Dec 30, 2022
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Domaine De La Côte
| Owner(s) | Sashi Moorman, Rajat Parr |
| Web site | www.domainedelacote.com |
| Link to this site |
Evening Land Vineyards sold its 40 acres of vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills to winemaker Sashi Moorman, sommelier Rajat Parr, and their business partners. Sashi discovered the site and developed the vineyards with Chris King in 2007. The vineyards are planted entirely to California heritage selections at extremely high vine densities between 4,000 and 7,000 vines per acre, unprecedented for the appellation.
The partners chose to introduce a unique French-inspired estate label for Domaine de la Côte. Moorman makes the wines using whole-cluster fermentation and ambient yeast at the winery in the town of Lompoc in Santa Barbara County, three miles from the vineyards.
The six vineyards are just seven miles from the ocean and are planted on a soil base unique to a small section of the Sta. Rita Hills known as diatomaceous earth. The vineyards are: Memorious (3.5 acres), Bloom's Field (7.5 acres), Siren's Call (3 acres), Clos Juliet (1 acre), La Côte (9.5 acres), and 15.5 acres of appellation Sta. Rita Hills.
The wines are sold to allocation list members and to select restaurants. Visits are available for list members by appointment.
Articles About Domaine De La Côte
2017 California Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
Adventures on the Pinot Trail: World of Pinot Noir: The Tastings (9.39 3/29/2014)
California Dreamin’: New Releases (10.48 2/13/2017)
Domaine de la Côte: Whole Cluster Goodness (10.3 1/22/2015)
Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards III: Central Coast - Sta. Rita Hills (12.22 9/18/2021)
Pinot Briefs (9.21 3/23/2013)
Quick Trigger: Are Reviews Done Too Soon? (11.18 2/3/2018)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.43 11/30/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines (9.32 10/26/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.12 10/27/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Domaine de la Côte Bloom’s field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 500 cases, $75.
·
Moderately
dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of dark rose petal, black cherry, peppery herbs, burnt tobacco
and pine sap. Less whole cluster input on the palate, showing mid-weight flavors of black cherry, black
raspberry, and spice with a subtle herbaceous underpinning. Sleek in the mouth, with matched tannins, a touch
of oak, and a lengthy finish. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. The
infusion of herbs will please whole cluster fans.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 19, 2021
ARTICLE »
2015 Domaine De La Côte Memorious Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 376 cases, $60. 50% whole
cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. The nose is alive with the
scent of black cherry reduction, spice and timber. Intense
attack of fresh cherry fruit flavor lifted by bright acidity, and
backed by silky tannins. The exquisitely balanced wine just
keeps opening and opening, finishing with a extremely long and
gregarious finish that is cherry-fueled. Whole cluster character is more
moderate and for me, just perfect.
Score: 95.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 508 cases, $70. 100% whole
cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 45% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Embraceable aromas of
cherry, pine sap, exotic spices, rose petal and burnt tobacco. Mid weight flavors of cherry and boysenberry
accent with a pleasing smoky tobacco (not oak tobacco) note. Forward drinking, with integrated tannins and
very lively acidity. Whole cluster character is dominant in this wine. The very long finish is both fruity and
refreshing.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Domaine De La Côte la Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 370 cases, $90. 100%
whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 45% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The
whole cluster inspired nose offers aromas of cherry, burnt tobacco and smoked paprika. Brimming
with red fruits, this middleweight styled wine has refined tannins, vital acidity, an extra bit of
sophistication, complexity donated by whole cluster inclusion, and a perky finish that inspires
another sip.
Score: 94.
Reviewed October 22, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
24 months
·
Aromas of cherry, raspberry,
burnt tobacco, rose petal and fertile earth. Nicely balanced with good vibrancy, featuring a bright cherry core
framed by suave, silky tannins. A little tobacco and floral input. Elegant and lacy, with a burst of cherry
goodness on the bright finishing. Fades slightly over time in the glass. Previously 93.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 4, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Sta. Rita Hills AVA Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 3,294 cases, $45. Estate grown,
produced and bottled. 50% whole cluster, aged in 0% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light cherry red color
in the glass. Pleasing scent of cherry, raspberry, rose petal, pine needle and underbrush. Very elegant, juicy
and refreshing in a mid weight styled wine with uplifting flavors of black cherry and black raspberry framed by
silky smooth tannins and supported by the acidity Sta. Rita Hills is known for. Tart cherry returns in waves on
the lip-smacking finish. An excellent way to sample the DDLC style with some retail availability. Still solid the
following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 13, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Memorious Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 470 cases, $60.
