2022 Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Tasting Notes
“Medium red hue. Scents of sage, cherry, anise, nutmeg and cloves jump readily out of the glass. With some time, notes of rhubarb, vanilla bean, and roasted strawberry complete the complex sensory experience. Flavors stay consistent to aroma profile and are held up by silky and lush textural qualities. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
September 2024
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Review coming soon.
Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
December 2024
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 350 – 540 feet; Southeast
Soil: Mostly Chualar Series loam with Placentia & Arroyo Seco sandy loams
Vineyard Age: 31 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified) / 50% of our blocks farmed organic
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 20months in French oak, 53% new
Production: 39 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.49 pH, 6.92 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 16, 2022, hand harvested
Club Release: November 2024
Release Price: $81
Drink Now through 2032
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“The 2021 Pinot Noir Doctor’s Vineyard is one of this range’s more forward, fruit-driven wines. At the same time, bright acids and veins of tannin cut through, lending notable precision and tension throughout. Medium in body, the Doctor’s is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. Sweet dark cherry, mocha, spice and a kiss of new oak linger. This site, planted with ten clones of Pinot at elevation, yields a wine of real character.”
Antonio Galloni
Vinous
November 2023
“Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2021 Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot Noir flies out of the glass with notes of fresh cranberries, redcurrant, and Bing cherries giving way to nuances of menthol and lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate is lively and refreshing, with fine-grained tannins and a red berry lift to the finish.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW
The Wine Independent
February 2024
“Glistening ruby-red. Incisive, intensely perfumed Chambord, blood orange, boysenberry, exotic spice and cola scents show superb clarity and mineral lift. Sappy and energetic on the palate, offering sweet red and blue fruit preserve, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that deftly blend power and delicacy. Closes extremely long and silky, with reverberating spice and floral notes and polished tannins adding subtle grip. 54% new French oak.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
May 2022
“Pomegranate, hibiscus, light bay leaf and dried sage show on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard located toward the southern end of the appellation. There’s ample tension to the sip, giving depth to the dark-plum, crushed pomegranate and light pepper-spice flavors.”
Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
December 2021
“Focused and linear compared to the Garys’-grown wine. Fruit and acid rise to the top of the mouth while mocha-kissed pomegranate-rhubarb jam spreads across the palate.”
Meridith May
The SOMM Journal
May/June 2021
“Shimmering magenta. Fragrant red and blue fruit, potpourri, incense and vanilla scents are complemented by hints of cola and baking spices. Alluringly sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering spice-laced cherry cola, raspberry and floral pastille flavors and an undercurrent of smoky minerality. Fine-grained tannins frame and shape a sappy finish that lingers with strong persistence and a sweetening touch of vanilla. 57% new French oak”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
October 2020
“Soft cherry nose; silky and smooth texture, bright cherry and raspberry fruit anchored by a firm base of lively acidity; juicy, fresh and long.”
Anthony Dias Blue
May 2019
“Limpid ruby-red. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red berries, cherry pie, baking spices and pungent flowers. Concentrated but also light on its feet, offering vibrant black raspberry, cherry cola and candied rose flavors sharpened by a peppery flourish. Finishes gently tannic, floral and impressively long, leaving a sappy red berry liqueur note behind.”
Josh Raynols
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2019
“Limpid ruby-red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes ripe black raspberry, cherry-vanilla, candied flowers, oak spice and smoky minerals. Sweet, seamless and broad in the mouth, showing very good depth and power to its intense red and dark berry liqueur, mocha and spicecake flavors. Closes smooth, sappy and very long, with harmonious tannins coming in late.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“From its very deep, beautifully oaked, incisively cherry-like aromas to its stunningly long flavors, this finely honed offering hits all of the right varietal marks, and its richness comes with remarkable polish. It smacks of vanilla and cola at one moment and at flowers the next while remaining ever anchored by authoritative, extraordinarily pure, Pinot fruit, and more than persisting on and on at the finish, it seems to build on the palate and reveal more as it goes. Its considerable virtues are hard to miss now, but it comes with an unmistakable promise of showing even more with time, and it has the balance, fruity depth and energy to arrive at its tenth birthday without having lost a single step.”
