Project Description
2018 Cortada Alta Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Tasting Notes
“Dark red color. Complex notes of pomegranate, ripe cherry, cranberry, orange zest, roasted strawberry, jasmine, and cola make for an engaging experience. These characteristics stay true in the palate and crescendo to an expansive, full mouthfeel. An intricate, yet bold finish gives way to pleasure right now. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
“Deep color, soft cherry nose, silky texture with remarkable depth for such a young wine, mature cherry fruit; rich, complex and long.”
Anthony Dias Blue
The SOMM Journal
September 2020
Production Data
Growers: Peterson Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 50% new
Production: 11 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.16 g/L – 3.54 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: October 2, 2018
Club Release: November 2020
Drink Now through 2026
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Limpid ruby-red. Pungent red berry, cherry pit and floral scents are accompanied by suggestions of blood orange, vanilla and succulent herbs. Sappy and focused on the palate, offering cherry-vanilla, red currant, mocha and licorice flavors and a touch of candied rose. Spreads out nicely with air and finishes very long, with a gently tannic note, resonating florality and smooth, well-judged tannins that lend gentle grip.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni Vinous
November 2019
The Cortada Alta Vineyard
This family owned vineyard is the second vineyard property for John and Lynn 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 was in 2017. The vineyard is just over 39 acres, 30 of it are Pinot Noir. Testarossa currently receives three acres of Pinot.
Past Vintages
Wine Production Data
Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Abundant scents of pomegranate, jasmine, orange, and cranberry. With some time in the glass, notes of chokecherry, rhubarb, and bacon become present. Once in the palate, these characters persist, with notes of bacon, red fruits, and citrus leading the pack. This high altitude Pinot Noir shows its size with generous tannins and vibrant acidity. Shortly thereafter, this wine finishes modestly, with some tension, and intricate textures. Enjoy now through 2025.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Peterson Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 18 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 53% new
Production: 10 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.32 g/L – 3.42 pH
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: September 28, 2017
Club Release: September 2019
Drink Now through 2025