose lifts interest with aromas of black cherry, cardamom spice and toast. The mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and blackberry are accented with notes of white pepper and spice. Nicely balanced with commendable oak integration and some length on the finish which leaves a hint of warmth in its wake. Score: 90. Reviewed April 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Bernardus Santa Lucia Highlands Saignée de Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 569 cases, $24. Made from fresh pressed Pinot Noir grapes. As the grapes are crushed, a small percentage of the juice is blend off before it has a chance to absorb much color from the grape skins. The barely colored juice is then cold fermented in stainless steel in the winery’s coolest cellar to dryness. A blend from multiple Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards including Pisoni, Rosella’s, Sierra Mar, Soberanes, Tondré Grapefield, Fairview, Highlands and Paraiso. · Magnetic pinkish red color and clear in the glass. Lovely nose perfumed with strawberries, red cherries, mangoes, redwood and allspice. The wine is fresh, crisp and bright on the palate with flavors of strawberry, red cherry and cotton candy with a hint of citrus. Drink this wine slightly chilled with sushi for a big smile. Score: 88. Reviewed March 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Bernardus Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.7% alc., 343 cases, $40. Dijon clones. · A unique bottling reflecting a special vintage and deserving of a vineyard designation. Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Exotic array of aromas including white grape, mango and lemongrass. Ripe and rich with flavors of cooked apple, lemon curd and caramel. Slightly creamy on the palate with a compliment of oak in the background. Score: 89. Reviewed February 8, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Furthermore Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 151 cases, $50. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Reserved aromas of cherry, rose hips tea and baking spices. This wine is packed with stunning spiced cherry cola flavor that attacks with a vengeance and persists through a long, refined finish. The tannins are balanced, the texture is rich and lush, and a mild tug of oak plays in the background. Score: 91. Reviewed August 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., $50, screwcap. · Dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. An intoxicating nose reveals exotic spices and fresh red and black berries, becoming more appealing over time in the glass. A big, rich pussycat of a wine with a sappy core of spiced black cherry, blueberry, and dark raspberry fruits. The tannins are well-matched and the finish, which throws a bit of heat, is powerful and generous. A big wine for this vineyard which is usually the most feminine of the Pisoni-Franscioni assembly of vineyards. Score: 90. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 376 cases, $50. Release May 2014. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Shy red cherry fruit with accents of stem and oak spice on the nose. The earthy cherry core has a cooked fruit tone. A feminine wine that is very dainty in this vintage. Currently, the oak and tannins stick out. Slightly tart cherry holds on at the finish which has a slight burn. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Bernardus Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 418 cases, $65. Clone 777 and Pisoni. Aged in 100% French oak barrels of which 40% were new. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Inviting aromas of ripe strawberries, black raspberry, spice and floral goodness. Very charming, with plenty of black raspberry, plum and spice flavors that persist on the long finish infused with a plethora of dark berries. The wine’s modest tannins and restrained oak make for pleasing drinking now. Score: 91. Reviewed February 8, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 539 cases, $84. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromatic and flavor profile is dominated by a generous array of darker berries including boysenberry. Big, fruity and bold in this vintage, yet polished with very soft tannins. The pleasure ends in a very giving finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 August West Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., ph 3.62, TA 0.66, 406 cases, $32. From Rosella’s, Sierra Mar and Soberanes vineyards. Aged 10 months in 12% new, 59% 1- year-old and 29% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromatically alive with scents of purple grapes and plums with a hint of spice and brioche. Full-bodied flavors of plum and boysenberry with a hint of spice and smoky oak in the background. Juicy and vibrant with firm tannins. A solid appellation wine. Good (+). Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 August West Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.68, 382 cases, $45. Clones 113, 667 and Pisoni. Aged 10 months in 50% new, 44% 1-year-old and 6% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry pie glaze, spice and sandalwood. Middleweight array of dark red fruits, most prominently strawberries. The most elegant and redfruited of the Santa Lucia Highlands’ wines with modest tannins and a strawberry-infused finish. Not a powerhouse, buy oozes charm. Very good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Furthermore Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 81 cases, $50. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of strawberry, cherry and nutmeg draw you into the glass. Beautifully composed and harmonious with gentle tannins balancing the flavorful dark red cherry and berry fruits. There is a touch of dark chocolate, sarsaparilla, vanilla and char adding interest. The attack is expansive and the finish has impressive length. Rosella’s always is a more feminine wine than many from the Santa Lucia Highlands and that character is exemplified in this wine. Score: 92. Reviewed November 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 ROAR Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.55, 451 cases, $52. Pisoni, 777 and Pommard clones. Aged 11 months in 84% new and 16% 1-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brightly perfumed with aromas of dark fruits, briar, forest floor and smoky oak. The core of modest tannins is wrapped in layers of dark red cherry and berry fruit with a prominent charred oak accent. Still, the wine is juicy and pleasing with some length on the finish. The delicate fruit essence is currently buried in oak and the wine will benefit from more time in bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed September 29, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 613 cases, $52. 