2021 Niclaire Pinot Noir
California AVA


Tasting Notes
“Dark red hue. Beautiful aromas of sage, wild thyme, cherry, cola, pomegranate, and custard start off this Pinot Noir blend of our best barrels. With some time, notes of blackberry jam, boysenberry, jasmine, and anise give way to a pleasure-packed aroma profile. Upon taste, the characters focus towards creamy oak, boysenberry, and blackberry jam. Precise tannins and dense concentration, along with modest acidity provides the perfect balance in the palate. This wine finishes with intricacies, persistence, and beauty. It is a sublime experience. Enjoy now through 2035.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
May 2023
Two bottle limit for non-JRS or Platinum members
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“A tight and focused pinot noir with finesse and polish. Clearly the best pinot from this producer and a selection of top wines from its vineyards in various Central Coast appellations. Medium-bodied with an integrity and firmness on the palate. Subtle flavors and a bright and silky-textured finish. Drinkable but better in two or three years.”
JamesSuckling.com
June 2023
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Viticulture Practice: Sourced from Certified Sustainable and Organic vineyards
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Barrel Ageing: 17 months in 100% French Oak, 69% new
Production: 26 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.26 pH, 7.24 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 24 – October 6, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: June 2023
Release Price: $102
Drink Now through 2035
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Dark garnet color in the glass. Haunting aromas of black cherry, raspberry, sous bois and new oak. Discreet intensity of flavor in a mid-weight style, offering flavors of dark red cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, and spice. Flawless, with a very sleek mouthfeel and spot-on integration of tannins and acidity. Very well-mannered now and easy to like, but has the balance to rest in the cellar for even more enjoyment in years to come. This is the winemaker’s best effort and it shows.”
Rusty Gaffney
PinotFile
December 2022
“Deep, glistening red. Expressive, mineral-accented cherry, raspberry, vanilla and baking spice qualities on the highly perfumed nose. Silky, sweet and energetic on the palate, offering spice-laced cherry-cola, Chambord and floral pastille flavors and a suave floral nuance. In a powerful yet elegant style, showing impressive energy and smooth, rounded tannins on the strikingly long, floral and spice-driven finish. 81% new French oak.”
Josh Raynolds
Vinous
May 2022
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“Testarossa’s Niclaire Pinot Noirs, which are drawn from what the winery considers to be its finest barrels in any given vintage, invariably display a sense of sophistication that sets them apart, and the latest edition does not disappoint. As rich and deeply fruited as any in the Testarossa contingent, it is a wonderfully refined and meticulously polished wine that, with each sniff and sip, shows more layering and detail. As the very best Pinots are wont, it is fascinating in its youth while showing the balance and reserve to age famously and will provide memorable drinking for a decade or more.”
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
June 2021
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“Opening with deep fruit aromas complicated by a woodsy perfume, the Niclaire is supple and juicy with opulent flavors. It’s vibrant and pure with abundant quantities of ripe California fruit with sweet tannins and a mouthwatering finish. A blend of the best barrels from the Testarossa’s outstanding vineyards.”
International Wine Review
December 2021
“Deep ruby color; smooth, juicy cherry with racy acidity and excellent structure; silky and crisp with tart cherry and tangy fruit; long and stylish.”
Anthony Dias Blue
March 2020
Top 10 Wines of the Year
Stephen Eliot, Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
“As devoted as Testarossa is to making a comprehensive collection of single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that emphasize the unique character born of a specific site, when the vintage is right, it also produces a limited “reserve” bottling of each variety drawn from the winery’s best barrels regardless of source. Its topof-the-line Pinot goes by the name of ”Niclaire,” and, as is almost always the case, the latest edition is a complete, impeccably crafted wine that shows an uncanny union of power and grace. Governed by very deep, keenly focused, ripe cherry fruit with a sweet and spicy contribution from beautifully integrated oak, it hits all the right marks from focus and feel to its amazing finishing length, and the only problem it presents is that it is so very tasty now that allowing it the half-decade of age it deserves will not prove to be easy.”
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
November 2019
“Bright ruby color; soft plum and berry nose; smooth, lush texture; ripe cherry and berry fruit, meaty and rich with balance and depth; complex and long.”
