The Wine
This is the signature wine of Talley Vineyards, and is the 30th bottling since the inaugural 1986 vintage. It is considered the iconic example of Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot, showcasing the World Class potential for this winegrowing region.
A blend of grapes from two vineyards (65% from Rincon Vineyard and 35% from Rosemary's Vineyard) the wine shows a crimson purple color, good structure and strong mineral notes. Aromas of raspberry pie, cherry cola, and rhubarb with soft sandalwood/spice undertones. The palate offers notes of juicy raspberry, plum, cranberry, and a hint of green tea. Drink now through 2024.
Food Pairing
Enjoy this Pinot Noir with a wide variety of dishes, and particularly with sweet and spicy duck, cedar plank salmon or mushroom risotto with herbs. Mushrooms and pinot is always a safe bet!
Vineyard Notes
The 2016 growing season was one of the best in the 30-year history of Talley Vineyards. After four years of severe drought, the region soaked up the most rain it had seen since 2011. Cool spring temperatures were followed by a moderate summer, which was especially beneficial to the grapes during the late summer months of veraison and ripening. This lack of severe heat during the harvest allowed the grapes to be harvested at a moderate pace as they reached optimal ripeness.
The Winery
Brian and his wife Johnine are the third generation of Talleys to farm in coastal San Luis Obispo county. Starting in 1948, Brian's Grandfather, Oliver, earned a reputation for award-winning vegetables. But it was Brian's Dad, Don Talley, who planted the family's first experimental vineyard in 1982, inspired by the quality of wines coming out of neighboring Edna Valley. The first pressing occurred in the family vegetable shed, and four years later they launched Talley Vineyard. Since their inaugural vintage of 450 cases, the winery enjoyed early success, justifying the building of their current facility at the foot of the Rincon Vineyard in 1991. For three decades now, the winery's success has been guided by Brian's and Johnine's steady hands at the helm.
