Technical Data for Tamayo Family 2006 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard - Santa Lucia Highlands

Technical Notes - Tamayo Family 2006 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard - Santa Lucia Highlands

About the Vineyards

These grapes are from the Sleepy Hollow Vineyard. Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is located at the top of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation of Monterey County.

About the Vintage

The 2006 vintage began with above average rainfall—about 15 inches—with cool temperatures and few heat spikes. Early and even bud break set the stage for even ripening with full bloom by the middle of May. Once adjustments were made for the spring rain, the conditions were perfect for Pinot Noir. Our summer months brought early morning fog which generally burned off about 10am followed by drying winds and warm weather. These conditions allow for the above average hang time in the SLH. In early September, the Indian summer hit, assuring ripe flavors and fully developed tannins. Leaf removal and shoot thinning (about 10%) allowed for normal clusters with a lower yield—about 2.5 tons per acre—than expected.

Winemaker's tasting notes

This limited production "bohemian" Pinot Noir flirts gracefully with the masculine side of the variety without compromising the elegance and grace that make the Santa Lucia Highlands legendary. This wine has intense varietal complexity, lively red fruit flavors counterpointed by an exotic spicy component.