The Santa Lucia Highlands, located on the western bench of the Salinas Valley, has become known as on the premier Pinot Noir appellations of the world. One of the reasons for this lofty reputation is Rosella's Vineyard. Gary Franscioni planted his home ranch, named for his lovely wife, in the heart of the Highlands with an excellent selection Pinot Noir clones. His obsession with meticulous farming together fortunate to have access to three small blocks planted with clone 777, Pommard clone and Pisoni clone Pinot Noir. Each block is evaluated individually for picking according to ripeness levels and flavors. The grapes are hand picked, then separated into small, individual fermentation lots at the winery. We use both native and specially selected yeasts for our fermentations. Once finished and pressed, the wines are kept in separate barrel lots for aging. The final wine was assembled and bottled in February 2007.

Our 2005 Rosella's Pinot Noir has a deep ruby-red color. Notes of clove, cinnamon and toasty oak accent aromas of cherries and plums. The palate is intense and focused, exuding refined flavors of ripe, dark red fruits and spices supported by firm, yet, velvety tannins through the lingering finish. This wine will reward patient aging for three to five years.

Cooperage: 100% French oak, 50% of which is new.