Tondre Grapefield is the result of Tondre Alarid’s desire to establish a vineyard, and his son Joe Alarid’s resolve to produce world-class wine grapes. The vineyard is next door to Garys’ Vineyard on the east facing terrace of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Northwest-southeast orientated rows take advantage of daily fog and wind events from the Monterey Bay.
The 2006 vintage started late due to a cold, wet spring which delayed fruit set. The weather throughout the growing season was typical. After an extended hang-time we harvested the Pinot Noir at Tondre Grapefield in late October. At harvest the fruit was showing intense flavors with great natural acidity.
The grapes are completely de-stemmed after hand sorting. Native yeasts start the whole-berry fermentation in small open top tanks. Manual punch-downs produce wines with supple texture and soft tannins. The wine was transferred to French oak barrels, 50% new, for malo-lactic fermentation and 11 months of aging. The final cuvee is 43% Dijon clone 777, 43% 115 with 667 making up the balance.
The nose is a beautiful combination of red raspberries and black cherries which, highlighed by rose petals and violets, burst from the glass. Clove, cola and leather seamlessly transition from nose to the palate. Fruit and spice easily roll across the palate and linger in a long finish. Perfectly balanced acidity makes this wine extremely food friendly, pairing especially well with grilled mahi-mahi and salmon as well as roast chicken and Beef Bourgogne...
Reviews
Today's Recommended Wine, Sandra Silfven, The Detroit News, October 23, 2008
Exceptional, Dan Berger, October 2008
4 stars, Restaurant Wine, Issue #127
