The Taste

Red Currants, Black Pepper, Loam

The Science

The Magic

• 30% whole cluster fermented in open-top fermenters
• Aged for 11 months in French oak (33% new)
• Kept on the lees the whole time in barrel to help keep wine fresh and develop complexity

The Alchemists

George Troquato, Winemaker
Alejandro Aldama, Cellar Master

The Grape

Pinot Noir is considered a noble grape of the Burgundy region in France. It is also grown widely in the Santa Cruz Mountains. By combining grapes from different vineyards within this AVA, we capture characteristics specific to the region: complex aromatics, concentrated flavors, and spice—resulting in elegant, age-worthy wines.

The Land

Remde Vineyard, in Watsonville, is composed of sandy loam soils. Influenced by the maritime climate, wines produced from this vineyard are vibrant and balanced. The warmer climate of Jewel Vineyards produces small clusters of dark fruit that result in complex wines.  

The Season

The winter of 2017 brought huge amounts of much-needed rain. With one major heat spike in August, it was an overall warm year that brought a slightly below-average size crop with good intensity and flavor.