Anthony Dias Blue
June 2018
“This year’s edition of Niclaire, Testarossa’s self-described “best of” Pinot bottling is a wine whose precision, structural integrity and fruity depth lend plenty of credence to the winery’s claims. It teases with succulent cherries enough on the nose to suggest that it is ready for drinking, but what follows on the palate is a very solid, fairly firm, impeccably balanced wine that, while living up to its aromatic promises of purity and depth, is still in its infancy and demanding of age. That it has special places to go is beyond any doubt, and, if another two years seems a minimum wait, we would opt for at least five.”
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
June 2017
“As its price might suggest, this is not a wine to dismiss because of its simple California appellation, and it is, in fact, Testarossa’s limited special bottling drawn from its finest Pinot Noir barrels. It is infused with a wealth of very rich oak, yet it remains solidly fruity throughout its very considerable length, and, while a big, mouthfilling wine of immense stuffing, it is very well-structured and certain to improve for many years. It is arguably a bit lacking in finesse at this point, but it is not a wine meant to be drunk down in haste and its riveting richness will be met by refinement as time slowly passes. ”
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
June 2016
“Named after Rob and Diana Jensen’ childen, Nick and Claire, there’s a little under 400 cases of the 2013 Pinot Noir Niclaire and it’s another fresh, lively, medium to full-bodied effort from this estate that delivers incredible quality. Cassis, black raspberry, sappy underbrush and spice-box all flow from this pure, lively and balanced 2013, and it has nicely integrated tannin and good acidity. Drink it anytime over the coming 6-7 years.”
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Made from the best ten barrels in the winery, the 2012 Pinot Noir Niclaire is a gorgeous, rich and layered effort that knocks it out of the park with its cassis and blackberry fruit, vanilla bean and licorice-driven aromas and flavors. Not losing a beat on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe tannin and a great texture. Seeing 10.5 months in 63% new French oak, it should evolve nicely for just under a decade.”
Antonio Galloni
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“There were eight barrels of the 2011 Pinot Noir Niclaire produced and, as with the Diana’s release in the white, it was made from the top barrels in a vintage. Coming from Garys’, Doctor’s, Fogstone and Pisoni vineyards, it shows a darker fruit slant with notions of red currants, blackberry, crushed flowers, underbrush and rose petal all soaring from the glass. Medium-bodied, supple and with beautiful purity and elegance, as well as building richness, it’s one of the top Pinot Noirs in the vintage and should have a decade of ultimate longevity. Drink 2014-2021. Founded in 1993 by Rob and Diana Jensen, with the wines made by Bill Brosseau, Testarossa Winery is located just outside of Los Gatos (just south of San Jose) and pulls grapes from a star-studded cast of vineyards throughout the central coast. All of the wines have beautiful purity of fruit and classical, perfectly made profiles. They also remain reasonably priced given the quality.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
August 2013
“Awesomely rich in black cherries, plums, licorice, mocha, cola and sweet oak flavors. Made from selected barrels of the winery’s various vineyards around the state, its richness is balanced by brisk acidity and a soft scour of tannins. Drink over the next six years.”
Steve Heimoff
Wine Enthusiast
“Absolutely delicious. Although it’s a bit full bodied and heavy for a Pinot Noir, it’s stunningly good, offering wave after wave of berry, cherry, orange peel, spice and oak flavors, with interesting side notes of mushrooms, cola, cocoa and licorice. The California appellation is because the wine is a best barrel blend from Testarossa’s vineyards up and down the state. Drink now–2015.”
Steve Heimoff
Wine Enthusiast
“Testarossa reserves their most expensive wines to a best-barrels blend that usually bears a statewide appellation, a practice that is rare if not unique among California wineries. The ’07 Niclaire is vast in currants, rhubarbs, cola and cedar, with sizable but finely meshed tannins, and the tart acidity that marks all of the winery’s 2007 Pinot Noirs. It’s drinkable now, but just barely, so decant. But will benefit from up to six years in the cellar.”
Steve Heimoff
Wine Enthusiast
“Of all Testarossa’s 2006 Pinots, this is the most complex, and also the most ageworthy. Offers a flood of cherry, red currant, Dr. Pepper, raspberry, licorice, vanilla cookie and oaky spice flavors that are fantastically intense and interesting. Interestingly, this bottling is one of Testarossa’s highest-alcohol Pinots. Great now and for a good six more years.”
