Pinot Noir
Monterey County, California
About
Located in the Central Coast region of California, the Salinas Valley is also known as the Long Valley, a name coined by writer John Steinbeck due to its 100-mile length. Cradled between the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges, this bountiful stretch was carved out by the Salinas River millions of years ago and holds some of the world’s richest farm and vineyard land. We’re proud to be farmers of our estate vineyards since 1972 in the Long Valley, a place that is truly a gift from Mother Nature.
Growing
Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult in the vineyard but the Monterey region offers an ideal climate to grow this temperamental grape. The cool ocean air that comes sweeping down the valley each day lengthens the growing season and allows the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. This extra time on the vine yields depth and complexity to our estate grown Long Valley Ranch Pinot Noir.
Winemaking
It is important to harvest Pinot Noir at optimum ripeness and transport the grapes promptly to the winery. Upon arrival, the grapes are destemmed, crushed and fermented, then carefully aged in a combination of new and neutral French oak.