2022 Rancho La Viña Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Rita Hills AVA
Tasting Notes
“Deep red hue. Beautiful aromas of boysenberry, cherry cola, sage, cranberry, jasmine, and raspberry make for an incredible start to this Pinot Noir. While many of these qualities persist on the palate, raspberry jam leads the pack with flavor. The texture is voluptuous yet dynamic, making for an enchanting experience. The finish evokes persistent pleasure. Enjoy now through 2031.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2024
“Black raspberry and tangy black plum aromas meet with violet on the nose of this bottling. The palate snaps with acidity, presenting flashy raspberry, elegant rose petal and zippy white pepper flavors.” Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast, May 2024
“Fresh and fruity pinot with red berries, sweet licorice, rose hips and wet stones. Medium- to full-bodied with a sleek and glossy texture and a flavorful, fruit-forward aftertaste. Drink now.” JamesSuckling.com, April 2024
Production Data
Growers: Baer Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 430 – 510 ft./North
Soil: Gazos clay loam and Tierra loam
Vineyard Age: 17 years
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Cooperage & Barrel Ageing: 12 months in French oak, 50% new
Production: 6 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (100% Clone 115)
Acidity: 3.22 pH, 7.75 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 23, 2022, hand harvested
Club Release: February 2024
Release Price: $79
Drink Now through 2031
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Dark ruby. Pure scents of black raspberry and candied dark cherry on an expressive, rich bouquet. Lovely purity and focus along with dense flavors in the mouth. Firm tannins and a very long, tart cherry finish. The oak is completely integrated. From 15 year old vines (all clone 115) grown with a north orientation and matured 11 months in 53% new French oak.”
Don Winkler
International Wine Review
February 2024
“Luscious up front, with maraschino cherry and mulberry compote notes, but this stretches out and takes on a racier feel through the finish, with light sanguine, dried anise and hibiscus accents adding range. Drink now through 2028. 192 cases made.”
James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
June 2023
“The nose on this bottling is powerful with woodspice and incense aromas that float atop a core of dark boysenberry. The oak is prominent on the sip but it complements the rich berry jam and light pepper-spice flavors quite well.”
Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
November 2022 Issue
Rancho La Viña Vineyard
Planted in 2005, the 35-acre Rancho La Viña Vineyard is north facing and boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding Sta. Rita Hills appellation. It sits at the southern edge of the AVA and has an extreme maritime influence from the nearby Pacific Ocean. This guarantees cool summers and a long growing season. It has silty loam soils which expresses strong aromatics.
The Ranch has been family owned since the 1860’s and is part of the 2,800-acre Santa Rosa Land Grant. In addition to premium Pinot Noir, the ranch is also home to organic Walnuts and heirloom tomatoes. Testarossa has been making Pinot Noir from the vineyard since the 2020 vintage.