Testarossa Vineyards

Articles About Testarossa Vineyards

Reviewed Wines

2021 Testarossa Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.645, RS .04%, 3,700 cases, $55. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 39% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of oak-kissed cherry, baking spices and rose petal. Straight-forward and easy drinking with a core of wood-fired cherry and berry framed by soft, silky tannins and bright acidity. Oak plies the background in a complimentary manner. The finish is short but accommodating. Score: 89. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2021 Testarossa Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.19, TA 0.792, RS .05%, 288 cases, $57. Release February 2023. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of dark cherry, pomegranate, vanilla and a hint of toast. A flood of delicious dark stone and purple berry fruits greet the palate. and really pops. The bright acidity reflects its SRH origins.The intense fruitiness carries through an impressive finish. Oak plays a very subordinate role in this wine. Score: 92. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2021 Testarossa Rancho La Viña Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.25, TA 0.787, RS . 07%), 192 cases, $76. 15-year-old vines. 100% clone 115. Grapes were 100% de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 53% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Exuberant aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, cola, and oak-driven spice and smoke. On the palate, the flavors echo the aromas. This broad-shouldered wine acquires interest over time in the glass as it sheds some of its sumptuous oak The finish is modestly long with a sweet and sour stamp. Score: 90. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2021 Testarossa Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

240 cases, $76. Release February 2022. 25-year-old vines. 100% de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The woodsy nose offers fruit aromas of blackberry and blueberry. A mid-weight styled wine with a darker fruit profile than is usually present in Pinot Noir from Rosella’s vineyard (typically red fruit predominates). There is a discrete richness of purple berry flavor backed by suede tannins. The wine is quite tasty and although it lacks mid-palate generosity, the wine finishes on a high note with good length. Score: 91. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2021 Testarossa Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.25, TA 0.792, RS .05%, 528 cases, $76. Release August 2023. · Similar to the 2020 vintage of this wine but more backward and needs some time in the cellar. Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of darkest cherry, spice box and barnyard are appealing but slow to come to the fore. Mid-weight plus flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and pomegranate have discreetly concentrated richness that carry over to a very long and sleek finish. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2021 Testarossa Tondré Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.18, TA 0.81, RS . 07, 504 cases, $76. Release December 2022. 12-year-old vines in a SIP Certified vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, baking spice and toasty oak lead to a mid-weight plus styled wine with a bounty of blueberry and blackberry fruit. A masculine wine, with heavyweight fruit that coats the tongue. Succulent rather than complex and not for those seeking Pinot delicacy. Score: 90. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2020 Testarossa Cuvée Los Gatos Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.67, RS .07%, 2,932 cases, screw cap, $32. Released May 2022. The entry level offering. Grapes are sourced from Monterey County AVA sustainable vineyards. Aged 16 months in stainless steel and 11% new French oak barrels. · Light garnet color in the glass., A fruity nose featuring aromas of red cherry, strawberry and complimentary oak. Light and gentle in the mouth with a core of oak-kissed cherry fruit framed by gossamer tannins.Good freshness with a bright, slightly tart cherry drop finish. Score: 88. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2020 Testarossa La Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.644, RS 07%, 380 cases, $74. Released May 2022. 23-year-old vines, Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW). 67% Pommard 4 clone, 33% Mount Eden clone. Grapes were 100% de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel. Aged 19 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Very alluring perfume of warm cherry pie with spicy a la mode. The essence of red and dark red cherry and raspberry is long in the mouth and infused with tasty spice. Refined in character with bright acidity, agreeable tannins, and a compliment of oak. This wine is simply outstanding. Score: 94. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2020 Testarossa Rincon Vineyard Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.592, RS . 03%, 432 cases, $74. Released August 2022. 35-year-old vines grown in a SIP Certified vineyard. Clones 2A, 667 and 115. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in stainless steel. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. A vigorous nose arrives over time in the glass revealing striking aromas of blackberry, spice, and forest. A spirited wine with exuberant flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, blackberry, black licorice and spice. Flat-out delicious with a measured use of oak, a well-proportioned tannic backbone, snd a follow-through of uncommon tenaciousness. Score: 94. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2020 Testarossa Rosemary’s Vineyard Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.533, RS .06%, 384 cases, $74. Released June 2022. 100% 667 clone. 33-year-old vines in a SIP Certified vineyard. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 56% new. 100% clone 667. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Vivid aromas of well-spiced cherry and easy oak. Well-crafted and charming in a mid-weight style, with a caressing mouthfeel and generous flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, cocoa, and toasty oak. The tannins are refined making for good approachability. Very slick mouthfeel. Not a blockbuster but a seductive wine. I rarely encounter a 100% 667 clone wine that is this complete. Score: 95. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2020 Testarossa Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.656, RS .05%, 648 cases, $74. Released April 2022. 12-year-old vines. CCSW vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in stainless steel. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 56% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The woodsy nose is replete with aromas of potting soil, woodpile, peat and blackberry fruit. Mid-weight plus in style, with a rich core of pomegranate, purple and black berry fruits framed by gracious tannins for easy approachability. Impeccable harmony with a velvety texture and welcome persistence on the gloriously-fruited finish. Still gorgeous when tasted two days later from a previously opened bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2020 Testarossa Niclaire California Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.644, RS .08%, 615 cases, $100. Released June 2022. The winemaker’s choice of the best barrels in the cellar. Sourced from multiple vineyards including Sanford & Benedict (35%), La Rinconada (15%), Rincon (15%). Rosemary’s (8%), Brousseau (4%), and new oak barrel. A sexy wine that is Rancho La Vina (4%). 