·
Light reddish
purple color in the glass. The nose gives up its charms slowly over time in the glass, offering lively aromas of
dark red cherry, spice and rose petal. Modest in weight, and rather delicate in demeanor, but packing a punch
with juicy flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and exotic spice. The dry tannins are well proportioned, and
the cut of citrus-driven acidity lifts the wine to a high-spirited finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed December 1, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 1,020 cases, $70.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Exotically perfumed, with aromas of black cherry, pine sap,
rose petal and spice reflective of whole cluster inclusion. Light to mid weight in style featuring redder fruits
including cherry, raspberry and cranberry. A slight leafy, herbal thread, presumably from whole cluster inclusion,
adds a savory note. Elegantly composed, with a fresh, juicy personality and a bright, upbeat finish that lingers.
Score: 93.
Reviewed December 1, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte La Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 820 cases, $90. 100% whole cluster.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A searching nose that mesmerizes the drinker with
aromas of cherry, cola, pipe smoke and smoky caramel that picks up noticeable intensity over time in
the glass. This wine has a little more of everything, including fruit sap, oak and tannin, but they all
blend seamlessly in this mid weight plus offering featuring dark red fruits. There is a charming
briskness and freshness to this wine that encourages the drinker to linger over every sip and refreshes
for the next taste. The finish is of Grand Crus length as well. This is the stuff that Pinot dreams are
made of. Dreamers can expect this wine to age beautifully for ten years or more.
Score: 98.
Reviewed December 1, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Siren’s Call Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 145 cases, $120. Inaugural vintage from this
vineyard. Estate grown, produced and bottled.
·
Moderately light
reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is remarkably
complex, offering aromas of dark cherry, mysterious Asian
spices, sous-bois, burnt tobacco and smoke. Light to mid weight
in style, with invigorating acidity that forms the first impression.
Demure flavors of tart cherry and cranberry with a touch of spice and
tobacco. The fine-grain tannins are supportive and make for easy
approachability. When tasted the following day from a previously opened
and re-corked bottle, the nose was in full flight featuring all the best of
whole cluster. The palate had picked up some weight, raspberry fruit
arrived, the wine was vivid and vibrant, and the finish left a mouthwatering
impression. You can just sense the cool ocean breeze in this wine.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 13, 2017
ARTICLE »
2012 Domaine de la Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., magnum. 50% whole cluster
fermentation.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very seductive nose offering soaring aromas of cherry, burnt
tobacco, sweet mulch and sap.The vibrant, middleweight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry are
enhanced with accents of clove and cardamom spices. Slightly earthy with a shadow of oak and gossamer
tannins. Juicy acidity propels the cherry-imbued finish.The wine still has 5+ years left in this format.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 19, 2021
ARTICLE »
2012 Domaine De La Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 2,100 cases, $45. 25% of vines are
own-rooted at a vine density of 4,000 vines per acre. 50% whole cluster fermentation, aged in 0%
new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is replete with
whole cluster goodness including aromas of wilted rose, spice and wet bark. Fresh and juicy with mid
weight flavors of purple berries and spice and a floral note in the background. Easy to approach now
with supple but structured tannins and a tangy finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed January 23, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 500 cases, $70.
100% whole cluster fermentation, aged in 0% new French oak barrels for 20 months.
·
Moderately
dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is similar to the Sta. Rita Hills bottling with rose petal
and spice playing a large role, but the aromas are more penetrating. Round, polished and discreetly
concentrated with upfront flavors of blueberry and black raspberry. Nicely balanced with modest
tannins and plenty of zip and zing.
Score: 92.
Reviewed January 23, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Domaine De La Côte La Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 300 cases, $90.
From a small section of a 9-acre parcel that is planted in broken shale. The first vineyard
harvested and always produces the most opulent wine. 100% whole cluster fermentation,
aged in 0% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass.
