A 3.8ha plot within our own vineyards. Selected from a plot on the upper slope with a particularly high concentration of crushed shale. The vineyard faces southeast and is not directly exposed to the cold western winds from the sea, so it is the first to be harvested from our own vineyards. 100% whole-cluster fermentation, aged for approximately 10 months (30% new oak). It has a tense minerality and lively, sharp acidity. The gorgeous aroma fills the air, and the power hidden within is immeasurable. It is easy to imagine how it will look after a long bottle aging period.
Vintage Information
The vintage was cool throughout the year, resulting in more herbal and distinctly salty flavors, but the fruit is very fresh and lively, with plenty of concentration and tension.
It has a rich flavor and the terroir's characteristics are clearly expressed, so it can be enjoyed now and can easily be aged for 10 to 15 years.
Technical information
Vinification: Natural, slow fermentation using natural yeasts.
Whole bunches (100%) of grapes are placed into open concrete/stainless steel fermentation tanks and a slow punchdown is performed.
Aged for 10 months in French barrels (30% new), unfiltered and bottled without artificial fining.
Production volume: 427 cases
Tasting Comments
This wine, the estate's top cuvée, has great potential and you can taste the grapes straight from the vineyard to confirm its quality.
The wine beautifully captures the individuality of the Domaine de la Cote vineyards, with aromas of freshly ground pepper, a gorgeous aroma of herbs, peppery and spicy red berries, fresh cherries, tart cranberries, bright and lively acidity, and a myriad of flavors that are full of energy.
Gentle tannins surround the whole, giving it a fresh, taut tension.
The 2021 vintage has a fragrant aroma of wild blueberries, raspberries, black tea and hibiscus flowers, and although the taste is by no means heavy, it is a big wine that gives the impression of a huge structure.
The dense, finely textured flavor and firm, packed tannins can be discerned even now.
Bottle ageing allows the grandeur of the wine and the power of each of its elements to be fully integrated, developing it into a wine of strength and beauty.
Long-term aging is expected.
Field Information
La Cote
Area: 3.8ha Organic cultivation
The vineyard is on a steep southeast-facing slope, and the grapes are grown on the upper slope, in a section that is particularly rich in crushed shale.
Under the thin topsoil (shale) lies pure white diatomaceous earth. The soil is not directly exposed to the cold western winds from the sea, and because it faces southeast, it receives plenty of morning sunshine. The soil, which contains plate-like debris and gravel, stores heat during the day and alleviates the cold at night.
This is the warmest area of our own fields and is the first to be harvested, but the grains and stalks are fully ripe at this stage.
The clones are divided into Carrera, Swan and Burgundy clones.
This is the vineyard that best expresses the terroir and the wine we want to make.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Santa Rita Hills
Vineyard: La Cote
Notes: Limited stock available. Parker Point 96+, Wine Advocate Dec. 2022 by Erin Brooks
Winemaker: Sashi Moorman
Vinification: 100% whole bunch, fermented in open concrete/stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts
Aging: 10 months in French barrels (30% new barrels)
Soils: Thin topsoil of shale, underlying diatomaceous/diatomaceous earth
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 13.1%