Project Description
2019 Cortada Alta Vineyard Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Tasting Notes
“Medium yellow hue. Scents of honey, brioche, nectarine, vanilla bean, and dried apricot make for an enjoyable first impression from our inaugural Cortada Alta Chardonnay. Once on the palate, notes of cream, dried fruits, and honey segue towards a youthful, edgy texture. This Chardonnay finishes with a fresh, lively, and intricate conclusion. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
2019 Vintage Not Yet Reviewed
Production Data
Growers: Peterson Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 66% new
Production: 3 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 5.36 g/L – 3.59 pH
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: October 12, 2019
Club Release: February 2021
Drink Now through 2026
Wine Scores
First Vintage
The Cortada Alta Vineyard
This family owned vineyard is the second vineyard property for John and Lynne Peterson, the first being the Peterson Vineyard on River Road. Cortada Alta is Spanish for “High Notch” as it is located in the western notch of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. It sits at 1,400 feet in elevation and has a South Eastern exposure. The soil is rich Chualar loam with outcroppings of granite. This sunny site sits mostly above the fogline with expansive views of the Salinas Valley below. Planted in 2014, Testarossa’s first vintage of Pinot Noir from the vineyard was in 2017 and the first vintage of Chardonnay was in 2019.
Past Vintages
First Vintage