100% de-stemmed, fermented in stainless steel. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Haunting aromas of black cherry, raspberry, sous bois and new oak. Discreet intensity of flavor in a mid-weight style, offering flavors of dark red cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, and spice. Flawless, with a very sleek mouthfeel and spot-on integration of tannins and acidity. Very well-mannered now and easy to like, but has the balance to rest in the cellar for even more enjoyment in years to come. This is the winemaker’s best effort and it shows. Score: 96. Reviewed December 3, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Cuvée Los Gatos Monterey Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.64, 2, 285 cases, $31, screw cap. Released May 2021. Cellared and bottled by Testarossa Winery, Los Gatos, CA. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of cherry and oak spice. A straightforward easy drinking Pinot Noir very adaptable to food in a mid-weight style offering flavors of cherry and strawberry. Silky in texture, with minimal tannins and a modest finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.65, 2,544 cases, $53. Released May 2021. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 46% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of black cherry, vanilla cola and musk. Middleweight in concentration, with flavors of dark cherry, ripe strawberry and raspberry backed by gentle tannins. Easygoing with a modest but satisfying finish. Score: 89. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Santa Rita Hills Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.31, TA 0.66, 552 cases, $54. Released April 2021. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 43% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very alluring nose featuring scents of black cherry, black raspberry, baking spices and wine cave. Fresh and juicy with an arrow of acidity complimenting the mid-weight core of cherry, raspberry and exotic spice flavors. Easygoing tannins and quite lengthy on the finish. An impressive expression of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA . Score: 93. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Brousseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.596, 384 cases, $74. Release January 2022. The Brosseau family owns and farms this vineyard with heavy limestone soils situated at 1660-1700 feet elevation. Planted clones are Dijon 113 and115, Mt. Eden, and Pommard 4 planted in 1980 are naturally low-yielding. The first Testarossa vintage from this vineyard was 2002. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 73% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The heady aromas are what draw me to Pinot Noir and are rarely captured in such an alluring fashion. Scents of dark cherry, pomegranate, spice and antique furniture never lose their intoxicating purpose over time in the glass. Mid-weight black cherry and black raspberry flavors have appealing spice and earth tones, Highly unique, with supportive tannins, a shadow of oak, impeccable harmony and a crazy long finish. When tasting this wine I wanted to swallow instead of spit. Even better when sampled the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 96. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Cortada Alta Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.57, 175 cases, $74. Released February 2021. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 73% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry, tilled earth and roseate. Mid-weight plus in style, offering earth-kissed flavors of cherry and berry framed by some unresolved tannin. There is a slight guaiacol (smoke) undertone. Score: 90. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Fogstone Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.687, 552 cases, $74. Released September 2021. 35 acres of Pinot Noir planted in rocky, well-draining loam soils. Clones planted include Dijon 113, 115, and 667, Pommard 4, and Jardini, planted in 1993. Testarossa’s first vintage of Pinot Noir from this vineyard was 2010. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 52% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, raspberry and wet earth. Sleek in texture and comforting on entry, with a discreet core of black cherry and purple berry fruit flavors shadowing with a bit of nutty oak. Nicely balanced and giving upon opening with some finishing power and persistence. My first experience with this vineyard. Score: 92. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Graham Family Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.522, 312 cases, $74. Released September 2021. This small vineyard is owned by Howard and Linda Graham. Dijon clones 667, 777, and faux 828 planted in Goldridge sandy loam soil in 2001. Testarossa’s first vintage Pinot Noir from this vintage was 2004. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 59% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The perfume of ripest black cherry, baking spices, vanilla and woodland gather allure over time in the glass. Mid-weight plus in style and richly endowed with black cherry, cola and baking spice flavors. A solid, harmonious, and fruit-driven wine, but not enough to get too excited about. Score: 92. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa La Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.21, TA 0.71, 575 cases, $74. Released May 2021. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of blackberry fruit, dark rose petal and wine cave. An exceptional wine with midweight flavors of black cherry and blueberry-pomegranate accented with welcome spice. Quite forward and giving with impressive purity of Pinot extract and gracious balance. There is a hint of earthiness that I find common in Pinot Noir from this vineyard. Even better when tasted several hours later and the following day from a previously opened bottle. The best La Rinconada Pinot Noir I have ever tasted. Score: 95. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Rincon Vineyard Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.603, 312 cases, $74. Released August 2021. This well-known vineyard is owned and managed by the Talley family. Clone 115 planted in 1985 in shallow local and calcareous clay. Testarossa’s first vintage of Pinot Noir from this vineyard was 2012. Aged 19.5 months in French oak barrels, 77% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. This wine captures your attention from the get-go. Beguiling aromas of blackberry, ripest strawberry, earthy flora and pumpkin spice. Mid-weight plus in structural power, with fruit that really pops on entry and persists in generosity through a very long and quenching finish. Excellent balance and soft in the mouth with an array of vivid purple and black fruit and spice flavors supported by ingratiating tannins. Sinfully delicious even when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