Steve Heimoff
Wine Enthusiast
“A best barrels blend of the winery’s various vineyards, which are numerous throughout California, Niclaire shows a balance and elegance that prove Pinot doesn’t have to come from a single vineyard to be great. The ’05 is a delicious wine, soft and gentle and rich in flavor, yet dry and balanced. It fills the mouth with cherry pie, cassis, cola, Asian spice and smoky oak flavors that last long on the finish. This is a real crowd-pleaser, but it’s not an ager. Drink now.”
Steve Heimoff
Wine Enthusiast
No Content to Review
The Pinot Report
“The California appellation is because the wine is made from three Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards and Bien Nacido. It’s a really good wine. The cool vineyards give it brisk acidity, while the ripe grapes lend deep flavors of cherries and black raspberries. Oak does its spicy, complexing thing. Shows Pinot’s translucent, elegant, silky texture.”
Steve Heimoff
Wine Enthusiast
2021 Niclaire Pinot Noir – Barrel Composition
Barrel | Vineyard (Clone) | Cooper | Type |
---|---|---|---|
21276 | Brosseau (Mount Eden) | François Frères | TG Medium Toast + 2-y |
21388 | Doctor’s (113) | Taransaud | T5 Tr Medium Toast 5-y |
21174 | Doctor’s (113) | Remond | AM Toast 2-y |
21358 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Remond | Tr Medium Toast Long 2-y |
21344 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Cadus | AM Toast 2-y |
21170 | Doctor’s (Calera) | François Frères | VTG Medium Toast 4-y |
19155 | Doctor’s (Calera) | François Frères | VTG Medium Toast |
19146 | Doctor’s (Calera) | François Frères | VTG Medium Toast 4-y |
19343 | Doctor’s (Calera) | François Frères | VTG Medium Toast |
21122 | Doctor’s (Calera) | François Frères | VTG Medium Toast+ 2-y |
19068 | Fogstone (Jardini) | François Frères | Noble Grain Medium + Toast |
21234 | Fogstone (Jardini) | François Frères | JG Medium Toast + 2-y |
19216 | Fogstone (667) | Billon | JG Medium Toast + 3-y |
21246 | Garys’ (Pisoni) | François Frères | VVSG Medium Toast 3-y |
21291 | Garys’ (Pisoni) | François Frères | TG Medium Toast 2-y |
21377 | Garys’ (Pisoni) | Seguin Moreau | IB Medium Long Toast 2-y |
19413 | Garys’ (Pisoni) | Mercurey | Light and Fruity Toast |
21229 | La Rinconada (Pommard 4) | François Frères | TG Medium Toast 2-y |
21290 | La Rinconada (Pommard 4) | François Frères | TG Medium Toast 3-y |
21322 | Pisoni (Pisoni) | Louis Latour | CoF Medium Toast 2-y |
21387 | Rosella’s (667) | Seguin Moreau | IB Medium Long Toast 2-y |
19148 | Rosella’s (667) | François Frères | TG Medium Toast 4-y |
20207 | Rosemary’s (667) | Seguin Moreau | PM Long toast 3-y |
21392 | Sanford & Benedict (667) | François Frères | VSG Medium Toast + 2-y |
21189 | Sanford & Benedict (Archery Summit) | Remond | Tr Medium Toast Long 2-y |
21004 | Sierra Mar (Pisoni) | Remond | AM Toast Long 3-y |
Tight Grain (TG), Very Special Grain (VSG), Very Tight Grain (VTG), Citeaux Forest (CF), Allier Forest (AF), Vosges Forest (VF), Icone Blanc (IB), Center of France (CoF)
California AVA
Don’t let the California appellation designation fool you, our Jensen Reserve Society wines are made from our top selection barrels that come from the best vineyards for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in California, from the Russian River Valley to the north to the Santa Rita Hills to the south. Each year, Director of Winemaking Bill Brosseau and his team select the top 10-12 barrels from more than a thousand to make this special wine that bares the Jensen Family’s names – the matriarch “Diana’s” and the combination of Nick and Claire for Niclaire. It is our highest achievement in winemaking.
