2012 Domaine De La Cote Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

  After the difficult 2011 vintage, 2012 was one that played beautifully to the natural attributes of Domaine de la Côte. Balanced yields and low potential alcohols with high maturity of the tannins presented few challenges to the winemaking team. Harvest commenced in September under cool weather and the grapes were harvested with bright acidity and beautiful fresh flavors and aromas. Due to the healthy crop, 2012 was also the first vintage where we removed the use of sulfur dioxide from the winemaking at harvest, and as a result we believe we’ve developed more complexity and transparency in the Domaine’s wines. Preserving and promoting the natural yeasts from the vineyard has become one of the Domaine’s most important goals as we believe that the translation of our terroir is closely linked to work of these unassuming and often underappreciated microorganisms.

   The 2012 appellation Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir comes predominately from 15 acres of vineyards planted at 200 feet above sea level in silty-clay loam; 25% of the vines are own-rooted at a vine density of over 4,000 vine/acre. Similar to last year’s wine, the 2012 is 50% whole bunches with 0% new oak used in the elevage. This wine has a brilliant red color and is perfumed, balanced and elegant. Currants, pomegranate and elderflowers fill the nose and hints of wild mushrooms and fresh garden herbs appear on the palate. The mouth feel is round, but focused and finishes with savory tannins. We believe the wines will have a long life in the bottle if properly cellared and should develop aromas and flavors of great complexity over the next 5+ years.