Project Description
2019 Cortada Alta Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Tasting Notes
“Medium garnet hue. Aromas of dried cranberry, pomegranate, orange zest, and vanilla bean leap out of the glass. With some further aeration, notes of papaya, dried cherry, and dried roses round out the aroma profile. Upon taste, these attributes persist and are united by modest acidity and expansive tannins. This Pinot Noir finishes with supple texture and a soothing polish. Enjoy now through 2027.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2021
“Vivid red. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet evokes an array of fresh, spice-accented red and blue fruit and floral qualities, along with suggestions of vanilla, cola and woodsmoke. Sappy, alluring sweet and finely etched on the palate, offering intense raspberry, kirsch, candied rose and exotic spice flavors that deftly combine depth and vivacity. The floral and spice notes recur on a strikingly long, seamless finish that’s framed by smooth, polished tannins. 73% new French oak.”
Josh Raynolds
Vinous
May 2022
Production Data
Growers: Peterson Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 1400 ft./South, West, and East
Soil: Chualar loam with outcroppings of granite
Vineyard Age: 5 years
Viticulture Practice: Farmed Organic
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Aging: 14 months in 100% French Oak, 73% new
Production: 7.5 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.72 pH, 5.72 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: October 11, 2019
Club Release: February 2021
Release Price: $74
Drink Now through 2027
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“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
September 2020
“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 of Pinot Noir from the vineyard was in 2017 and the first vintage of Chardonnay was in 2019.
Past Vintages
Wine Production Data
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
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: 3.54 pH, 6.16 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: October 2, 2018
Club Release: November 2020
Drink Now through 2026
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