Compelling aromas of boysenberry, black raspberry, spice and purple rose. Very smooth and
polished on the palate with layers of purple berry, plum, and spice flavors. Impeccably
balanced with tannins hiding in the background, juicy acidity, and a remarkably intense finish. Still a
little moody and will benefit from more time in bottle. This wine is the epitome of ephemeral.
Score: 94.
Reviewed January 23, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Domaine De La Côte Estate Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 360 cases, $55. The vineyard is 7.5 acres planted to three
California heritage selections of Pinot Noir (Mount Eden, Swan and Calera).
The name comes from the planting date of the vineyard which was Bloom’s Day
(6/16/07). The clay topsoil is rich in iron and well-drained. The Pacific Ocean is
8 miles to the West so it is a cold microclimate. Typically, the clusters are very
small with high levels of acidity. 90% whole cluster. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine has the exotic
perfume that can only come from whole cluster with waves of dark red and black
berries, imported spices, and a floral whiff complimented by sweet oak. A
delicious wine that makes you sit up and take notice of the plethora of plum, blueberry, black raspberry and
pomegranate fruit supported by broad-shouldered tannins and bright acidity. Amazing sense of concentration
despite the low alcohol level. The exhilarating finish seems to linger for half a minute. Even more enjoyable
the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2018 Domaine de la Côte Bloom’s field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 500 cases, $75. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of dark rose petal, black cherry, peppery herbs, burnt tobacco and pine sap. Less whole cluster input on the palate, showing mid-weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, and spice with a subtle herbaceous underpinning. Sleek in the mouth, with matched tannins, a touch of oak, and a lengthy finish. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. The infusion of herbs will please whole cluster fans. Score: 93. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »
2015 Domaine De La Côte Memorious Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 376 cases, $60. 50% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is alive with the scent of black cherry reduction, spice and timber. Intense attack of fresh cherry fruit flavor lifted by bright acidity, and backed by silky tannins. The exquisitely balanced wine just keeps opening and opening, finishing with a extremely long and gregarious finish that is cherry-fueled. Whole cluster character is more moderate and for me, just perfect. Score: 95. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 508 cases, $70. 100% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Embraceable aromas of cherry, pine sap, exotic spices, rose petal and burnt tobacco. Mid weight flavors of cherry and boysenberry accent with a pleasing smoky tobacco (not oak tobacco) note. Forward drinking, with integrated tannins and very lively acidity. Whole cluster character is dominant in this wine. The very long finish is both fruity and refreshing. Score: 92. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Domaine De La Côte la Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 370 cases, $90. 100% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The whole cluster inspired nose offers aromas of cherry, burnt tobacco and smoked paprika. Brimming with red fruits, this middleweight styled wine has refined tannins, vital acidity, an extra bit of sophistication, complexity donated by whole cluster inclusion, and a perky finish that inspires another sip. Score: 94. Reviewed October 22, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
24 months · Aromas of cherry, raspberry, burnt tobacco, rose petal and fertile earth. Nicely balanced with good vibrancy, featuring a bright cherry core framed by suave, silky tannins. A little tobacco and floral input. Elegant and lacy, with a burst of cherry goodness on the bright finishing. Fades slightly over time in the glass. Previously 93. Score: 92. Reviewed February 4, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Sta. Rita Hills AVA Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 3,294 cases, $45. Estate grown, produced and bottled. 50% whole cluster, aged in 0% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Pleasing scent of cherry, raspberry, rose petal, pine needle and underbrush. Very elegant, juicy and refreshing in a mid weight styled wine with uplifting flavors of black cherry and black raspberry framed by silky smooth tannins and supported by the acidity Sta. Rita Hills is known for. Tart cherry returns in waves on the lip-smacking finish. An excellent way to sample the DDLC style with some retail availability. Still solid the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Memorious Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 470 cases, $60. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose gives up its charms slowly over time in the glass, offering lively aromas of dark red cherry, spice and rose petal. Modest in weight, and rather delicate in demeanor, but packing a punch with juicy flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and exotic spice. The dry tannins are well proportioned, and the cut of citrus-driven acidity lifts the wine to a high-spirited finish. Score: 92. Reviewed December 1, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 1,020 cases, $70. