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Mission Ranch Vineyard

2011 Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir

Michel-Schlumberger Mission Ranch Vineyard's 2011 Pinot Noir embodies the vibrant spirit of the Arroyo Seco region. This wine presents a lovely ruby hue that invites you in with its enticing aromas of ripe cherry and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it showcases a beautiful balance, with a medium body that feels both elegant and approachable. The lively acidity adds a refreshing brightness, enhancing the layers of juicy red fruit that unfold beautifully with each sip. Tannins are soft and well-integrated, providing just enough structure to support the fruit without overpowering it. As it finishes, this Pinot Noir reveals a dry profile, making it versatile and food-friendly for any occasion. This vintage encapsulates the charm of its terroir, offering a delightful tasting experience.

Tasting notes:


Black Cherry

Black Cherry

Raspberry

Raspberry

Baking Spice

Baking Spice

Flavor profile:


Acidity Mild

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Pairs well with:


Duck Breast, Grilled Portobello

Region:


Arroyo Seco

Lying in the middle of the Salinas Valley, the under-appreciated Arroyo Seco AVA is a beacon of cool-climate winemaking in Monterey County. Its vineyards—especially those to the east—are buffeted for much of the day by cold Pacific winds and shrouded by fog. This combines to give Arroyo Seco an extremely long growing season. Soils throughout the AVA are stony, and these stones absorb sunlight to provide additional heat to the vines. While winemakers face a challenging growing environment, the effort is worth it, as the area produces superbly balanced Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling; intriguing Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon perform well in the western part of the AVA.

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