2019 Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Tasting Notes
“Pale yellow hue. Opulent scents of passionfruit, kiwi, white peach, and golden delicious apple leap out of the glass. At second instance, notes of pineapple and coconut give a pleasing quality to the fruit profile. Upon taste, the aromas segue seamlessly into the flavor dimension along with creamy caramel. With an edginess and tension in the texture, this high altitude Chardonnay delivers intensity, freshness, and an intricate finish. Enjoy now through 2031.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
June 2021
“Smooth and juicy, clean and neatly balanced with a core of racy acidity, long and lovely.”
Anthony Dias Blue
The Tasting Panel
June 2021
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Framily
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 1000 feet; Southeast
Soil: Decomposed granite/gravelly loam
Vineyard Age: 12 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 18 months in 100% French Oak, 36% new
Production: 12 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Clone: 50% Clone 95, 50% Clone 96
Acidity: 3.49 pH, 5.81 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 20, 2019
Club Release: June 2021
Release Price: $53
Drink Now through 2031
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Shimmering straw-yellow. Aromas of poached pear, tangerine and white peach are complicated by toasty lees and floral nuances. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering sappy citrus and orchard fruit, sweet butter and honeysuckle flavors that turn livelier on the back half. Hints of tarragon and ginger emerge on a very long, smoky finish that echoes the floral and pear notes. 46% new French oak.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni Vinous
October 2020
“Translucent straw-yellow. Deep-pitched, smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of ripe orchard and pit fruits are complemented by pungent floral and vanilla overtones that build with aeration. Palate-coating pear nectar, peach, tangerine and buttered toast flavors pick up a smoky lees nuance on the back half. Deep yet surprisingly lively in character, delivering solid finishing cut and leaving a sexy floral note behind.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni Vinous
November 2019
Sierra Mar Vineyard
The Sierra Mar Vineyard is owned by the Franscioni Family and is located at one of the highest elevations in the Santa Lucia Highlands at just over 1,000 ft. The land is a dramatic 44-acre site that has been in the Franscioni Family for four generations and was originally part of a 420-acre cattle ranch. The steep and remote vineyard is divided by terrain and alluvial plains into distinct blocks with individual terroir. Gary Franscioni says Sierra Mar’s naturally thin soils, gusting winds, lack of water and high-altitude inaccessibility make for extremely exceptional wines. Testarossa is proud to be able to make wines from all five of the Franscioni/Pisoni properties.