2018 Best Man Pinot Noir
Ignite your senses with this dazzling ruby masterpiece! A captivating overture of delicate vanilla gives way to a crescendo of vibrant red cherry, decadent chocolate, and the exhilarating rush of a sea breeze. On the palate, a bold symphony of ripe raspberry and opulent black cherry harmonizes with the regal elegance of cedar box and the dark, seductive allure of cassis. Velvety tannins and a commanding mineral structure create a wine of unforgettable grandeur. This is a wine that commands attention, just like your Best Man! A perfect companion for life's most extraordinary occasions and everyday triumphs. Revel in its brilliance now, or let its magnificence mature for a decade.
A captivating dance of medium ruby and deep purple hues introduces this wine, which unfurls with a rich, aromatic tapestry of sun-ripened cassis, warm sweet spice, and a whisper of freshly turned earth. The palate, nearly full-bodied and luxuriously textured, bursts with ripe black fruit, interwoven with delicate spice and a hint of creamy vanilla. Layers of toasted oak, supple leather, and luscious dark cherry unfold seamlessly on the midpalate, leading to a complex and satisfying finish. Balanced acidity and velvety, mouth-filling tannins create a harmonious structure, perfectly complementing the wine's generous and vibrant fruit intensity.
The 2018 Best Man Pinot Noir represents an extended and passionate endeavor, sourced from the esteemed Tondre Grapefield, the same vineyard that graces our traditional Pinot Noir. However, this vintage elevates the experience, with winemaker Russ Jones personally hand-selecting each grape. Embraced by Truckee's high-altitude chill, the must undergoes a week-long cold soak, followed by a slow, wild yeast fermentation and an extended two-week maceration on the skins. This meticulously crafted wine is then aged in barrels for nearly three years before bottling.
This exceptional Pinot Noir stands as a testament to dedication and artistry. Its unique and refined character, born from a process of unwavering love and care, results in an exquisitely limited production.
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Appellation | Santa Lucia Highlands |
| Vineyard | Tondre Grapefield |
| Harvest Date | 09/08/2018 |
| Aging | french oak barrels |
| Alcohol | 15.80% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 10/05/2022 |
| Cases Produced | 80 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| State of Origin | California |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
In 1997, Tondré Grapefield was planted on 6 ½ acres. It has grown to 104 acres and rests in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highland Appellation, Monterey County.
Joe Alarid currently farms a wide range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones to ensure that there is a medley of fruit and sufficient Tondré pedigree character to suit vintner stylistic preferences. He also grows a very limited amount of Syrah and Riesling. Included in the broad spectrum of Pinot Noir plantings are clones 115, Pommard 4, 777, 943, 667, 828 and Swan. Chardonnay clones include 76, 96, 543 and New York.
Vignerons regard the Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation as one of the crown jewels of California agriculture for Pinot and Chardonnay grapes. The importance and interdependence of combining grower and vintner is omnipresent for wine quality assurance and protection of a vineyard designation vintage by vintage. Joe carefully chooses vignerons to ensure that wines made from Tondré Grapefield fruit are among the premier wines of the Santa Lucia Highland appellation.
This distinguished appellation has protruding, southeast-facing slopes, strong maritime influences from Monterey Bay and ancient glacial soils consisting of decomposed granite, gravel and sandy loam. The unique location of Tondré Grapefield allows the grapes to have an extended “hang time”, meaning more sunlight on the vine, more grape ripening and sufficient cool-down in the evening to firm up the fruit’s natural acidity. Tondré Grapefield vines have deep soil penetration and mineral extraction giving the grapes distinctively intense flavor.
tondrewines.com
Imagine a winemaker forged in the heart of Yosemite, his spirit honed on the slopes of Squaw Valley. That's Russ Jones. From a childhood spent exploring Yosemite's wilderness, to high school ski races where he reigned supreme (and met his future wife!), Russ's life has been a thrilling adventure.
A UC Davis graduate with a deep understanding of winemaking, Russ and his wife journeyed through the Pacific Northwest and California's Central Coast, refining their Pinot Noir expertise. But something was missing. The crisp mountain air, the pure, untamed energy of Tahoe.
Returning to Truckee, Russ dared to dream: creating wines that reflected the unique terroir of his beloved mountains. Leveraging Tahoe's naturally perfect temperatures and humidity, he crafted a winery unlike any other. Truckee River Winery is where Russ's artistic vision and scientific precision collide. The result? Wines that capture the very soul of Tahoe, bursting with unmatched flavors and aromas.
