The Taste

Briar Fruit, Sage, Umami

The Science

The Magic

• Hand-harvested in the cool early morning of September 1, 2015
• Fermented in open-top bins
• 30% whole clusters added to the bottom of the bins; 70% destemmed & added to the top of the bins
• Aged for 11 months in French oak (40% new)

The Alchemists

George Troquato, Winemaker
Alejandro Aldama, Cellar Master

The Grape

This Pinot Noir clone is Dijon 115, a higher-yielding clone that gives off spicy aromas, especially when whole clusters are used during fermentation. It produces complex and powerful wines—not as deep in color as other clones, but with longer aging potential.

The Land

Pietra Santa Vineyard lies in Cienega Valley, where cool marine air spills over the mountains from Salinas. The San Andreas Fault runs through this region, filling the soils with granite and limestone, which work in concert with the cool climate for producing classic Burgundy varieties.

The Season

In early 2015, California experienced 30% more rainfall than in prior years, easing concerns over a possible fourth consecutive drought. Bud break in March was normal, but May was cold and wet, disrupting bloom and reducing crop loads up to 40% in some areas. Despite this, the vintage produced wines that are more structured, ensuring greater ageability.