Past Vintages
Wine Production Data
Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Complex notes of boysenberry, blackberry, ripe cherry, anise, and sage unite in this enchanting ‘best of the best,’ Pinot Noir barrel blend. Secondary notes of pomegranate and jasmine give way to a refreshing aroma profile. Once on the palate, the flavors remain true to the aroma profile and are accentuated by lush tannins and vibrant acidity. This wine finishes with incre
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
April 2022
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Viticulture Practice: Sourced from Certified Sustainable and Organic vineyards
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Barrel Ageing: 16 months in 100% French Oak, 65% new
Production: 26 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.4 pH, 6.44 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 2020, hand harvested
Club Release: June 2022
Drink Now through 2032
Wine Composition
Barrel | Vineyard (Clone) | Cooper | Type |
---|---|---|---|
20284 | Brosseau (113 & 115) | Billon | Select |
20324 | La Rinconada (4) | François Frères | VTG Medium |
18148 | La Rinconada (4) | François Frères | TG Medium+ toast |
20156 | La Rinconada (4) | Billon | Allier Medium 3-y |
20327 | La Rinconada (4) | François Frères | VTG Medium |
20202 | La Rinconada (Mount Eden) | Seguin Moreau | Icone Blanc Medium |
20248 | La Rinconada (Mount Eden) | Remond | Allier Medium 3-y |
19258 | La Rinconada (Mount Eden) | Cadus | Vosges Medium |
19260 | La Rinconada (Mount Eden) | Cadus | Vosges Medium |
19144 | La Rinconada (Mount Eden) | François Frères | VTG Medium 4-y |
20213 | Rancho La Viña (115) | La Sienne | Light and long toast |
20213 | Rincon (667 & 115) | Seguin Moreau | TG Medium 3-y |
20329 | Rincon (115) | François Frères | TG Medium 4-y |
20088 | Rincon (115) | François Frères | TG Medium 4-y |
20087 | Rincon (115) | François Frères | Allier Medium 3-y |
20244 | Rosemary’s (667) | Remond | Allier Medium |
19032 | Rosemary’s (667) | Remond | Icone Blanc Medium |
20206 | Sanford & Benedict (AS-1) | Seguin Moreau | VSG Medium |
20242 | Sanford & Benedict (667) | Remond | Allier Medium |
19326 | Sanford & Benedict (667) | Seguin Moreau | Allier Medium |
20135 | Sanford & Benedict (667) | François Frères | TG Medium 3-y |
19049 | Sanford & Benedict (943) | Remond | VSG Medium |
20095 | Sanford & Benedict (943) | François Frères | Allier Medium |
20131 | Sanford & Benedict (943) | François Frères | VSG Medium |
19057 | Sanford & Benedict (943) | Remond | Tronçais Medium |
19129 | Sanford & Benedict (943) | François Frères | TG Medrium+ toast |
Tasting Notes
“Dark red hue. Aromas of cherry cola, ripe cranberry, raspberry, and roasted strawberry leap out of the glass. Upon second instance , notes of custard, jasmine, roses, grapefruit, and orange blossoms gently populate a complex aroma profile. Once in the palate, these complexities remain and are matched by a sense of minerality and subtle oak spice. Offering vibrancy and density, this ‘best of the best’ barrel blend showcases the intricacies of textures and flavors of our finest vineyards. Furthermore, the finish is very long and full of pleasure. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
March 2021
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Viticulture Practice: Sourced from Certified Sustainable and Organic vineyards
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Barrel Aging: 16 months in 100% French Oak, 81% new
Production: 24 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.36 pH, 6.68 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 9 – October 5, 2019
Club Release: May 2021
Drink Now through 2032
Wine Composition
Barrel | Vineyard (Clone) | Cooper | Type |
---|---|---|---|
19388 | Brosseau (115) | Cavin | Fusion Deep Light 4-y |
18197 | Doctor’s (777) | Remond | Troncais Medium Long 2-y |
18057 | Doctor’s (777) | Francois Frere | Vosges Medium+ 3-y |
17054 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Francois Frere | VTG Medium 4-y |
16473 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Cavin | Jupilles Deep Light 4-y |
15552 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Louis Latour | CoF Medium 2-y |
17238 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Mercurey | Nicolas Light Long 2-y |
19246 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Cadus | Allier Medium 2-y |
19460 | Doctor’s (113) | Remond | Allier Medium Long 2-y |
19159 | Fogstone (Jardini) | Francois Frere | TG Medium 3-y |
19132 | Garys’ (Pisoni) | Francois Frere | Vosges Medium 3-y |
19163 | Garys’ (Pisoni) | Francois Frere | Vosges Medium 3-y |
19345 | La Rinconada (4) | Francois Frere | VTG Medium+ 2-y |
19182 | Pisoni (Pisoni) | Francois Frere | TG Medium 3-y |