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Exotically perfumed, with aromas of black cherry, pine sap, rose petal and spice reflective of whole cluster inclusion. Light to mid weight in style featuring redder fruits including cherry, raspberry and cranberry. A slight leafy, herbal thread, presumably from whole cluster inclusion, adds a savory note. Elegantly composed, with a fresh, juicy personality and a bright, upbeat finish that lingers. Score: 93. Reviewed December 1, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte La Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 820 cases, $90. 100% whole cluster. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A searching nose that mesmerizes the drinker with aromas of cherry, cola, pipe smoke and smoky caramel that picks up noticeable intensity over time in the glass. This wine has a little more of everything, including fruit sap, oak and tannin, but they all blend seamlessly in this mid weight plus offering featuring dark red fruits. There is a charming briskness and freshness to this wine that encourages the drinker to linger over every sip and refreshes for the next taste. The finish is of Grand Crus length as well. This is the stuff that Pinot dreams are made of. Dreamers can expect this wine to age beautifully for ten years or more. Score: 98. Reviewed December 1, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Domaine De La Côte Siren’s Call Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 145 cases, $120. Inaugural vintage from this vineyard. Estate grown, produced and bottled. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is remarkably complex, offering aromas of dark cherry, mysterious Asian spices, sous-bois, burnt tobacco and smoke. Light to mid weight in style, with invigorating acidity that forms the first impression. Demure flavors of tart cherry and cranberry with a touch of spice and tobacco. The fine-grain tannins are supportive and make for easy approachability. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was in full flight featuring all the best of whole cluster. The palate had picked up some weight, raspberry fruit arrived, the wine was vivid and vibrant, and the finish left a mouthwatering impression. You can just sense the cool ocean breeze in this wine. Score: 94. Reviewed February 13, 2017 ARTICLE »
2012 Domaine de la Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., magnum. 50% whole cluster fermentation. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very seductive nose offering soaring aromas of cherry, burnt tobacco, sweet mulch and sap.The vibrant, middleweight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry are enhanced with accents of clove and cardamom spices. Slightly earthy with a shadow of oak and gossamer tannins. Juicy acidity propels the cherry-imbued finish.The wine still has 5+ years left in this format. Score: 92. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »
2012 Domaine De La Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 2,100 cases, $45. 25% of vines are own-rooted at a vine density of 4,000 vines per acre. 50% whole cluster fermentation, aged in 0% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is replete with whole cluster goodness including aromas of wilted rose, spice and wet bark. Fresh and juicy with mid weight flavors of purple berries and spice and a floral note in the background. Easy to approach now with supple but structured tannins and a tangy finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 500 cases, $70. 100% whole cluster fermentation, aged in 0% new French oak barrels for 20 months. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is similar to the Sta. Rita Hills bottling with rose petal and spice playing a large role, but the aromas are more penetrating. Round, polished and discreetly concentrated with upfront flavors of blueberry and black raspberry. Nicely balanced with modest tannins and plenty of zip and zing. Score: 92. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Domaine De La Côte La Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 300 cases, $90. From a small section of a 9-acre parcel that is planted in broken shale. The first vineyard harvested and always produces the most opulent wine. 100% whole cluster fermentation, aged in 0% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Compelling aromas of boysenberry, black raspberry, spice and purple rose. Very smooth and polished on the palate with layers of purple berry, plum, and spice flavors. Impeccably balanced with tannins hiding in the background, juicy acidity, and a remarkably intense finish. Still a little moody and will benefit from more time in bottle. This wine is the epitome of ephemeral. Score: 94. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Domaine De La Côte Estate Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 360 cases, $55. The vineyard is 7.5 acres planted to three California heritage selections of Pinot Noir (Mount Eden, Swan and Calera). The name comes from the planting date of the vineyard which was Bloom’s Day (6/16/07). The clay topsoil is rich in iron and well-drained. The Pacific Ocean is 8 miles to the West so it is a cold microclimate. Typically, the clusters are very small with high levels of acidity. 90% whole cluster. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine has the exotic perfume that can only come from whole cluster with waves of dark red and black berries, imported spices, and a floral whiff complimented by sweet oak. A delicious wine that makes you sit up and take notice of the plethora of plum, blueberry, black raspberry and pomegranate fruit supported by broad-shouldered tannins and bright acidity. Amazing sense of concentration despite the low alcohol level. The exhilarating finish seems to linger for half a minute. Even more enjoyable the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed October 27, 2013 ARTICLE »