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
June 2017
“One of the more engaging single-vineyard expressions this winery makes from the region, this bottling by winemaker Bill Brousseau hits the nose with ripe black cherries, crushed slate, dried violets, purple Thai basil and light black licorice. Desiccated pomegranate tones lead the lush yet lively palate that is layered with peppery spice and a touch of herbs.”
Wine Enthusiast
“Fresh and vibrant, with a rich mix of mineral, red and dark berry, plum and raspberry most evident. Reveals depth and persistence on the finish, showing fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2021. 1,320 cases made”
James Laube
Wine Spectator
“Medium ruby color; tight, earthy cherry aromas; deep, complex stewed cherry flavors with earth and oak notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Deep, earthy Pinot that definitely needs time in the glass and bottle.”
Pinot Report
“One of Testarossa’s best 2011 Pinot Noirs, of 14 released, this wine is, in a word, gorgeous. First off is the silky texture, as airy as a cloud. Then there are the flavors, complex and lush in raspberries, cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon and oak. The wine is so delightful to drink now, you might miss out on cellaring it until 2018 to see where it goes.”
Wine Enthusiast
“Another highlight is the 2010 Pinot Noir Doctor’s Vineyard, which simply explodes from the glass with huge, dark red fruit. This is one of the richer wines in the lineup, but everything is in the right place. Spices, menthol, pine and dark red cherries flesh out in this radiant Pinot. This is easily one of the most distinctive Pinots being made in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The Pinot was grafted onto existing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot vines, which may explain some of the wine’s uniqueness. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”
Antonio Galloni
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
August 2012
The Doctor’s Vineyard
Doctor’s Vineyard is located at about 350-540 ft. in elevation and has a Southeastern exposure. Testarossa currently receives 40 of the 194 acres of Pinot Noir planted at Doctor’s. The vineyard was originally planted in 1991 and Testarossa’s blocks include more than 10 different Pinot Noir clones. Doctor’s Vineyard is owned by the Hahn Family and is certified sustainable. It has fast become a favorite of Testarossa Wine Club members.
Past Vintages
Wine Production Data
Tasting Notes
“Dark red hue. Aromas of sage, cherry cola, vanilla bean, and crème brulee. Upon taste these qualities persist and are met with intricate tannins and modest acidity. The finish is undulating and persistent. Enjoy now through 2030.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
September 2023
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 350 – 540 feet; Southeast
Soil: Mostly Chualar Series loam with Placentia & Arroyo Seco sandy loams
Vineyard Age: 30 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified) / 50% of our blocks farmed organic
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 19 months in 100% French oak, 58% new
Production: 28 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.28 pH, 8.06 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 30th, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: November 2023
Drink Now through 2030
Wine Not Produced
Tasting Notes
“Very dark red hue. Intense scents of sage, roasted cherry, violets, and jasmine. With some aeration, notes of boysenberry and cherry cola round out the profile. Once on the palate, these characteristics wrap around creamy oak. With silky smooth texture, this wine segues to a supple, bright, and decadent finish. On day two, the wine continues to blossom beyond it’s beautiful start. Enjoy now through 2030. “
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
October 2021
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 350 – 540 feet; Southeast
Soil: Mostly Chualar Series loam with Placentia & Arroyo Seco sandy loams
Vineyard Age: 28 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified) / 50% of our blocks farmed organic
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 20 months in 100% French Oak, 54% new
Production: 54 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.38 pH, 6.94 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 25th, 2019, hand harvested
Club Release: November 2021
Drink Now through 2030
Tasting Notes
Special club member re-release. Updated winemkaer tasting notes:
“Deep red hue. Scents of chokecherry, pomegranate, sage, and jasmine start out the aroma profile. With some time, notes of orange zest and cherry cola flood the glass. Once on the palate, all of these qualities persist in unison along with dimensional and subtle textures. With modest acidity and balanced structure, this Pinot Noir should continue to slowly unravel its potential for this decade. Enjoy now through 2030.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2022
Original tasting notes upon release:
“Deep red hue. Generous aromas of cherry, nutmeg, sage, wild thyme, cassis and cola leap out of the glass. With some air, secondary notes of vanilla bean, papaya, ripe cranberry, and blueberry offer an exciting adventure to this Pinot Noir. These profiles remain true on the palate and are gently paired with silky tannins and modest acidity. This wine ends nicely with a smooth, supple finish. Enjoy now through 2027.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2020