19012 | Rosella’s (Pisoni) | Remond | Troncais Medium Long 2-y |
18205 | Rosella’s (Pisoni) | Remond | Troncais Medium Long 2-y |
18193 | Rosella’s (Pisoni) | Remond | Vosges Medium Long 2-y |
19008 | Rosemary’s (667) | Remond | Allier Medium Long 3-y |
19201 | Rosemary’s (667) | Taransaud | T5 5-y |
19202 | Sanford & Benedict (828) | Billon | Citeaux Medium 3-y |
19286 | Sierra Mar (Pisoni) | Remond | Allier Medium Long 3-y |
19178 | Tondre Grapefield (777) | Francois Frere | TG Medium 3-y |
18157 | Tondre Grapefield (777) | Francois Frere | VTG Medium+ 2-y |
18438 | Tondre Grapefield (777) | Francois Frere | VTG Medium 2-y |
19276 | Tondre Grapefield (777) | Francois Frere | Darney Medium 3-y |
19426 | Tondre Grapefield (777) | Mercurey | Nicolas Light Long 2-y |
Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Brilliant aromas of citrus, red cherry, jasmine, and sage lead this enticing Pinot Noir blend. Secondary notes of cranberry and roasted strawberry segue to the palate and intensify along with the primary aromas. Juicy tannins and vibrant acidity offer a lively experience and continue into layers of intricacy and persistence on the finish, lending this wine to many years of enjoyment to come. Enjoy now through 2030.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Barrel Aging: 16 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 81% new
Production: 26 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.82 g/L – 3.29 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: Various
Club Release: May 28th, 2020
Drink Now through 2030
Wine Composition
Barrel | Vineyard (Clone) | Cooper | Type | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18490 |
|
Mercurey |
|
||||
18497 |
|
Billon | Select | ||||
17052 |
|
|
|
||||
18198 |
|
Remond |
|
||||
18215 |
|
Remond |
|
||||
18257 |
|
|
Long | ||||
18312 |
|
Cadus |
|
||||
18486 |
|
|
Medium | ||||
18487 |
|
Remond |
|
||||
18046 |
|
|
|
||||
18137 |
|
|
|
||||
17275 |
|
|
|
||||
17338 |
|
|
|
||||
18002 |
|
|
|
||||
18484 |
|
|
|
||||
18060 |
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
17251 |
|
|
Medium | ||||
18200 |
|
Remond |
|
||||
18260 |
|
Mercurey |
|
||||
18013 |
|
|
|
||||
18203 |
|
Remond |
|
||||
18210 |
|
Remond |
|
||||
17117 |
|
|
|
||||
18009 |
|
|
|
||||
18191 |
|
Remond |
|
Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Brilliant scents of roasted strawberry, French oak spice, and ripe cherry are the first impression of this wine. Then a second wave of aromas show hints of jasmine, marmalade, vanilla bean, crème brulee, and orange zest. These same qualities remain in the palate, with an abundance of red fruits, roasted strawberry, and oak spice. While the palate offers deep and pleasuring tannins, the youthful acidity helps to preserve freshness in this hedonistic blend of Pinot Noir. This wine ends with a very long, densely layered finish, all the while oozing with complexity. Enjoy now through 2028.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Barrel Aging: 17 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 50% new
Production: 21 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.54 g/L – 3.36 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: Various
Club Release: July 2018
Drink Now through 2028
Wine Composition
Barrel | Vineyard (Clone) | Cooper | Type |
---|---|---|---|
17374 | Brosseau (Pommard/Mt. Eden) | Billion | Extra Tight Grain |
17227 | Doctor’s (115) | Mercurey | Light and Long |
17196 | Doctor’s (115) | Remond | Medium Toast Long |
17104 | Doctor’s (113) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
17266 | Doctor’s (Jackson 16) | Seguin Moreau | Medium Toast Long |
16451 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Cadus | Medium Toast |
16276 | Doctor’s (Calera) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
17144 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Remond | Medium Toast Long |
17181 | Doctor’s (Calera) | Remond | Medium Toast Long |
17093 | Fogstone (115) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
17102 | Fogstone (115) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
17231 | Fogstone (113) | Mercurey | Light and Long |
15548 | Fogstone (113) | Seguin Moreau | Medium Toast Long |
17075 | Fogstone (Pommard/114) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
17051 | Garys’ (Pisoni) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
17338 | Garys’ (Pisoni) | Louis Latour | Medium Toast |
17014 | La Rinconada (4) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
17080 | Pisoni (Pisoni) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
17174 | Rosella’s (Pisoni) | Remond | Medium Toast Long |
16175 | Rosemary’s (96) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
