Santa Lucia Highlands
The Spanish term “Las Alturas” means “the heights,” a fitting name for this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA up to 1,200 feet. At this elevation, the sunny but very cool climate creates a wine bearing all the hallmarks of this coastal region: robust, expressive, full-bodied, and balanced by a firm acidity
We harvested early in the morning so the fruit would arrive at the winery while the grapes were still cool to preserve the vineyard-fresh flavors. After destemming (but not crushing) the berries, we cold-soaked the fruit for up to two weeks to soften the skins and allow for ideal extraction. During fermentation in a combination of closed and open-top stainless steel fermenters, we used both punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color and tannins, and also to control temperatures and maximize flavors. We aged the wine in 100% French oak (60% new) for up to nine months. After the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, we racked it twice before making the final blend.
Tasting Notes:
Rich crimson in color with fragrant aromas of bing cherry, dried fig, black cassis and hints of rich dark chocolate. Bold and elegant on the palate with marionberry pie, boysenberry preserves, dark plum, and subtle notes of mocha. Balanced and structured, this wine has beautiful acidity that lingers through to a long, mouthwatering finish.