The 2020 vintage began with a cool winter and some much-needed rain that spurred a later than usual bud break. The growing season was mild overall, however, and the onset of early summer weather allowed the grapes to catch up. For our Pinot Noir, we saw the fruit mature earlier than usual, with flavors developing at an early Brix. Grapes for this wine were picked with bright, expressive fruit character in late August.
After optical sorting and destemming, grapes were cold soaked for three days before fermentation in 100% stainless steel tanks at a mix of warm and cool temperatures. This wine was aged for nine months in 100% French oak, 19% new barrels.
Our Cuvée is a blend of extraordinary Pinot Noir lots from appellations across California. This wine represents a precise collaboration that showcases and preserves the unique character of each region.
The vintage began with a cool winter and some much-needed rain, that spurred a later than usual bud break. The growing season was mild overall, however, the onset of early summer weather allowed grapes to catch up. Historically one of our latest ripening varieties, grapes for this wine were picked during the first week of October with an excellent balance of acidity and ripeness
With a late bud break and a dry, mild summer, the 2020 growing season looked a lot like 2019 and on par as a cooler vintage. Grenache has always been one of our late-ripening varieties; fortunately, flavors developed faster than in 2019, which allowed us to pick earlier and capitalize on the excellent sugar and acid balance in the grapes.
Our 1772 wines, each handcrafted from our estate vineyard, Edna Ranch, offer a textbook example of the remarkable terroir that is Edna Valley. The cool coastal climate and minimal oak exposure produces a Chardonnay that appeals to all.
A magnum 1.5L of Tolosa's signature Pinot Noir is perfect for any celebration. Pinot Noir can have so many unique and beautiful aromas. However, to bring out those aromas, the grape needs the right place to grow and strict attention to detail in winemaking. When your tasting notes for this wine include descriptors like candied bacon, black forest cake, red licorice, evergreen, and yellow beans, you have discovered that special place and the right winemaker. In addition to those lovely nuances, this wine possesses an ideal combination of concentrated flavors and bright acidity, which is a hallmark of the long, cool 2019 vintage.
