2021 Central Coast Pinot Noir

CENTRAL COAST PINOT NOIR

The Hess winemaking team likes to explore California’s Central Coast growing region when searching for great Pinot Noir, with a fondness for the famed Santa Lucia Highlands region. The Sarmento Vineyard from the Santa Lucia Highlands is featured in this vintage, located on the benchlands of the Gabilan Mountains in Monterey, where the Pacific breezes boldly cross the range each afternoon to cool the vineyards, resulting in extended ripening over a long, moderate growing season.

TASTE WITH THE WINEMAKER

“This wine invites you in with delicate aromas of raspberry, rose petals and subtle hints of black tea. Pinot Noir is known for being seductive, and this wine proves it to be true with these elegant aromas leading to luscious layered fruit flavors, most notably of rich red raspberries and black plum. This delicious palate is highlighted by a touch of clove all wrapped in well-structured, silky tannins.”

Dave Guffy, Chief Winemaker

2021 VINTAGE

Vintage 2021 began with a warm spring and little rain. By the time midsummer was approaching it was clear that we were experiencing severe drought conditions, leading to fewer grape clusters on the vine. This resulted in lower yields with small berries that were packed with intense, lush flavor. Early ripening, sunny summer heat, and a lack of water were balanced out by a very welcomed cool fall season. The more temperate fall weather created the perfect conditions for our fruit to continue ripening steadily and allowed us to harvest at the optimal moment. Vintage 2021 will continue to be celebrated for its dense fruit, bold structure, and unforgettable complexity.