Layer Cake Pinot Noir - Monterey

Winemaker Notes

The goal for our Layer Cake wines is to maintain distinct varietal correctness and expression of terroir with whatever wine we make. The Layer Cake Pinot Noir follows the same path, but Pinot Noir is a much more finicky grape. It can be very rewarding, and incredibly challenging, to make a wine that has good extraction, ripe rich flavors, complex yet delicate aromatics and fine balance on the palate.

With our Layer Cake Pinot Noir, we’ve achieved that goal and more. Fermented gently at cool temperatures to preserve aromatics, the wine was gently pressed and aged in French oak; partly new, but also much of it in our once-used Cherry Pie barrels. The result is a rich, delicious wine that screams Pinot Noir and fits right into the Layer Cake Wines line up.

Vineyard Notes

Our Monterey vineyards at Arroyo Loma and Alta Loma border the Santa Lucia Highlands. Shallow granitic soils lend mineral characteristics and high-toned aromatics to the wine. Warm morning sun, followed by cooling winds from Monterey Bay each afternoon, allows us to achieve full, rich flavors in the grapes while maintaining good acidity so crucial to Pinot Noir.

Our Santa Barbara vineyards are in the steep hills surrounding Los Alamos in a canyon that leads directly to the Pacific Ocean. Sandy soils, bright sunshine and very cool ocean breezes combine to lengthen ripening and extend hang time, resulting in intense aromatics and great acidity.

Tasting Notes

The Layer Cake Pinot Noir has expressive notes of Raspberry, pomegranate, cranberry, are supported by dried tea leaf and tobacco on the nose. The palate is layered texturally and has rich, pronounced blackberries and ripe plum.  Soft, fine grained tannins and smoky dark chocolate stay through the finish.