2007 Testarossa Limited Production Set
Item Number: 359
Time Left: CLOSED
Description
2 bottle set - Testarossa 2007 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir in Box
1 bottle - 2007 Testarossa Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard (750 ml)
1 bottle - 2007 Testarossa Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (750 ml)
Why is the Rosella’s Vineyard special? Gary Franscioni planted his family vineyard, named after his lovely wife Rosella, on River Road in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Intense wines result from the labor intensive farming, Arroyo Seco sandy loam soil, and a marine climate highlighted by strong coastal winds blowing off Monterey Bay which make for foggy mornings, breezy afternoons and a long, drawn out growing season.
Rich red hue. There are nice scents of black pepper, orange blossom, cherry, and strawberry. Flavors of cherry and black pepper carry through to the palate and are met with hints of cloves and citrus. Crisp acidity and lush tannins makes this Pinot Noir quite expansive and lingering in the finish. Drink now for up to 7 years. - Bill Brosseau, Winemaker - 325 cases produced
93 pts Wine Enthusiast Here’s a very good, very generous and rewarding Pinot Noir. Firmed up with crisp acidity and some fairly thick tannins, it nonetheless has a silky, appealing texture, and is vast in red currant, rhubarb, cola, beefsteak heirloom tomato, cedar and spice flavors. Feels important and elegant in the mouth. Best now through 2013. -Steve Heimoff
91 pts Wine Advocate Another Santa Lucia Highland vineyard that is well-knows to readers as a top source of both Pinot Noir and Syrah is the Rosella’s Vineyard. Testarossa’s 2007 Pinot Noir Rosella’s has a big, expressive nose of sweet cherries, raspberry, and blacker fruits along with some spice and flowers that jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-hued Pinot Noir. The wine is full-bodied, with silky tannins, a rich, spicy mouthfeel, and a long finish. It is another impressive example from this terrific cool-climate region for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. -Robert Parker
Why is the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard special?The 130-acre Sanford & Benedict Vineyard was planted in 1971, in what is now called the Santa Rita Hills, one of the most exciting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay growing areas in the country. It was formerly owned by Robert Atkin and has, for over three decades, been considered one of the crown jewels of Santa Barbara County. The shaley-clay loam soil adds character to all the wines from this vineyard. Dark red color. Scents of clove, anise, cherry, black pepper, and creme brulee distinguish the aroma profile of this lush, intense Pinot Noir. The flavor profile shows notes of minerality, cherry, cranberry, and black pepper. The fruit and spice pairing of this wine makes for an intriguing wine, especially with the rich, lingering finish. Drink now through 2016. - Bill Brosseau, Winemaker - 350 cases produced 93 pts Wine Enthusiast This is a big, kick-butt wine thatshows the powerful fruit and hard tannins that make Pinots from this vineyard ageable. You’ll find it tough and gritty now, with rich, deep flavors of cherries, currants, cola and cedar. Best beyond 2011.-Steve Heimoff 90 pts Wine Spectator Offers a rich, complex, layered mix of currant, raspberry and cherry rhubarb that's full-bodied, pure and persistent, ending with firm, ripe tannins and good length. Drink now through 2013. - James Laube Unique Characteristics of the 2007 Vintage The 2007 vintage started out in California style, with drought-like conditions. This lack of rain, plus a large crop from the year before, stunted the reserves in the grapevines. This scenario leads to small berries and short clusters. Weather at fl owering was cool and delayed, leading to a mismatch of berries sizes. Overall, we saw many small berries, few seeds, and a high skin to juice ratio. With a moderate climatic season, we saw even ripening and good physiological ripeness as well. These factors contribute to supple tannins and good acidity. Overall, a great year for California, except for the low yields.
Special Instructions
This item will close at the Sparkle, Sizzle & Salsa event on November 6, 2009.