Our Double L estate in the northern part of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is widely regarded as one of the best vineyards for growing world-class Pinot Noir. Planted on east facing terraces overlooking the Salinas River Valley, the north-south vineyard row orientation provides optimum sun exposure and access to the strong afternoon breezes. The winds moderate the afternoon temperature, thickening the grape skins and concentrating flavors. The vineyard has been Certified Organic since 2002 and remains the only such vineyard i n the appellation.

The vineyards of the Highlands produced a small crop of very high quality fruit in 2008. A dry winter was followed by alternating heat and chill spells. The stress from the abnormal weather yielded small intensely flavored berries. The autumn weather was typical, and we harvested the lots for this bottling between September 24th and October 20th.

After de-stemming, primary fermentation, primarily whole-berry, was conducted using RC212 and Assmannhausen yeast in open top fermenters. We utilize manual punch down for optimum color, flavor & soft tannins. The wine is a blend of clones 115, P5, 828, 667 & 777. It was transferred to a combination of medium and medium-plus toast Francois Freres Burgundy barrels, 50% of which are new, for malo-lactic conversion and 14 months of aging. For this rare “Hat Trick” release, Dan Lee and Gianni Abate then chose their favorite barrels that best illustrated the dramatic terroir of the Double L.

The ‘08 “Hat Trick” Pinot floods the glass with aromas of wild cherry and black tea mixed with viloets and anise. Full-flavored and broadly structured, the wine maintains a round approachable style. This Pinot Noir would make a great match for rack of lamb or a thick rib eye steak.