Project Description
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.
Past Vintages
Wine Production Data
Tasting Notes
“Deep straw hue. This hillside Chardonnay offers concentrated scents of brioche, apple pie, ripe fig, honeydew, and watermelon. With some air, notes of ripe grapefruit and vanilla bean offer a rounding effect on the palate. Upon taste this repertoire continues along with elements of honey and ripe peach. The texture offers precision of sensations while showing tension in that the best days are yet to come for this wine. The finish is intricate, persistent, and perfect. Enjoy now through 2028.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Framily
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 17 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 46% new
Production: 13 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 6.54 g/L – 3.35 pH
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 19, 2018
Drink Now through 2028
Tasting Notes
“Pale straw hue. Brilliant scents of orange, caramel, butterscotch, and fuji apple. These are followed by notes of ripe banana, white peach, and grapefruit. Upon taste, these characteristics persist on the palate and are framed with tension and vibrancy. While this wine is fresh and edgy at this time, its density and concentration will continue to unravel and soften this wine over time. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 33% new
Production: 10 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 7.25 g/L – 3.29 pH
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 8, 2017
Club Release: October 31, 2018
Drink Now through 2026