16318 | Sanford & Benedict (Calera) | Seguin Moreau | Medium Toast Long |
17245 | Sanford & Benedict (Calera) | Mercurey | Light and Long |
17091 | Tondre (777) | François Frere | Medium+ Toast |
16248 | Tondre (777) | Taransaud | Tight Grain |
16270 | Tondre (777) | François Frere | Medium Toast |
Tasting Notes
“Dark red color. The aroma profile is comprised of fruit, floral, and spice. While shy at first, this youthful Pinot Noir blend shows red cherry, anise, lemon-zest, crème brulee, and boysenberry. After some time, notes of violets, jasmine, and cloves round out the profile. As this wine flows into the palate, these profiles remain consistent and equal in balance. The mouthfeel showcases a voluptuous and lively touch, while maintaining harmony with intensity of texture and flavors. This youthful, plush, and hedonistic blend should continue to deliver enjoyment for many years to come. Enjoy now through 2028.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Barrel Aging: 17 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 50% new
Production: 21 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.54 g/L – 3.36 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: Various
Club Release: June 2018
Drink Now through 2028
Tasting Notes
“Dark red color. Nice aromas of orange zest, ripe cherry, cloves, anise, cranberry, and ripe pomegranate excite the nose. Upon aeration, there are additional notes of boysenberry, jasmine, cocoa, papaya, and vanilla bean. Upon taste, the palate focuses into citrus, floral, and spice elements. Polished tannins provide a seamless mouthfeel while the vibrant acidity give a youthful and bright profile. Intricate, layered, and long are the descriptors for the finish of this multi-vineyard blend. Enjoy now through 2028.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 50% new
Production: 17 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.45 g/L – 3.44 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: Various
Club Release: July 2017
Drink Now through 2028
Tasting Notes
“Deep red color. This youthful Pinot Noir exhibits beautiful tension between bright red fruit and spice. The tension unravels in the form of red cherry, pomegranate and cranberry, which are paired nicely with cloves, custard, anise, and vanilla bean. The youthfulness sails seamlessly into the palate, lending this wine to many years of graceful aging. The lush tannins pleasure the palate while the vibrant acidity cleanses the senses. This multi-vineyard blend ends beautifully with a lingering, smooth, and decadent touch. Enjoy now through 2026. ”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Barrel Aging: 12 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 64% new
Production: 17 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.51 g/L – 3.44 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: Various
Club Release: July, 2016
Drink Now through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Dark red hue. Brilliant notes of cloves, sage, anise, wild thyme, with ever so subtle hints of dark cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, and orange blossoms. While the spices are generous in the nose, there is an intriguing inversion in the palate, with the fruit profile leading the surge in flavor. There is an enjoyable and intricate tannin composition, balanced by a multi-layered texture and subtle French oak. This hedonistic Pinot Noir gains focus on the finish while it lingers for quite some time. Enjoy now through 2027. ”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Barrel Aging: 11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 58% new
Production: 13 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.44 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: Various
Club Release: July, 2015
Drink Now through 2027
Tasting Notes
“Medium red hue. Initial scents of this ‘best of the best,’ is rightfully shy given its pedigree of age-ability. Upon some time swirling in the glass, this wine opens up to some subtle notes of pomegranate, raspberry, bing cherry, cloves, vanilla bean, and spice. As this Pinot Noir enters the palate, there is a surge of complexity, displayed in flavors of cherry, lemon custard, raspberry, and strawberry jam. While the texture is densely packed with concentration, there is a refreshingly silky, seductive, and smooth experience. This wine finishes nicely with polished tannins and a lingering fade away. Drink now through 2021.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: California AVA
Barrel Aging: 11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 64% new
Production: 11 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September, 2013
Club Release: August, 2014
Drink Now through 2021
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.