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 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Rosemary’s Vineyard Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 1,000 cases, $74. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Plenty to like in the nose that offers scents of black cherry, terra-cotta, underbrush and a hint of toasty oak. Toothsome flavors of dark cherry, black raspberry, and blackberry with a hint of savory herbs and welcome oak. Clearly special, with an appealing sappy richness framed by balanced tannins, and a sleek texture. This wine hits all the bass notes with its tangy dark fruits. Surprisingly giving at this young age. Score: 95. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Rosemary’s Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.40. TA 0.66, 400cases, $74. Released May 2021. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 63% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Shy but pleasing aromas of black cherry, terra-cotta, underbrush and slight toasty oak. Extremely engaging on the palate with a flourish of sappy dark cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors. Clearly a special wine that is appealingly rich yet welcoming with complimentary tannins and a very long finish. This wine hits all the bass notes typical of the Wädenswil 2A clone. Score: 95. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.25, TA 0.68, 576 cases, $74. Released April 2021. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 54% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry and baking spice pick up intensity over time in the glass. A very comforting, velvety mouthfeel creates a favorable initial impression. Mid-weight flavors of cherry and raspberry are accompanied by a thread of citrus in the background. Aciddriven freshness and vibrancy add to the appeal. The finish is persistent and quenching. Score: 94. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Sierra Mar Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.74, 192 cases, $74. Release June 2021. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. an immensely satisfying wine with aromas of cherry, rose petal, spice and clover. A delicious cherry core attacks and soaks the mid palate and lingers what seems like an eternity on the finish. The deep Bing cherry goodness is accented with flavors of strawberry, red raspberry and cardamom spice. Seamless in texture with impeccable harmony. Even more striking when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. The best Sierra Mar Pinot Noir among many that I have tasted through the years. Flat out great. Score: 96. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.709, 360 cases, $74. Released August 2021. This vineyard is owned and managed by the Pisoni and Franscioni families. Soils are rocky, sandy loam. Testarossa sources Pisoni clone planted in 2008. Testarossa’s first Pinot Noir from this vineyard was 2011. Aged 19.5 months in French oak barrels, 53% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, bramble and earth lead to a discreetly concentrated wine featuring flavors of earthbound black cherry, blueberry and boysenberry framed by modest tannins. The finish is generous and long-lasting. For whatever reason, I have had many very good Pinot Noirs from this vineyard from multiple producers but never an exceptional one. Score: 92. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