38% 777, 27% Pommard, 27% 828 and 8% Pisoni clones. 115 did not make the final wine. Picked at 23.9º to 24.7º Brix. Mix of native and inoculated fermentations. · Medium dark reddish color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with bright aromas of cherry pie glaze, sandalwood and rose petals. Dark red strawberry and cherry flavors are featured in a mid weight style with balanced fine-grain tannins and some welcome finishing intensity. Offers some textural interest as well. Very good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Bernardus Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 429 cases, $65. This vineyard was planted by Gary Franscioni and named after his wife. Pisoni “clone” and Dijon 777. Aged 10 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddishpurple hue in the glass. Highly aromatic and intoxicating, with scents of cherries, dark strawberries and spice. The delicious core of cherry fruit is accented with hints of cola and oak-driven mocha. Very approachable with harmonious tannins and a lovable finish. Shows off the typical red-toned fruits and femininity characteristic of this vineyard. A dancing Pinot. Score: 94. Reviewed March 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.63, 422 cases, $78. From a 50-acre vineyard planted by Gary Franscioni and named for his wife near Garys’ Vineyard. Clones are Pisoni (50%), Pommard 4 (25%) and “828” (25%). Yields 2.1-5.4 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 16 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The most feminine wine in the lineup, this beauty is silky soft like fine lingerie, offering the sweet Pinot perfume of dark red cherries, berries and baking spice. Modest in weight, but flavorful, with a core of perfectly ripened dark red cherries backed by a whisper of oak spice and toast. A Halle Berry of a wine. Very good (+). Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 August West Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 373 cases, $45. Picked October 16, latest picking date in 9 vintages. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose is both fruity and savory offering herb-imbued, pie cherry aromas. This wine is a stand out with its tasty core of dark, perfectly ripe red berries caressed by soft tannins, displaying a seductive and satiny mouth feel, and finishing with a bright cut of acidity. Intensely flavored, yet light on its feet. The whole package. Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., $48, screw cap. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Dark red fruits including ripe strawberries fill the glass with perfume. Soft and elegant, offering the tasty essence of red cherries and plums framed by complimentary oak and finishing with some persistence. This wine reflects the femininity that I find in many wines from this vineyard. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Furthermore Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.67, 83 cases, $50, 375 ml $25. Vineyard is farmed by Gary Franscioni. Clones “828” and Pisoni. Harvest Brix 24.7º. Native fermentation, aged 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of spiced dark red stone fruits with hints of vanilla, nuts and stem. Medium bodied core of dark red cherries with an herbal vein running through and a citrus underpinning. Good crispness and supple tannins, with a bright tag of cherry on the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed September 29, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc. 582 cases, $50. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine is showing the most oak now both on the nose and palate. Aromas of blackberries, boysenberries and coffee. Flavors of plum, dark berries, sassafras and cola with some oak in the background. Very soft in the mouth with notable echo of scent and fruit on the finish. Needs more time to integrate the oak but the core of fruit is gorgeous. Very good. Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 272 cases, $72. · Moderately deep red rose color in the glass. Intensely fruity on the nose and palate, featuring dark red cherries and raspberries, finishing strong with a spry tang. Appealing finesse with a pillowy soft mouth feel. Still great the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good (+). Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Miner Family Vineyards Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 400 cases, $50. Aged 14 months in 75% new French oak. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is nicely nuanced with scents of strawberries, raspberries, herbs and biscuit. Tastes of darker fruits on the palate with a complimentary note of cola and brown spice. Beautifully composed with supple tannins and good length on the aromatic finish. Very good. Reviewed March 12, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 272 cases, $72. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Perfumed with aromas of spice dark red fruits, wilted roses, hard red candy and redwood. Discreetly concentrated flavors of red cherries, pomegranates, brown spice and graham. Soft in the mouth and lighter weighted than the other Santa Lucia Highlands offerings. A bit exotic and unusual in its flavor profile and quite different from the 08 version. Good (+). Reviewed August 13, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. · Striking expression of fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are reigned in, the texture is silky, and the fruity finish is expansive. Very good (+) and the most exceptional offering I have had from this vineyard by KB. Reviewed April 9, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.61, $72. Pisoni selection and 828 clone from a vineyard farmed by Gary Franscioni. 3.0 tons per acre. · Highly perfumed and nuanced nose featuring aromas of fresh red raspberries, cherry cobbler, baking spices and dark red rose petals. Delicious melange of dark red berries and cherries with hints of allspice and vanillin carrying through with impressive finishing intensity. Mild finegrain tannins and balanced acidity create a very charming wine that has a demure appeal. Hard to say no to. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Clone 115 Pinot Noir

