2013 Vocal Vineyards Pinot Noir Lilo Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains

Trailblazing Winemaker and Food & Wine Magazine Top Sommelier of 2012

When Wine Spectator caught wind of Bonny Doon-trained winemaker Ian Brand, the magazine described him as “blazing his own trail” in the vineyards of California’s Central Coast. His latest project, Vöcal Vineyards, finds him partnering with Ted Glennon, the acclaimed California sommelier tapped by Food & Wine Magazine as Top Sommelier of 2012.

Brand and Glennon turned to the magnificent Santa Cruz Mountains for Pinot Noir grapes from the Lilo Vineyard, perched 650 feet in elevation. Vines clinging to dangerously steep slopes are soaked in sunshine during the day, while temperatures plummet at night, helping retain acidity. Brand and Glennon are convinced the distinct mineral vein in their Pinot comes from the Lilo Vineyard’s sandstone, schist, and shale soils, which vines must snake through in search of nutrients. This imposes great stress that translates into impeccable tension in the single-vineyard wine, and calls to mind the unparalleled structure of great Burgundian Pinot.

In the glass, partial whole-cluster fermentation reveals a beautiful mix of delicate fruit and mineral character, which Glennon told us shows “the terroir at play — the geological impacts of the wind-battered Santa Cruz mountains, and surrounding redwood forests all comes charging out of the glass.” We agree — see our tasting note below.    

Lovers of California Pinot Noir, unfamiliar with wines from Santa Cruz, are falling for them hard thanks to the matchmakers/sommeliers at the Bay Area’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants. Hit the “Buy” button and you too will be entranced by the beautiful balance of mountain structure and abundant fruit courtesy of the bright Golden State sunshine.

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• ABV 13.50%
• Enjoy right away
• % Pinot Noir