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 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarrosa Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 576 cases, $74. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 54% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry and baking spice pick up intensity over time in the glass. A very comforting, velvety mouthfeel creates a favorable initial impression. Mid-weight flavors of cherry and raspberry are accompanied by a thread of citrus in the background. Acid-driven freshness and vibrancy add to the appeal. The finish is persistent and quenching. Reviewed June 13, 2021. Score: 94. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Doctor’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.694, 1,296 cases, $76. Released October 2021. This vineyard, owned by the Hahn Family, has sandy loam soils and is located at 350-540 feet elevation with southeast exposure. Clones are Dijon 113, 115, 667 and 777, Pommard 5, Swan, Jackson 9, Martini 13, Calera and Wädenswil 2A planted in 1991. Testarossa’s first vintage of Pinot Noir from this vineyard was 2008. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 54% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose features aromas of earthy flora, cherry compote and petrol. An easygoing wine in a middleweight style with earth-toned flavors of dark cherry and purple berry with a good dose of spice., Well-crafted in a dusty, rustic tone with a modestly long finish. Score: 92. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.19, TA 0.75, 600 cases, $76. Release June 2021. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely composed perfume with scents of cherry, red grape, red rose petal and peppery herbs. Light to mid-weight in style with a glorious charge of vivid, spicy black cherry fruit. Amazingly long in the mouth and on the generous finish. Very polished with enviable harmony. At this stage, the palate far exceeds the nose in allure. Score: 93. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 600 cases, $76. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely composed perfume with scents of cherry, red grape, red rose petal and peppery herbs. Light to mid-weight in style with a glorious charge of vivid, spicy black cherry fruit. Amazingly long in the mouth and on the generous finish. Very polished with enviable harmony. At this stage, the palate far exceeds the nose in allure. Reviewed June 13, 2021. Score: 93. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testarossa Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.609, 288 cases, $90. Released August 2021. The Pisoni family farms this iconic vineyard planted with an unspecified selection known as the “Pisoni clone” in decomposed granite and clay soils. Testarossa sources fruit planted in 1992 and the first Pinot Noir vintage was 1997. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The moody nose offers aromas of dark cherry, tilled earth and dark rose petal. Quite an extraordinary black cherry bombast on the palate. The impression is one of black tie refinement. The velvety mouthfeel makes it easy to find comfort in this wine. The remarkable finish stands out for is exceptional length of over thirty seconds. Score: 94. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Testrossa Niclaire California Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.36, TA .67, 619 cases, $100. Released May 2021. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 62% new. This wine is named after Testarossa founders Rob and Diana’s children Nick and Claire. The beautiful appointed bottle represents the finest barrels in the cellar. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dusty rose, Bing cherry, black raspberry coulis, vanilla and toasty oak. Long on the palate and finish, offering middleweight flavors of blueberry and blackberry. Very polished with modest tannins and a compliment of oak. This wine taps into all the pleasure centers now but is still somewhat gruff and closed. Better when sampled the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle showing more sweet Pinot fruit and an explosive, very long finish. This wine reminded me of the 2019 Rosemary’s Vineyard bottling. Score: 94. Reviewed June 13, 2021 ARTICLE »

2011 Testarossa Dos Rubios Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 282 cases, $39. Clones 76 and 17. · Moderately deep gold color with a tinge of orange and clear in the glass. Very shy initially, but opens gradually and becomes quite enticing later in the day from an opened bottle. Aromas of apple, citrus, grilled peach and vanilla. Soft and smooth, with flavors of white peaches, citrus, spice and a hint of nutty, toasty oak. Perfectly fine on its own, but has the balance, acidity and restrained oak to compliment many foods. Better later in the day from an opened bottle. Very good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »

2008 Testarossa Palazzio Central Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. · Nicely perfumed with lovely rose petal aromas, but he flavors don’t deliver and are tainted by a strong herbal oak edge to the fruit. Soft tannins and a dry finish. Decent. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2004 Testerossa Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $45. · Delicate ruby color. A feminine style with fruit that has faded leaving alcohol to peak out on the nose and finish. Some notes of baking spices and sandalwood add interest. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »

2004 Testarossa Vineyards Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 196 cases, $54. · I think this was the most expensive wine at Pinot Cruz, but the producers need make no apologies. A very pleasant drink with red fruit flavors, a bit of Xmas spice, and a long, stylish finish. The Schultze vineyard provides the breeding and deft winemaking completes the picture. Reviewed April 1, 2007 ARTICLE »