THE STORY

Loma Alta, “tall hill” in Spanish, is a block of clone 115 near the top of the La Rinconada Vineyard. It is a prized block between celebrated company; immediately to the east lies Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and to the west, the La Rinconada block which produces the popular, but very different, Vista al Rio Pinot Noir. This rocky slope has northwestern exposure and excellent drainage. The combination of its weathered shale, clay loam soil, aspect and clone, all contribute to this block producing a stunning wine.

PROFILE & WINEMAKING

This single block Pinot Noir has enticing aromas of spicy red berries and earth, which are elevated with floral notes. Remarkably balanced, the palate delivers bright fruit with velvety mouthfeel and lively acidity, which gives the wine impressive length. To allow the “terroir” to shine through, we take a gentle approach in the cellar, using traditional Burgundian techniques. The wine was aged in French Oak barrels (35% new) for 15 months where it gained a velvet complexity. This highly versatile wine is drinking well now, but has the balance and structure to age beautifully for the next 8 to 10 years.

95 Points: “The 2015 Pinot Noir Loma Alta comes from the La Rinconada Vineyard and is all clone 115 that spent 15 months in 35% new French oak. Black raspberries, tart cherries, spring flowers, and forest floor notes all give way to a beautifully balanced, elegant, seamless Pinot Noir that has vibrant acidity and great purity of fruit. It's balanced, clean, and crisp, with tons to love. It too has over a decade of prime drinking ahead of it.” - Jeb Dunnuck

92+ Points: "The 2015 Sanford Pinot Noir Loma Alta was aged 15 months in 35% new French oak. It has a pale to medium ruby color and gives up scents of saline, crushed stone, blueberries, blackberries and licorice with notions of black tea leaves and potpourri. It's medium-bodied with a silky texture and intense, spice and floral-tinged fruits, bound by firm, grainy tannins and seamless acidity and finishing long and spicy." - Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

92 Points: "Taut and powerful, featuring flavors of dark currant and black licorice, backed by medium-weight tannins. Chocolate and Asian spice notes emerge on the firm finish, with hints of cola." - Kim Marcus, Wine Specator