The next stop for The 12 Days of Pinot Noir is one of several to the Santa Cruz Mountains. I’ve been sampling and ultimately drinking more and more wines from this region over the last few years. I’m happy to report that there are quite a number of wineries turning out excellent wine in this area. The common thread that sticks out for me in the better Santa Cruz Mountains selections I have tried is an outstanding purity of fruit.
The first selection I’m looking at from Santa Cruz Mountains during The 12 Days of Pinot Noir is 2006 release from Beauregard Vineyards. While Beauregard Vineyards wasn’t officially launched as a winery until 1999, the family has farmed the area for four generations. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah are amongst the varietals they produce in addition to Pinot Noir.
The 2006 Beauregard Vineyards Pinot Noir is made from fruit sourced at Bald Mountain. This 38 acre parcel is their largest vineyard and has 9 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The suggested retail price for this wine is $45.
Vanilla and dark cherry that’s coated with a slight candied edge fill the nose of this Mountain Pinot Noir. Cranberries and pomegranate are prominent throughout the palate along with layers of raspberry and light flourish of forest floor. Hints of dusty baker’s chocolate and subtle but emerging earth notes lead the lengthy finish along with sour cherry, white pepper, and light cola notes. The tannins are generous and silky, framed by good acidity.
I found this selection from Beauregard Vineyards to be a beautiful expression of mountain grown Pinot Noir. Along the lines of my previous Santa Cruz experiences this wine has a purity of fruit that shines through. This wine is delicious now and will evolve nicely with some additional bottle age. My recommendation would be to lay it down for 2-3 years and drink it in the 5 years after that.