2019 SONNET TONDRE'S GRAPEFIELD SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS PINOT NOIR The 2019 Sonnet Tondre’s Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is a distinguished red wine from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County, California. This region is renowned for its cool climate, influenced by the proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which is ideal for growing Pinot Noir. Tondre's Grapefield, the vineyard from which this wine is sourced, is particularly noted for its meticulous vineyard management and high-quality fruit, contributing to the wine's exceptional character. In terms of tasting notes, the 2019 Sonnet Pinot Noir from Tondre’s Grapefield presents a vibrant ruby color and offers an expressive bouquet of aromas. On the nose, it reveals notes of ripe red berries, such as cherry and raspberry, along with hints of plum, floral undertones, and subtle spice elements like cinnamon and clove. The palate is elegantly structured, with a harmonious balance of bright acidity and silky tannins. The fruit flavors are complemented by a touch of earthiness and a long, refined finish. This Pinot Noir exemplifies the quality and elegance associated with wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands. The 2019 vintage benefits from favorable weather conditions that allowed for optimal ripening of the grapes, resulting in a wine with great depth and complexity. The winemaking process at Sonnet involves careful selection of grapes and gentle handling during fermentation and aging, often in French oak barrels, to enhance the wine's flavor profile and texture. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth for its vibrant fruitiness and balance but also has the potential to develop further with a few years of aging.