Pinot Noir

“Aromatics of gravel dust, a signature of the region, with fresh spices and wild alpine herbals. Fully destemmed, with some extended maceration, helps the winemaker capture those fresh-fruit characteristics. 33% new French oak, that’s lightly toasted for 11 months. Fresh and brilliant, cranberry, blood orange, brilliant. and salty. These are dazzlingly bright Pinot Noirs from young winemaker Jonathan Houston, a name to watch, taking a fresh, bright approach in the SLH.”
– 95 Points, Decanter, Clive Pursehouse, March 2026

The unique location of Tondré Grapefield, in the distinguished Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, allows the grapes to have an extended hang time, meaning more sunlight on the vines, more grape ripening, and sufficient cool-down in the evening to firm up the fruit’s natural acidity. Literally next door to the famed Garys’ Vineyard, Tondré shares the same well- drained hillside soils and crop-limiting afternoon fog and cool winds from nearby Monterey Bay. We employed traditional Burgundian techniques in dealing with the superb Pinot Noir fruit from Tondré. Eleven months aging in French oak barrels, one third being new wood, added polish and length.
 

Our flagship Reserve from the 2023 vintage continues the string of successes from our Sarah’s Vineyard Pinot Noir blocks in the historic Santa Clara Valley appellation. 

94 Points, Wine Enthusiast

The lush aromas of cherry, ginger ale and cream soda are cut by a slightly bitter hint of sage leaf on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The wine floats across the palate with jubilant flavors of baked plum and li hing mui that are layered in chaparral and redwood spices. — Matt Kettmann. 

This is the seventh release for Sarah’s Vineyard with fruit sourced from the Santa Rita Hills, and our fourth release from the Rancho La Viña vineyard. Located in Santa Barbara County, the Sta. Rita Hills is part of the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA. The hills of the district run east to west, which allows cool ocean breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean to enter the valley, providing fairly cool microclimates – perfect for growing top-flight Pinot Noir. Dense morning fog gives way to sunny afternoons, and loamy soils make Rancho La Viña an incredible, cool climate growing site. In addition to 34.5 acres of top-quality Pinot Noir wine grapes, a variety of other crops are also grown on the ranch, including 126 acres of the best walnuts in California. We are excited to continue to work with this small, quality grower who really takes pride in their work, and we feel that this is a truly excellent wine. The wine spent eleven months aging in French oak barrels, one-third being new wood, which imparts polish and length.

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast + Gold SF Chronicle 2026

Our S.V. Estate Pinot Noir adds new meaning to the term "homegrown," as some of the vines from which it is drawn are mere steps from the tasting room. Having complete "dirt to bottle" quality control ensures this limited release is a special one.

93 Points & Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast

There's a strong mineral streak of slate and stone on the nose of this bottling, as dark cherry and sandalwood aromas complete the picture. The palate is tense and complex, pairing strawberry, wild thyme and white pepper flavors. Drink now-2040. — Matt Kettmann

90 Points, Vinous

The 2023 Pinot Noir Tondre Grapefield is particularly expressive on the nose. Sweet berry fruit and spice tones meet a core of enlivening acids and ripe, pliant tannins...the 2023 is an easygoing, enjoyable quaff. - Billy Norris, July 2025

Tondré Alarid established a vineyard on his family’s historic ranch in Monterey’s Santa Lucia Highlands. In the hands of his son Joe Alarid, the estate has become one of the S.L.H.’s best known properties. Literally next door to famed Garys’ Vineyard, Tondre shares the same well-drained hillside soils and crop-limiting afternoon fog and cool winds from nearby Monterey Bay. The combination of a perfect site and meticulous farming makes for truly great Pinot Noir.

92 Points & Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast

Tart cherry and herby bay leaf aromas show on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard 2,600 feet high in the mountains. The palate starts with dank herb and cranberry flavors the pick up a peppery spice and ride tightly grained mountain tannins into the finish. Drink now-2040. — Matt Kettmann
 

Our yearly Santa Cruz Mountains release of Pinot Noir under our “Appellation Series” has been one of our superstars since its inception. We sourced the fruit in 2023 from the Muns family’s highly-regarded vineyard in the Loma Prieta district of the SCM. Located literally on the San Andreas Fault on a ridge at 2,600 feet of elevation, the property is planted to the three main “Dijon” Pinot Noir clones on primarily clay loam and sandstone soils. It is a unique site that supplies exceptional Pinot Noir fruit.

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast

Ripe yet tart aromas of blackberry, cherry and cranberry are intense while fresh on the nose of this bottling. The tense palate balances rounded cherry flavors with accents of cardamom and mace. — Matt Kettmann

91 Points, Vinous

The 2023 Pinot Noir Rancho La Vina has some savory nuance, thanks to the signatures of the state and the inclusion of 5% stems. Cracked black pepper, sage and leather build layers beneath the tart, crunchy pomegranate fruit. Well-balanced and interesting. - Billy Norris, July 2025
 

Our sixth vintage from the Santa Rita Hills AVA spotlights a new Pinot Noir vineyard source for us: Rancho La Viña. Over the last two decades, the region has become one of California’s most influential Pinot Noir growing districts. Located in Santa Barbara County, the Sta. Rita Hills is part of the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA. The hills of the district run east to west, which allows cool ocean breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean to enter the valley, providing fairly cool microclimates – perfect for growing top-flight Pinot. Dense morning fog gives way to sunny afternoons, and loamy soils make Rancho La Viña and incredible cool climate growing site. In addition to 34.5 acres of top-quality Pinot Noir wine grapes, a variety of other crops are also grown on the ranch, which includes 126 acres of the best walnuts in California. We are excited to have been invited to work with this small, quality grower that really takes pride in their work – and feel that this vintage is a truly excellent wine.

Our flagship Reserve from the 2022 vintage continues the string of successes from our Sarah’s Vineyard Pinot Noir blocks in the historic Santa Clara Valley appellation. 

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast

Our flagship Reserve from the 2019 vintage continues the string of successes from our Sarah’s Vineyard Pinot Noir blocks in the historic Santa Clara Valley appellation.