2022 Tondré Pinot Noir
This unfined and unfiltered coastal Pinot Noir presents a rich bouquet of cassis and sweet spice, nuanced with a whisper of fresh earth. The mid-palate unfolds with layers of dark cherry, gracefully interwoven with delicate notes of toasted French oak. A complex finish lingers with spice and deep, dark fruit.
Our flagship wine is a versatile companion, perfect for celebrations, gatherings with loved ones, and, of course, a robust steak. The palate is vibrant and abundant with dark cherry, complemented by subtle hints of toasted French oak and caramel. A smooth, terroir-driven finish reveals nuances of clove and blackberry.
Exhibiting a medium ruby and deep purple hue, this wine opens with a rich bouquet of cassis and sweet spice, nuanced with a touch of fresh earth. The palate is full-bodied and opulent, revealing layers of ripe black fruit, delicate spice, and vanilla. Toasted oak, leather, and dark cherry seamlessly integrate on the midpalate, leading to a complex finish. Balanced acidity and mouth-filling tannins provide structure, harmonizing with the wine's generous fruit intensity.
Harvested in September, the grapes are meticulously hand-picked and sorted at the vineyard. Following destemming and gentle crushing, the must undergoes a 24-hour cold soak on its skins to optimize color extraction. Fermentation commences at a controlled temperature, accompanied by four to six daily manual punch-downs. Upon completion of primary fermentation, the wine is pressed and separated from the skins. It is then transferred to stainless steel tanks for aging, clarification, and stabilization. After a period determined by the winemaker, the Pinot Noir is aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months. Finally, the bottled wine is aged for an additional three to six months before release.
Food Pairing Notes: As our Pinot is a coastal style with bigger rounder notes, it can hold up to many entrees and fun flavorful dishes. Seared duck breast, wood planked salmon and mushroom burgers are always a hit. For a modern pairing option try a tomahawk steak sandwich! Check out our Instagram reel for a chef demonstration of this unique pairing
Serving Temperature: 55-60°F
Enjoy it within: 5-10 years (can be cellared up to 15)
Recommended Glass: Aroma Collector
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Appellation | Santa Lucia Highlands |
| Vineyard | Tondre Grapefield |
| Harvest Date | 10/02/2022 |
| Aging | French Oak |
| Alcohol | 15.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 05/07/2025 |
| Cases Produced | 250 |
| 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.
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