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 350 – 540 feet; Southeast
Soil: Mostly Chualar Series loam with Placentia & Arroyo Seco sandy loams
Vineyard Age: 27 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified) / 50% of blocks farmed organic
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 11 months in 100% French Oak, 57% new
Production: 71 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.4 pH; 5.97 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 19 – 28, 2018
Club Release: February 2020 / February 2022
Drink Now through 2030
Tasting Notes
“Dark red hue. Engaging aromas of sage, ripe cherry, roasted strawberry, and ripe raspberry. With swirling, notes of lemon thyme, anise, and jasmine add some floral notes. Upon taste, the flavor profile meanders towards red fruits and citrus. With a plush, lively, and balanced mouthfeel, the bright acidity pairs nicely with the complex, youthful, and pure finish. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 15 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 38% new
Production: 75 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 7.0 g/L – 3.23 pH
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest: September 5-14, 2017
Club Release: March 2019
Drink Now through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Dark red hue. Brilliant scents of dried herbs, cherry, boysenberry, cloves, papaya, and vanilla bean. Upon aeration, notes of citrus and violets come about as well. The complex, yet seamless nose segues nicely into the palate with dried herbs, red fruits, and floral notes. Silky smooth tannins and modest acidity unite in a very hedonistic expression of the Doctor’s Vineyard. This Pinot Noir finishes soft and luscious. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 15 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 60% new
Production: 62 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.34 g/L – 3.39 pH
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: September 2016
Club Release: April, 18 2018
Drink Now through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Deep red color. Brilliant aromas of cherry, ripe raspberry, ripe cranberry, and lemon are followed by darker notes of boysenberry and currant. Upon aeration, notes of sage, violet, jasmine, and rose petal make for an engaging aroma profile. As the wine segues to the palate, the same characters remain and are met with some oak spice. The tannins are so juicy and lush now, making for immediate enjoyment yet the youthful acidity gives flexibility for some extended aging as well. This hedonistic wine finishes with youth and intricacies, making it sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 11.5 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 59% new
Production: 39 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.94 g/L – 3.38 pH
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: August 14, 2015
Club Release: April 2018
Drink Now through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Deep red color. There are brilliant aromas of cloves, ripe cranberries, anise, orange blossoms, and chokecherry. Upon aeration there are some subtle notes of sage, cocoa, and pomegranate. Loaded with flavors of cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, and cloves. Well-polished tannins, low-impact French oak, and vibrant acidity achieve a hedonistic pleasure to this Pinot Noir. Enjoy now through 2022”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 49% new
Production: 80 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 5.91 g/L – 3.56 pH
Alcohol: 14.6%
Harvest: September 25, 2014
Club Release: April 12, 2016
Drink Now through 2022
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Tasting Notes
“Dark red color. Distinctive aromas of pomegranate, orange blossoms, cranberry, cherry, raspberry, vanilla bean, and sage unite to create a pleasurable experience. The purity of aromas carries into the palate seamlessly, only slightly intensifying the red fruit profile. With the gentle weather patterns of 2013, this Pinot Noir offers lush, polished tannins that are maintained by balanced acidity and a long lingering finish. Enjoy now through 2022”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 60% new
Production:
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 5.99gL / 3.43pH
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: Sept 21 – Oct 11, 2013
Club Release: April 2015
Drink Now through 2022
Tasting Notes
“Deep red color. The density of this Pinot is so intense, it has difficulty showing openness on the aroma profile. Subtle notes of anise, dried herbs, sage, orange-peel, papaya, chokecherry, and pomegranate make for a very complex showing. All of these characters build intensity on the richly layered palate. Silky and seductive tannins unite with a pure, vibrant finish, maintaining a very lively experience. Drink now through 2020”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Hahn Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 58% new
Production:
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.13 gL/ 3.59 pH
Alcohol: 14.5%
Club Release: May 17, 2014
Drink Now through 2020
WEATHER HOLD ADVISORY: Please note that due to the fragile nature of wine and the impending winter/summer season, we are unable to ship wines to states whose temperatures have dropped below 32 / risen above 90 degrees on average. Orders will be kept in our temperature controlled cellar until more moderate temperatures are reached. If you feel your area might be impacted, please contact us at clubt@testarossa.com to inquire about shipping options.