(barrel sample) · Both of Siduri wines were distinctly browner in color, although by no means oxidized, compared to the rest of the wines on the table. Bright sour cherry and cinnamon nose. Very fruit-forward flavors, big wine, finishing grip and seems almost ready to drink. Reviewed March 23, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 A.P. Vin Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir.

14.9% alc., 375 cases, $40, Stelvin screw cap. Clones 777, 115 and Pisoni. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Enticing scents of perfectly ripe cherries and berries with side car notes of oak and spice. A cherry bombast in the mouth that literally explodes on entry, well-clothed in ripe tannins and bright acidity. The aromatic finish lasts and lasts. A seamless wine with the most finesse of all the wines in this lineup. Fantastic the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The quarterback in the lineup: good-looking, clean, smart and demands the focus of attention. Reviewed November 13, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Loring Wine Company Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 725 cases, $46. · A big fruity wine with grill-marked black cherry and plum fruits, reigned-in oak toast, and some good Pinot barnyard aromas. Nicely composed and soft in the mouth with a touch of citrus in the background. Reviewed January 1, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

15.0% alc., pH 3.72, 247 cases, $72. Pisoni clone and Dijon 828. Cropped at 3.3 tons per acre average. · The most disappointing of the vineyard-designates showing overripe aromas and flavors with a mildly flabby texture and short finish. Reviewed January 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 490 cases, $45. Juice was bled off to concentrate the wine, more whole clusters were used than normal, and strict barrel selection was employed. A blend of Pisoni clone, Pommard clone and Dijon clones 777 and 828 aged 10 months in 80% new French oak. · Lovely aromas of black raspberry, plum jam, oak and green tea. Bright, tantalizing and full-bodied blackberry fruit with an attractive earthy note and a hint of citric tang on the clean finish. The tannins and oak are beautifully reigned in. The pedigree of the fruit really shows through in this wine and it is one of the best examples of Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir I have ever tasted. A show-stopper and everything you could ask for in a Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Reviewed November 17, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 August West Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 477 cases, $48. · Very shy aromatics but pleasant strawberry and cherry scents after intensive swirling. Decent red and black fruits with an earthy bent. Zippered up and unyielding on this day. Reviewed May 26, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

15.0% alc., 365 cases. $68. Mostly Pisoni clone with 20% Dijon clone 828. No whole cluster. · Intense but pretty cherry aromas and flavors. The palate is rich, long, pure and showy. Plenty of vim and vigor. Along with the Keefer, the sleekest and most refined at this stage. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 August West Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

406 cases · This Pinot is still closed from recent bottling. We took it to lunch and over time it began to blossom and strut out some unctuous Pinot flavors. It is similar to the Freeman wines, but with a little more dark fruits and structure typical of this vineyard. The 2004 vintage of this wine was a knock-out and this one should follow in step when ready to drink. Reviewed November 26, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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