2022 Tondré Pinot Noir
Beloved by Tahoe locals and visitors alike, our Flagship Pinot Noir embodies coastal elegance. This exceptional bottling unfolds with rich layers of luscious cassis and vibrant dark cherry, their concentrated fruit beautifully balanced by warm spice notes, subtle hints of toasted oak, and an intriguing whisper of fresh earth. Its harmonious structure and approachable character make it a remarkably versatile wine, the perfect companion for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to celebratory feasts enjoyed amidst the stunning beauty of the Tahoe region.
This captivating wine displays a striking medium ruby core that graduates to a deep purple rim, hinting at its concentration and depth. The nose immediately entices with a rich and expressive bouquet of concentrated cassis and warm sweet spice, beautifully nuanced by a subtle yet intriguing touch of fresh earth, evoking a sense of its origins. On the palate, experience a full-bodied and opulent texture, where layers of ripe black fruit – think black plum and blackberry – unfold with elegance, accompanied by delicate echoes of spice and a whisper of creamy vanilla. The midpalate is seamlessly integrated with notes of toasted oak, supple leather, and juicy dark cherry, adding further complexity and dimension. This leads to a long and satisfying finish where all the elements converge harmoniously. Balanced acidity provides a refreshing lift, while mouth-filling yet well-integrated tannins offer a firm structure that beautifully supports the wine's generous fruit intensity, promising both immediate pleasure and the potential for graceful aging.
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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